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Fire Department expands training, canine unit and Super Bowl readiness ahead of large events
Summary
The Fire Department reported new recruit academies, expanded specialized training at Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, growth of a canine search-and-rescue program, and multiagency Super Bowl planning including dedicated command posts and mutual-aid coordination to sustain 911 service during the events.
The commission heard several reports on training and readiness as the department prepares for increased operational demands in 2016.
Chief Joanne Hayes White and deputy leaders said the 119th recruit academy began on Jan. 25 with 42 new probationary members; 12 medics from Station 49 will join in February to bring the class to 54, and the department expects to begin the 120th academy in June with about 140 candidates moving through background checks.
Training capacity is expanding. The department has been using Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island facilities for below-grade and active-shooter drills and has acquired a naval library space for active-shooter exercises. Chief Jeff Colombini (training) and others described new below-grade training that mimics San Franciscotopography and building types, saying hands-on practice addresses safety and operational tactics for complex structure fires.
The canine program is being scaled up. Department representatives said one certified canine is deployable through an urban search-and-rescue team and three additional dogs received from the National Search Foundation have passed an initial certification test and are being prepared for full certification; if all pass, the city would have four deployable dogs.
Super Bowl-related planning was described as extensive interagency work. Assistant Deputy Chief Shane Francisco outlined command posts for Super Bowl City (Pier 1) and NFL Experience (Moscone), coordination with the San Francisco Emergency Operations Center and regional partners, extra units dedicated to venues to limit impact on 911 response, and mutual-aid arrangements including air assets and California OES coordination.
Ending: The commission asked staff to continue interagency coordination and to report back after the first weekend of EMS 6 program deployment; training and resource details will be refined as events approach.
