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Fire Commission hears plan to extend recruit academy, confirms fleet and ambulance updates
Summary
At its March 23 meeting the San Francisco Fire Commission reviewed proposals to lengthen the recruit academy by three weeks to meet state curriculum requirements, got assurance from finance that the extension is budget-covered, and received updates on ambulance purchases, a rescue squad contract and the departments fleet and facilities schedule.
San Francisco Fire Commission members on March 23 were presented with proposals to extend the current recruit academy and updates on vehicle and fleet plans that department leaders said are tied to accreditation and operational needs.
Chief of Department Joanne Hayes White reported that the 119th recruit academy will be extended by three weeks to align with State Fire Marshal curriculum changes, and that the extension is considered a necessary investment rather than an optional enhancement. "We feel it's a wise investment," she said, adding that the academys graduation has been moved from May 20 to a projected June 9.
Finance staff confirmed the extension is budgeted. Mark Corso, the departments finance representative, told commissioners, "We are covered for that," saying savings and schedule shifts tied to a SAFER grant and hiring adjustments will fund the extra training weeks.
Commissioners also heard that the department plans a promotional "bump up" academy to move qualified H3 level 1 EMTs into H3 level 2 paramedic roles. Deputy chiefs and training staff said the bump-up program will be an approximately three-week transition course designed to refresh clinical skills and complete required county accreditation steps before members return as paramedics.
On fleet and equipment, Corso said nine ambulances are being purchased this fiscal year using a mix of FEMA grant funding, donations and general fund allocations; together with recent buys, the department expects a majority of its ambulances to be four years old or newer when the purchases are delivered. Administration staff reported the rescue squad contract has been awarded and vehicle outfitting is on schedule.
Other operational and facilities notes included an anticipated May completion for Pump Station 1 at headquarters, a projection that Station 3 (airport) will be finished by year-end, and work on pier access for fire boats tied to bond funds. Chief Hayes White also previewed a July commissioning ceremony for the new fire boat and listed a series of public events for the departments 150th anniversary between April and December.
The commission did not take a formal vote on the academy extension at the meeting; department leaders said they will provide further details on curriculum changes and costs at a future session. The meeting adjourned after commissioners agreed to include bond updates and airport division matters on a future agenda.
