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Police and fire report smaller July 4 workload; city spent about $52,000 on operations
Summary
San Bruno police and fire chiefs reported fewer fireworks‑related calls and smaller workloads for July 4, issuing 13–16 citations and incurring roughly $52,000 of personnel and overtime costs; staff said targeted deployment and drones aided enforcement and may reduce future costs.
San Bruno’s police and fire departments reported a lighter‑than‑expected July 4 holiday this year, with targeted outreach and focused operational deployments credited for reducing incidents and costs.
Police Chief Matt Lathine told the City Council the department used a data‑driven staffing plan that deployed about 25 additional officers (including plainclothes and drone operators) and eight support staff during the holiday period; the department issued 13 citations on July 4 (13–16 citations were referenced in summary slides) and provided targeted overtime coverage in the two days preceding the holiday. Chief Lathine said those citations are intended to deter unsafe fireworks use and estimated citation revenue at roughly $16,000, noting an historical compliance rate of about 50% for initial citation collections.
Fire Chief Ari DeLay reported the Fire Department added one ALS‑staffed type‑6 engine and prevention staff for enforcement and education. The fire department recorded about seven minor fire incidents related to fireworks on the evening of July 4 and the following morning; none were significant, and overall fire activity was about half of what the city typically observes in prior years.
Combined, the departments reported total direct costs for July 4 response of just over $52,000—below the projected budget owing to lower call volumes and targeted deployment. Chiefs credited cross‑department support (public works and community services handled debris and cleanup) and said modern tactics—plainclothes enforcement and drone monitoring—helped focus resources.
Council members asked whether citations were issued to residents versus nonresidents and requested breakdowns; Chief Lathine said that specific breakdown was not available at the meeting but acknowledged it was an important data point for future reporting. Council and staff praised the interdepartmental approach and emphasized that citations are meant to change behavior rather than generate revenue.
The council did not take formal action; chiefs said they would follow up with requested citation breakdowns and continue data‑driven deployment planning for future holidays.
