Committee backs agreements to expand San Francisco Fire Department services in the Presidio and hire federal firefighters

The committee considered three linked items to authorize the San Francisco Fire Department to provide fire and emergency medical services to areas managed by the Presidio Trust and the National Park Service, with those federal entities reimbursing the city for services. The package also included a proposal to hire 15 federal firefighters (12 firefighters, 3 paramedics) who would fill vacant authorized positions within the department.

Chief Hayes White and retired Deputy Chief Montolitani outlined an 18‑month negotiation with the Presidio Trust and National Park Service and described the contract as an all‑risk service providing suppression, rescue, confined‑space and ambulance coverage. The proposed initial reimbursement for the early contract period was presented in the package; Montolitani said annual adjustments and carry‑forward rules were built into the schedule of values.

The budget analyst recommended approval but emphasized that reimbursements are estimated and partially negotiated; the office warned there is a possibility the department’s incurred costs could exceed reimbursed fees in some years and therefore framed approval as a policy matter for the Board. Committee members asked for clarification about distribution of payment between the trust and the National Park Service; presenters said the agencies negotiated the split and the department's role was to set the combined base amount. The committee accepted a nonsubstantive amendment and forwarded the package with recommendation to the full Board.