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Fire chief outlines staffing, recruit academies, EMS6 pilot and Super Bowl planning
Summary
Chief Joanne Hayes White reported recruit academy graduations, promotions, a new EMS6 pilot to reduce repeat 911 usage and operational planning for Super Bowl City; departments expect $550k–$600k in incremental Super Bowl costs and added inspectors for event venues.
Chief of Department Joanne Hayes White delivered the department operations and administration report to the Commission on Jan. 13, covering staffing changes, recruit classes, strategic planning and event readiness.
The chief announced promotions and staffing adjustments, congratulated newly appointed training director Jeff Columbini and said the department graduated 45 members in its most recent recruit class. She described three planned recruit academies this year (January 25, and classes anticipated in June and October) and noted the city’s SAFER grant that funded 36 additional FTEs.
Chief Hayes White and Assistant Deputy Chief Jeff Myers outlined the EMS6 pilot — two paramedic captains assigned to provide proactive outreach and intervention for frequent 911 users and coordinate with public‑health partners. Dr. Yeh (program lead) said the orientation month will conclude with paramedic captains assigned to shifts to create six‑day coverage; scheduling details are still being finalized.
The department also summarized Super Bowl 50 operational planning (Jan. 30–Feb. 7). The chief said departments estimate Super Bowl‑related costs for the week between $550,000 and $600,000 and that the mayor’s office provided an additional $250,000 for overtime earmarked to support the event. Fire Prevention will assign additional inspectors to Super Bowl City and Moscone Center during the event.
The chief also reported on recruitment, training capacity and contingency staffing to match anticipated retirements. Commissioners asked for follow‑up analyses on retirements versus hiring yield and coordination plans with hospitals for EMS6. Several commissioners praised the department’s training work and recommended continued outreach to partners such as CPMC.
What’s next: Department staff will continue EMS6 rollout, provide scheduling details, and report back on hospital coordination and the program's early metrics.
