Fire Commission honors longtime department assistant Ginny Franklin ahead of retirement

The San Francisco Fire Commission recognized Virginia “Ginny” Franklin on April 12, 2017, presenting certificates of appreciation for more than three decades of service to the San Francisco Fire Department and the City and County of San Francisco. Chief Joanne Hayes White read the citations and thanked Franklin for her work in the chief's office and for maintaining discipline files and reports.

Franklin, who the chief said began in the police department and later served the fire department as an executive secretary, will retire April 21, 2017. The Commission and the department credited Franklin with consistent professionalism across multiple administrations; Chief Hayes White said Franklin served under 13 deputy chiefs of operations and was central to preparing department reports. Commissioners from across the dais offered tributes, calling Franklin ‘‘a calm presence’’ and praising her dedication.

The certificates included a Commission acknowledgment, a Board of Supervisors certificate of honor and a citation delivered on behalf of the mayor. Franklin, visibly moved, thanked the Commission and the department for the recognition. The presentation concluded with commissioners wishing Franklin a ‘‘well‑deserved’’ retirement and noting plans for continuity in staff duties after her departure.