MainLine - San Francisco Firefighters Local 798

3 Alarm Fire at Capp & 20th May 13, 2011 Photos by: Dennis KernohanGuns & Hoses 10th Annual Charity Tennis Challenge April 30, 2011Dear CommissionersI would like to congratulate Thomas O’Connor, President of SFFirefighters Local 798, for stepping up in defense of our paramedicsand EMT’s of the San Francisco Fire Department.Since 2005, these paramedics and EMT’s have diligently servedour community. Often times having to respond to the ‘Trenchesof the City’ and subjected to threats of physical assault and verbalabuse. However, this is all part of the job, and they do itwith skill, efficiency and integrity. Qualities we all have come toexpect from the San Francisco Fire Department.Imagine if you and I, as employees of the San Francisco FireDepartment, were never offered the opportunity for advancement?Would this be fair practice or even beneficial to the city?And is it morally right to bypass the EMS Division of SF’s own,and hire new applicants? Absolutely not!!After serving three decades in SFFD as a firefighter, lieutenantand captain, I have acquired some knowledge of the protocolsof the City, how the fire/emergency system works, including thepersonal dynamics within each firehouse! Since retiring, I’vebeen implementing new emergency policies and procedures.I am confident that the transition from the ambulance, over theengine or truck would be an effective and smooth one!The EMT’s and paramedics have now acquired years of experience,driving San Francisco’s emergency vehicles proficientlythroughout the City, with SAFETY FIRST, at the forefront of everycall. Besides their medical emergency skills, and the knowledgeof protocol, they know the streets of San Francisco like the backof their hands! This is obviously not something a “new hire”could offer as past work history and experience when applyingfor H2-firefighter position.I do firmly believe that it is in the best interest of the Departmentto lateral-over ALL qualified paramedics and EMT’s intothe existing vacant positions of H-2 Firefighters and H-3 Paramedic/Firefighter.Let’s keep the spirit of “brotherhood” alive for all those whoproudly wear the SFFD badge and give these dedicated men andwomen of our EMS Division the same career opportunities thatwere given to so many of us. It is simply the right thing to do!Retired Captain of SFFD (& Taxpayer)38 Main Line www.sffdlocal798.org