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Chief Crispin highlights training, STARLINK comms and recent major incidents
Summary
Chief Dean Crispin reported on recruit academy progress, disaster planning, large‑scale exercises that tested STARLINK communications, a recent fatal Filbert Street fire, an Ocean Beach mass‑casualty response with five patients, and concerns about assaults on EMS staff; commissioners thanked staff and pressed for updates on EMS safety measures.
Chief of Department Dean Crispin delivered the department’s Nov. 12 report, covering personnel and training milestones, major incidents, and equipment updates. He said the 136th academy cohort completed testing and the department is preparing for the 137th academy; the department conducted command‑level disaster planning exercises and introduced STARLINK as a redundant communications tool for incidents where cellular service could fail.
Crispin reviewed recent major incidents including a fatal second‑alarm fire on the 1500 block of Filbert Street (where excessive storage complicated access), a challenging second‑alarm on Montgomery Street, and an Ocean Beach mass‑shooting response with five patients transported to SF General. He commended members from Station 49 and rescue crews for their response. The chief also reported two ambulances assaulted in the Tenderloin while transporting a patient in mental‑health crisis, noting one member was bitten and another suffered an arm injury; he said the department is exploring EMS‑specific self‑defense training options.
Other items: promotional pinning ceremonies (45 members), community outreach events, a cancer‑free turnout gear procurement for recruits (initial order fitted the current academy with further orders planned), and behavioral health unit (BHU) caseload increases (a 248% increase reported between Oct. 2024 and Oct. 2025). Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about incident details, resource allocations, and organizers for outreach efforts.
Next steps: Chief Crispin said command staff will continue to coordinate post‑incident reviews, accept questions from commissioners, and pursue training and safety measures for EMS and CP members.
