HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-08-13 MinutesSAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
San Rafael Public Safety Center
1375 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Meeting called to order at 4:04 PM.
Present:
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner Stan Burfurd
Commissioner John Chung
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner Brian Waterbury
Chief Roman
Chief Sinnott
Thomas Wong
1. Open Time for Public Expression
No public comment
2. Approval of Minutes – June 11, 2025
Commissioner Burford makes a motion to approve the minutes and seconded by
Commissioner Waterbury. The minutes are approved unanimously
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Chair Fonkalrud met with Kyri, President of the foundation to discuss updating the
website. Commissioner McCusker indicates the Foundation will be hosting a music
event at Andy’s market on October 12th. The City did a Drone demonstration today
for the Foundation. It was a great experience.
4. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
Commissioner Chung states the next event is the 9/11 memorial remembrance
event at 06:58 on 9/11.
October 11 will be a Fire open house at PSC/Station 51.
5. Media – Articles and events pertaining to the Fire Service
Civilian Firefighters
Sponsored Awareness and Fraud
Wheels & Wings 2025
San Rafael emerges as magnet for housing proposals – Marin IJ
Marin resident thanks local fire department for heroic actions during rescue – Marin IJ
San Rafael firefighting heroes honored at 75-year mark of catastrophe – Marin IJ
6. EMS Overview and Update – Chief Hatfield, EMS BC
Chief Hatfield provides and overview of the department’s EMS program. Call volume
is increasing year over year. Partnering with Vivalon and other groups to help prevent
falls with older adults. 70% of our calls are medical calls. The department has
celebrated a couple of good saves recently and were awarded by the state for
individual achievements.
Commissioner Johnson asks if there has been effort to model EMS calls. Chief
Roman said at the County level there is an effort to quantify the dollar value of
prevention.
7. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
Ken Johnson - Vice Chair – Insurance companies are paying out 86 cents for
every dollar they bring in. They are making a lot of money right now.
Stan Burford – Commissioner Burford provides a copy of the information that is
being sent with the Recreation magazine that is sent citywide. He worked with
Quinn Gardner on the design and information provided.
John Chung – Had dinner with the station last night and rode with 54 today and
good to see them at work. The fire fighters are happy to be here.
Donna McCusker – The commissioner should change which council members
they are interfacing with.
Brian Waterbury - None
8. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott provides an overview of recent department activities including drone
deployment and upcoming events.
Meeting adjourned at 5:22 pm