HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-06-11 Minutes
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION
FIRE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Fire Station 55
955 Point San Pedro Dr, San Rafael 94901
Meeting called to order at 4:01 PM.
Present:
Chair David Fonkalsrud
Commissioner Ken Johnson
Commissioner John Chung
Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner Brian Waterbury
Chief Roman
Chief Sinnott
Thomas Wong
1. Open Time for Public Expression
Comment made by one member of the public regarding the left turn lane at Marquard
Avenue.
2. Approval of Minutes – May 14, 2025
Chair Fonkalsrud asks if there are any corrections or objections, hearing none,
Commissioner Johnson moves to approve, Commissioner Chung seconds and the minutes
are adopted unanimously.
3. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner McCusker introduces a new fire foundation board member. Commissioner
McCusker shares a newspaper article showing the Santa Rosa Fire Foundation and their
corporate sponsors.
The Fire Foundation would like the department to give a demonstration of the drone to the
Foundation and the Commission.
The Foundation donated helmet shields to members of the department.
4. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
9/11 service will happen at 08:00.
They want to do a marine pop-up event and to showcase EMS.
Aiming to do an open house at PSC maybe with PD during Fire Prevention week in October.
5. Media – Articles and events pertaining to the Fire Service
Fire Department Eyes Shakeup Amid Rising Demand – Palo Alto Online
ISO Rating Announcement
Marin Voice: San Rafael fire chief urges all to make plan for emergencies – Marin IJ
San Rafael Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action Plan
6. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
David Fonkalsrud – Chair: Councilmember Hill was interested in the drone when
Commissioner Fonkalsrud spoke with him and video of the drone was sent to him. Peacock
Gap HOA put on a mailer on fire prevention. One more avenue of communication through
HOAs.
Commissioner Fonkalsrud asks about the work happening at Station 55. Chief Roman said
part of it is a memorial for fallen firefighters and the other is a demonstration since Station
55 is the only fire station within a wildland fire zone.
Last Commission meeting, the July meeting was canceled. The August meeting will be at the
PSC. The September meeting will be at Station 56. Commissioner McCusker recommends
the First Responder Therapy Dogs. Commissioner Fonkalsrud recommends someone from
the SAFE team. Commissioner Chung recommends Chief Hatfield to talk about EMS.
John Chung: Assisted in driving the Fire Chief’s vehicle to a vendor for upfitting.
Donna McCusker: Compliments Chair Fonkalsrud for asking the Commission to meet with
Councilmembers. Had a great experience and connected with Councilmember Bushey.
Councilmember Bushey directed Commissioner McCusker to the San Rafael Wildfire
Prevention and Protection Action Plan. One item that was important was having a backup
battery for the garage door.
Brian Waterbury: Working with the Marin Fire History Committee, with a purpose to
document the history of Fire Departments in Marin County. Finished providing a video
regarding the 1974 San Rafael Hill Fire. Working on the history of the Marinwood Fire
Department.
7. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott provides the Chief Report: Station 55 was renovated and not torn down. The
living quarters was raised out of the flood plane and a new structure. The station is cross
staffed, when the two primary ambulances are busy, medic 55 can be called into service.
A fire flow upgrade will be started on Pt San Pedro soon. The City has almost 3,000 fire
hydrants but San Rafael is required to maintain them.
There were a number of fires recently but they were all tremendous saves. Kudos to the
Fire Operation division.
Four members of our staff were awarded at the CA EMS banquet.
Chief Roman: Hired two laterals, one from Diamond Springs and one from Paterson.
Starting an Academy next month. Will be overstaffed by three soon which is where we
want to be. The American Heart Association provided an award for heart attacks. We have
saved people a lot of people and very proud of the EMS division. Two Emergency
Management Coordinators being brought on.
Hoping to start the BLS program soon.
Meeting adjourned at 5:24