Fire Commission - September 30, 2026

4. Chief of Department's Report [Discussion]

Report from Chief of Department, Dean Crispen                                       

Chief Crispen attended the Pistahan Parade to celebrate Filipino heritage; a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Training for teachers; and the Promotional Pinning Ceremony for 18 members. Chief Crispen thanked all Commissioners in attendance. Chief Crispen attended an Apparatus press event; the SFFD Employee of the Month Ceremony; the Fire Reserves Graduation Ceremony; and a City EMT Cohort #12 meet and greet. He thanked Assistant Deputy Chief (ADC) Winn for his leadership. Chief Crispen attended the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony where retired Captain Danny Armenta was honored; and the Annual Police, Fire, Sheriff Mass. Chief Crispen attended the Tony Stefani Way Commemorative Street Naming Ceremony. Chief Crispen was honored by the San Francisco Building & Construction Trades Council. He reported that the 138th Recruit Academy Class is in their ninth week. Chief Crispen thanked ADC Kasper and his team for their work on training. EMS Academy 35 is in its final week, and is training five EMTs to become paramedics. There are four people in the H-3 Level 2 Paramedic Class. Chief Crispen reported that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the Mayor completed the budget process in late June. The Mayor approved the final City budget in late July. The Department carried over unused funds to the current fiscal year. The Department received $8 million over the next 10 years for apparatus replacement, and is working with the City Attorney, Controller’s, and Contract Administration offices. Chief Crispen reported that the Department received $7 million to purchase PFAS free turnouts, and $500,000 to fund a pilot program for cancer screening. The Mayor’s office plans to issue budget instructions to City departments in October. Chief Crispen reported that General Orders (GO) 26 A-68 and A-70, were to hire an Administrative Officer and EMS Section Chief of Operations, respectively. Chief Crispen welcomed Lieutenant Michelle Spidle and Section Chief Sean Andrews to their new roles. GO 26 A-72 implemented the Facility Level Alert & Response Escalation (FLARE) System which standardizes protective measures throughout the Department. GO 26 A-76 addresses Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) lifting drills. Chief Crispen reported that ADC Kasper is developing an in-service training program since there are no academies from January to May 2027. ADC Winn is helping develop the management component of the training. Other components include employment law, compliance, leadership, and chain of command. Chief Crispen reported that Command Staff have been conducting station visits. At the next Commission meeting, the Department will be providing an update on the action plan supporting the Department on the Status of Women (DOSW). Chief Crispen reported that BOS President, Rafael Mandelman, introduced legislation banning sales of locked butane lighters. He thanked Fire Marshal Law for helping with this legislation. Chief Crispen reported that the Fire Code Technical Advisory Council (TAC) had its first meeting on September 18, and will meet twice a month for the next three months to provide recommendations on how to determine hardship in relation to the Sprinkler Ordinance. Chief Crispen thanked Captain Tracy O’Keeffe and Commission Secretary Aguas-Aclan for their work on TAC as Vice Chair and Council Secretary, respectively. Chief Crispen reported that construction at the new Division of Training is progressing. Station 7 is in the planning and permitting phase. At a future meeting, Matthew Schwartz, ADC of Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response (ESER) will provide an update on other projects. Chief Crispen’s report is attached: Chief's report.

Commissioner Fraser thanked Chief Crispen for his report. She was pleased to learn about the City EMT Program, and glad she attended the 9/11 Ceremony. Commissioner Fraser congratulated Tony Stefani on having a street named in his honor. Commissioner Fraser congratulated all new recruits, paramedics, and EMTs. She was pleased that the budget passed and that the Department will replace turnouts. Commissioner Fraser inquired about cancer screenings. Chief Crispen responded that currently, the Department of Public Health (DPH) handles cancer screenings. He thanked Battalion Chief Matthew Alba for his work on obtaining an outside vendor to perform screenings. Commissioner Fraser asked about LRV lifts on Illinois Street. Chief Crispen responded that the LRV lifts will be near Cesar Chavez Street. Commissioner Fraser was pleased to learn about the locked butane lighter legislation. 

Vice President Low thanked Secretary Aguas-Aclan for her work on TAC. He asked about the locked butane lighter legislation. Chief Crispen responded that the legislation would ban the sale of locked butane lighters, and that metal lighters are a better alternative because they do not melt. Vice President Low asked if there would be any opposition to this legislation. Chief Crispen responded that President Mandelman, the City Attorney’s office, and the Small Business Commission have been working on these issues. 

Commissioner Morgan thanked Chief Crispen for his report. He congratulated the Chief for being recognized by the San Francisco Building & Construction Trades Council and members at the Pinning Ceremony. Commissioner Morgan commended Tony Stefani on having a street named in his honor, and Captain Danny Armenta for his father’s service. Commissioner Morgan inquired if the locked butane lighters could be purchased elsewhere. Chief Crispen responded yes, and that locked butane lighters can be purchased outside of the City. Chief Crispen commented that there was one death this year attributed to a locked butane torch.  

