Annual Statement of Purpose

The mission of the San Francisco Fire Department is to:

• Protect the lives and property of the people of San Francisco and its visitors from fires, natural disasters, accidents, hazardous material incidents, and other causes requiring a rapid and skilled response by land or water.
• Serve the needs of its most vulnerable residents through community paramedicine and save lives and reduce suffering by providing emergency medical services.
• Prevent harm through prevention services and education programs. and
• Provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination, and values health, wellness, cultural diversity, and equity.

To this end, the Fire Commission will:

1.      Set policy and support the administration to accomplish the mission of the Department.

2.      Support the administration’s efforts to enhance and support the collaborative work of department membership and public stakeholders in the delivery of fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical services with the focus upon the common public good.

3.      Encourage and support the administration to develop and implement systems to improve fiscal responsibility to enhance the budgeting process while maintaining and protecting essential public services including fire protection, fire prevention, and emergency medical services.

4.      Encourage and support the administration to develop an effective physical fitness and wellness program to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the members of the department and the public.

5.      Encourage and support the administration’s succession plan, to include equitable career development and promotion.

6.      Actively encourage and support recruitment and education in the communities to bring highly qualified applicants to the Department who reflect the City’s historic diversity.

7.      Continue to work with the administration and City Attorney’s Office to review and, where necessary, revise official Departmental Policy and Procedures.

8.      Contribute to the common good by conducting open meetings regularly and convening such additional meetings as deemed necessary to inform and educate the general public of the work of the Fire Commission and the San Francisco Fire Department.

Adopted at the Regular Meeting of the San Francisco Fire Commission on January 10. 2024.