San Francisco Fire Department Celebrates Graduation of 15 EMT Recruits and Emergency Preparedness

The San Francisco command staff convened on August 13 to discuss recent developments and events impacting the city. The meeting began with a recap of the graduation ceremony for the seventh class of the H3 Level 1 and Level 2 entrance academy, held on July 25. A total of 15 recruits graduated, including four San Francisco natives. The youngest recruit is 22 years old, and the class includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Cape Town, South Africa, and Pueblo, Mexico. Notably, two recruits were part of the city’s EMT and 9910 programs, and many hold bachelor’s degrees in fields such as psychology and criminal justice.

Following the graduation update, the command staff addressed a tsunami advisory issued on July 29 due to an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. The San Francisco Fire Department activated its tsunami playbook, allowing for a well-coordinated response with 8 to 10 hours of preparation time. Fortunately, the advisory did not escalate to an alert, and no damage was reported.

The meeting also highlighted the department's preparedness for significant events at Golden Gate Park, including the Dead & Co event and Outside Lands. A press conference was held to outline safety measures, which included deploying a battalion chief in unified command and having HAZMAT team members on-site. The department reported smooth operations during these events, with only minor incidents, including a brief panic during Outside Lands that was swiftly managed by on-duty personnel.

Additionally, the command staff provided updates on the 136th Academy, which is currently in its third week of training with 44 members expected to graduate in December 2025. The recruits are progressing well in their training, focusing on essential skills such as ladder raising and hose handling.

Community engagement was also a focus, with the command staff participating in various events, including the South Asian American Heritage Month celebration at City Hall and the San Francisco Police Department's Officer of the Month event. The meeting concluded with a tour of the Sunset Fire Stations, emphasizing the department's commitment to community involvement and support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the San Francisco Fire Department's ongoing efforts in training, emergency preparedness, and community engagement, reflecting a proactive approach to serving the city and its residents.