President Collins thanked Chief Crispen for his report, and was pleased that the Department has received recognition for all their good work. She inquired about the upcoming El Nino. Chief Crispen responded that the Department has been meeting with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) to prepare. ADC O’Connell from Support Services is working on being fully equipped.  Chief Crispen commented that the public can prepare for El Nino by preparing a 72-hour supply of water and food, and cleaning gutters and drains. King tides, which are high winds with a storm surge, would cause flooding. President Collins asked how the public would receive storm information. Chief Crispen responded that social media is the main form of communication with the public. President Collins inquired if the budget funds NERT’s equipment which is outdated. Chief Crispen responded that NERT has a separate budget. 

There was no public comment.

Report from Operations, Deputy Chief Patrick Rabbitt

Report on the Operational Divisions, including greater alarm fires, Bureau of Fire Prevention & Investigation, Training within the Department, and Airport Division.

Chief Rabbitt reported that the Department responded to 15,094 calls in July and 15,407 calls in August. Compared to July and August 2023, this was an increase of 1,586 calls. Building alarm activations increased and are being monitored by the Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP). There were 740 outside fires. Chief Rabbitt reported that the 64 outside fires related to locked butane lighters are difficult to access and expose hazardous materials. Chief Rabbitt and Lieutenant Mark Mauberret collaborated on GO 26 A-72 regarding the FLARE System. The Department responded to 32 working fires in July and August, including two greater alarms. Chief Rabbitt reported on a second alarm fire on August 6, at 865 Fillmore Street. Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac was the Incident Commander. Crews rescued 18 occupants. The Airport responded to 1,078 incidents in May and June. ADC D’Arcy continued work on procuring additional aircraft rescue firefighting apparatus. Two trucks will be delivered in November and March 2027, respectively. A second Moose boat arrived in August to help water responses in the Bay. 30 members received live burn training and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification. Chief Rabbit worked with ADC D’Arcy and Battalion Chief (BC) Cannon at Radio to update Airport responses. Chief Rabbitt and ADC Kasper worked on GO 26 A-74 regarding basement and below grade fires. The 138th Recruit Academy Class is in their ninth week. Chief Rabbitt congratulated the 35 Fire Reserve graduates who completed training on August 20. NERT received a $185,000 grant for fiscal year 2025. $100,000 will go towards NERT staffing, and $85,000 to NERT equipment. Chief Rabbitt invited the Commission to the upcoming NERT City wide drill on October 17 at the Division of Training. Chief Rabbitt’s report is attached: Chief Rabbitt's report.

Commissioner Fraser thanked Chief Rabbitt for his report. She enjoyed learning about vehicle fires, and inquired if the Department has seen lithium-ion batteries in some of these fires. Chief Rabbit responded that there has been an increase in lithium-ion battery fires related to the storage and charging of micromobility devices. Chief Rabbitt commented that vehicle fires can be difficult to access. Lithium-ion battery fires damages asphalt. Chief Rabbit can provide data on lithium-ion battery fires in micromobility devices and electronic vehicles. Commissioner Fraser inquired what happens to vehicles with lithium-ion batteries. Chief Rabbit responded that vehicles are towed to a yard that can properly dispose of them. Commissioner Fraser inquired about an apartment below ground at Treasure Island. Chief Rabbit responded that there are burn rooms with moveable walls to simulate an apartment going below grade. Commissioner Fraser congratulated the Department on the NERT grant. She will attend the NERT City wide drill.

Commissioner Morgan thanked Chief Rabbitt for his report.  He asked for more information on the FLARE System. Chief Rabbitt responded that the system helps ensure continuity of operations in the Department. Level Yellow means heightened awareness, and red means imminent threat. Commissioner Morgan congratulated the Department on the NERT grant. 

There was no public comment.

Report from EMS and Community Paramedicine, Assistant Deputy Chief, Garreth Miller

