HomeMy WebLinkAboutFire Commission 2025-12-10 Agenda Minutes
SAN RAFAEL FIRE COMMISSION MINUTES
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Center
1375 5th Ave, San Rafael CA 94901
Attendees:
Dave Fonkalsrud - Chair
Ken Johnson - Vice Chair
Stan Burford
John Chung
Donna McCusker
Chief Sinnott
Thomas Wong
Meeting called to order at 4:06 pm.
1. Open Time for Public Expression
Public Comment made regarding the left turn at 2nd and 4th to Marquard. Concerns with
the closure of the left turn lane which could delay emergency response time.
2. Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2025
Vice Chair Johnson asks if there are any changes to the draft minutes. Hearing none,
Commissioner Chung made a motion to approve, seconded by Commissioner Burford
and approved unanimously.
3. Commission Business and Discussions
a. Station holiday recognition – Happening next week and sponsored by Chief
Roman. Crews will be coming by on M, W, F to hit all shifts. Fire Foundation and
Fire Commission are making voluntary donations.
b. City Council Commissioner assignments – Assignments for meeting with
Council members are set. Commissioners decide to meet with different
Council members this year.
c. 2026 Goals – Commissioners will talk to Chiefs and Captains to determine
2026 goals. Chair Fonkalsrud
d. Nominate and elect new Chair and Vice Chair – Chair Fonkalsrud makes a
motion to make Ken Johnson the 2026 Chair and Donna McCusker the 2026
Vice-Chair. Approved unanimously.
e. January Meeting - Chair Fonkalsrud makes a motion to cancel the January
meeting. Approved unanimously.
4. San Rafael Explorer Program – Presentation by Captain William Berkey
Captain Berkey provides a presentation on the San Rafael Fire Department Explorer
Program. The program started in 2023 and is led by Chief Alviso, Captain Berkey, and
Captain Northern. Currently 13 explorers with space for 15 total. 24 trainings per year
and a mix of physical fitness, hands on skill, and community service is done.
Commissioners asked if the Explorers could help with the Fire Foundation and social
media outreach for the department.
5. 150th Anniversary Sub Committee – Verbal Update from Commissioner Chung
We are assisting the Chief in cooking for the department for the holidays. Lunch will be
provided on M, W, F.
6. Fire Foundation – Verbal Update from Commissioner Donna McCusker
Commissioner McCusker states that the Foundation is still deciding what they want to
do in 2026. Commissioner McCusker got a request for training for high rises. Chair
Fonkalsrud states that the website donation link has been resolved.
7. Fire Department Upcoming City Council Items – Verbal update from Fire staff
Thomas provides and updates on future council items including PP-GEMT, SCBA grant,
and new fire boat grant.
8. Chair and Commission Member Reports:
David Fonkalsrud – Thanks the commission for their work this year.
Ken Johnson – New law requires a fire report for home resales.
Stan Burford – No items.
John Chung – No items.
Donna McCusker – Been working with hearts for heroes that provides therapy dogs for
firefighters. Also working with Sac Metro on their drones.
9. Fire Chief Report
Chief Sinnott provides updates on the department and incidents in the past month
including the firefighter memorial at Station 55 and the BLS pilot program that is not
starting.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40.