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Commission hears updates on K-9 program, BART prop training and homeland-security coordination
Summary
Assistant Deputy Chief Shane Francisco and training director Jeff Columbini briefed the Fire Commission on the K-9 urban search-and-rescue program, ongoing Homeland Security coordination with regional fusion centers, and near-complete BART training prop to be used on Treasure Island.
The commission received a combined briefing on homeland-security coordination, the departments K-9 program and the BART training prop.
Assistant Deputy Chief Shane Francisco (Homeland Security Division) described ties to the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center and a national network of fusion centers that provide bulletins and tactical guidance. "So that information is shared among law enforcement, first responders, in that sector that need to know," he said, outlining how the department tailors situational awareness and training in response to national and regional intelligence.
Francisco and colleagues also described the departments K-9 program: four teams (one captain coordinator and three firefighter handlers) with dogs trained for live-victim search as Type 1 FEMA-certified USAR assets. He said two dogs have already passed the FEMA Type 1 test, a third will retest in April, and handlers typically train and certify over six to 18 months.
Director of Training Jeff Columbini updated the panel on a BART prop being constructed at Treasure Island. Columbini said the prop is about 95 percent complete, and credited Lieutenant Pat Shea and BART for donating track components and a wheelbase that will make the training realistic for rail-involved rescue scenarios.
Commissioners asked how many dogs the department can field and the time required to attain certifications; leaders said four certified search dogs would be available locally and that training timelines vary by dog and handler. Commissioners also discussed opportunities to conduct live canine training after demolition work on Treasure Island buildings is completed.