Report on the EMS and Community Paramedicine Divisions

Chief Miller reported that the Department responded to 72% or 8,154 dispatches in July, and 74% or 8,600 dispatches in August. Rescue Captains handled 860 calls in July, and 909 in August. Ambulance Patient Offload Times (APOT) have improved, but are still above the desired 20-minute benchmark. Chief Miller is working with ADC Anderson to improve APOT by implementing additional system management and facilitating hospital cooperation. Chief Miller reported that the Department has an internal APOT measurement which shows the impact on ambulances. In July, 192 patients received Narcan. In August, 221 patients received Narcan. There was a small decrease in patient cardiac arrest survival. Overall, survival rates are 55%  this year, while the national level is at 32.7%. Chief Miller reported a notable call on July 28 involving suicide prevention at the Golden Gate Bridge. The California Highway Patrol (CHP), and bridge workers helped the Department remove the individual from the bridge and transported them to the hospital. On August 30, a bystander EMT helped a person in arrest until Department members arrived. Chief Miller commended the eight members who participated in the City EMT 9910 cohort. Chief Miller commended Section Chief Jennifer Treff for her work on the EMS Advancement Academy, and training the 138th Recruit Academy Class on the EMS component. Chief Miller reported that 12 members completed ambulance Strike Team Leader Training as part of the California Mutual Aid Response. The EMS Protocol Update is almost complete and represents the innovations and improvements developed in coordination with the Local Emergency Medical Services Agency (LEMSA). The Community Paramedicine (CP) division had over 1,300 dispatches a month, a slight increase in average response time. 85% of CP calls were diverted from an Emergency Department (ED), in favor of alternative locations such as the Geary Stabilization Unit (GSU). In August, there was a significant increase in CP Captain engagement with high utilizers. The new operational hours have improved service. Operational hours are 0500 hours to midnight, with three start times: 0500, 0730, and 1200 hours. Chief Miller will continue tracking outcomes over the next six months. Chief Miller reported that Cyclorphine, a new synthetic opioid, has been linked to a fatality in April. The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) made arrests involving 20,000 counterfeit pills. Cyclorphine may require multiple Narcan administrations, and can be hard to identify. Chief Miller’s report is attached: Chief Miller’s report.

Commissioner Fraser thanked Chief Miller for his report. She inquired if APOT occurred 600 times in July and August. Chief Miller responded yes. Commissioner Fraser asked the reason for that many occurrences. Chief Miller responded that he could not speak for hospitals as there could be many different factors such as bed count, hospital staffing levels, and 9-1-1 responses. Commissioner Fraser appreciated the update on Cyclorphine, and inquired about the incident on the Golden Gate Bridge. Chief Miller responded that there is a steel net cabling system under the road surface to catch any individuals who jump. A cabling system was used to lower someone to recover the individual and transport them. 

Commissioner Morgan thanked Chief Miller for his report, and requested that the Department keep the Commission updated on calls without peer counselors. Chief Miller responded that the Department is evaluating that data, and would provide a report at a future meeting. 

Vice President Low inquired about annual reporting requirements related to the Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT). Chief Miller responded that the Department continues to collect data and plans to report within six months of any trends. Vice President Low inquired if the report would include feedback from DPH and other agencies. Chief Miller responded that there would be a future update within six months that shows cooperation with other agencies. 

President Collins thanked Chief Miller for his report. She inquired which agency has the authorization to continue or discontinue the peer counselor program. Chief Miller responded that the Department made the decision. President Collins inquired DPH’s role in peer counselor. Chief Miller responded that DPH is the partner agency that supports the Department’s training for 51/50 certification. Vice President Low inquired if DPH contracted peer counselors. Chief Miller responded that the peer counselor contract is administered by DPH. President Collins inquired if the decision to continue or discontinue the peer counselor contract lies with the Department or DPH. Chief Miller responded DPH. President Collins inquired if DPH decided to continue or discontinue the peer counselor program. Chief Miller responded that DPH administers the peer counselor contract, but cannot decide if peer counselors are present on Department apparatus. President Collins inquired if peer counselors could arrive to a call in a method different other than on Department apparatus. Chief Miller yes, and that the Department works with other agencies such as DPH which has their own rapid response and street teams. President Collins and Chief Miller acknowledged the value of peer counselors, and agreed that it was a logistical issue on how they arrived to a call. 

There was public comment from Ms. Amelia Harmon regarding peer counselors.

There was public comment from a male speaker regarding peer counselors. 

There was remote public comment from a female speaker regarding peer counselors.

There was remote public comment from a female speaker regarding peer counselors.

There was remote public comment from a female speaker regarding peer counselors.

Brief-Out Report from Administration, Deputy Chief Sayumi Brannan

Summary on the Administrative Divisions, Fleet and Facility status and updates, Finance, Support Services, and Homeland Security since the last meeting on August 12, 2026.

Chief Brannan reported that the division of Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) is working on the cancer detection program scheduled for January 2027. The Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) continues to support suicide prevention education for active and retired members. Captain Hashim Anderson from Outreach, Recruitment and Development (ORD) is working on a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco by developing a three-month career exploration program for entering the Department. The Department is collaborating with the Firefighter Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) to organize a recruitment event focused on women. ORD is working with the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Recruitment Center to hold a panel event which helps prepare people for the application process. The Department submitted a women’s action plan to the DOSW. Homeland Security staff attended the change of command for the Coast guard Captain of the Port, and helped coordinate the Pokeman Conference. The conference had over 55,000 attendees. The Department is preparing for the WNBA Allstar Game in July 2027. Chief Brannan’s report is attached: Chief Brannan's report.

There was no public comment.