President's Message

January 2009

The fire service has historically been resistant to change. Our mission as an organization is to help facilitate that change, make it easier to accept, and make change a positive experience. In order to accomplish this task it takes a unified front each individual member making their own personal contribution to this effort.

As fire departments across America become more and more diverse it is important that opportunities are made available for men and women of color to continue to work and thrive in this industry. Throughout the history of this organization we have been able to effect positive change in how the department looks, operates, and serves our community. Now our challenge is to preserve what we have already accomplished while expanding on the concept of equality for everyone throughout the fire service.

The San Francisco Fire Department plans to have an entrance examination during the last quarter of 2009. Our challenge is to prepare potential candidates to compete for the job openings. We need to provide the tools necessary to prepare them mentally and physically for the upcoming exam. I am proud to state that our members have stepped up to the challenge and have developed a curriculum designed to prepare them for the testing process. 

The integrity of testing in the fire service whether promotional or entry level must be guarded carefully. We will continue to monitor and investigate the testing process to ensure equality

Yours Truly,

Kevin Smith, President