San Francisco's top officials are taking a hands-on approach to modernize the city's Fire Department fleet. In a collective effort, Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, and Board President Rafael Mandelman unveiled proposed legislation designed to tap into private funding for upgrading SFFD's equipment, the City of San Francisco's news release reported.
As SFFD faces a fleet with most vehicles past their prime, Mayor Lurie reaffirmed his commitment to public safety. Supervisor Chan backed the initiative to seek non-public funds for firefighting gear. Mayor Lurie said, as per the City of San Francisco, "This legislation allows us to pursue new sources of funding so we can modernize our fleet, respond faster in emergencies, and keep San Franciscans safe."
The aging fleet includes over 63% of fire engines and 87% of fire trucks over a decade old. Adding to the urgency, nearly 90% of the city's ambulances have outlasted their recommended five-year service life. "This series of legislation will equip our fire department and ensure our fire fighters can keep San Francisco safe," Chan told the City of San Francisco, highlighting the importance of up-to-date resources for the city's brave firefighters.
National standards suggest a need for regular fire apparatus replacement, a guideline San Francisco is currently falling short of. "Investing in state-of-the-art apparatus highlights the importance of staying ahead of evolving emergency service needs and supports safe and efficient operations,” SFFD Chief Dean Crispen pointed out in an interview with the City of San Francisco's news release.
