Racial Equity Advisory Committee (REAC)

On August 4, 2020, the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) requested members from its seven divisions to become racial equity leaders (REL). This process was done in compliance with City Ordinance 188-19, which establishes the Office of Racial Equity and agency RELs. Though the SFFD is only required to provide seven RELs, 25 members applied and were appointed. Those 25 racial equity leaders are organized into a racial equity advisory committee (REAC) and operate out of the SFFD’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Office.

Racial Equity Advisory Committee

The REAC was directed to develop the SFFD’s first ever Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) on August 11, 2020. The governing document for that process is the Office of Racial Equity’s Citywide Framework. Despite the unique challenges of 2020, the REAC embraced the assignment and developed a clear strategy for the Department based on three fundamental principles. (1) Transparency is a good thing. (2) Candidate and Employee Development through consistent and purposeful training and education. (3) Practical support where appropriate.

The SFFD is committed to integrating the principles of the REAP into its strategic plan. The Department looks forward to working with the Mayor’s office and the Board of Supervisors, and other stakeholders to obtain the resources required to implement the programs outlined in the REAP. We see no end to the benefits of following a strategy that genuinely cares for the SFFD’s most critical and effective resource, its members.

When we achieve a diverse workforce that knows they are included and are made to feel whole, we are confident that those who truly stand to benefit are the residents, and visitors of San Francisco, who, from time to time, have to call 911.