San Francisco's powerful firefighters union says it has identified potential problems in its books and is prepared to involve outside authorities if needed, placing a top San Francisco Fire Department aide at the center of the storm. The official under scrutiny, Adrienne Sims, disputes any misconduct, says she will repay certain charges, and has been on leave since early April.
Union Says It Found Possible Finance Red Flags
According to The San Francisco Standard, Local 798 President Sam Gebler told members the union had recently identified potential irregularities involving union finances. Local 798, one of the city's most influential public-safety unions, represents roughly 1,600 firefighters, paramedics and EMTs.
Gebler said the issue is being handled through an internal review and, if warranted, by referring matters to outside authorities. For now, the union is keeping the probe mostly in-house while it sorts through what it found.
Who Sims Is Inside SFFD
Department records list Sims as chief of staff to Fire Chief Dean Crispen, a role that also appears in recent Fire Commission minutes. San Francisco Fire Department documents show Sims included in roll calls and departmental briefings.
A profile at the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee describes Sims as a native San Franciscan with more than two decades in the department. Local 798's staff directory lists Gebler as the union president.
Zoom Call, Repayment Pledge And Department Line
In a recorded Zoom meeting obtained by The San Francisco Standard, Sims denied taking part in any misconduct but said she intends to pay back some expenses.
She told union members she had covered the cost of a Black Firefighters Association gala, which she estimated at about $2,500, even though no receipt was provided. She also pointed to a roughly $3,500 golf tournament charge that she said did not appear in the union minutes.
An SFFD spokesperson told the Standard the department has not been notified of any criminal or civil charges tied to the situation and said SFFD would work with the city attorney's office as more information comes in.
What Happens Next
Local 798 says it is committed to accountability and continuing its internal review. Depending on what investigators find, potential outcomes could include restitution, internal discipline or referral to outside authorities.
Sims remains on leave, and both the union and the department say they are keeping public comments limited while the reviews play out.
