Restore Incident Support Specialist

The Incident Support Specialist (ISS) plays a critical role in some of the most significant emergency calls for service. The ISS reports to and provides vital support to the Battalion Chief or their assigned Division. They are responsible for tracking Firefighter staffing levels and ensuring that each unit in the field is appropriately covered for the day. The ISS also manages all details related to the movement of staff between stations, training schedules, and demographic coverage, including tracking apparatus that goes out of service.

Duties

During an emergency, the ISS assists the Chief by tracking all pertinent incident information, thereby allowing the Chief to focus their attention on the overall safety of our Fire Crews and the general public. Other critical duties while on scene are to monitor personnel, equipment, traffic needs from the SFFD, requests from PG&E and similar agencies, and provide radio traffic communication updates to the Dispatch Center. Battalion Operators go into the fire structure or adjoining buildings to serve as the "eyes of the Chief" from the outside. If in a high-rise building, the ISS stays in the fire control room, distributes radios, and monitors the building fire alarm panel. Their incident reports help to determine how the Chief proceeds in any given situation and/or if they will need additional resources.

Reporting

The ISS also helps to keep the Department in compliance with the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) requirements. These reports generate revenue for the Department, while an inaccurate or incomplete description can also result in a loss of funds as well as losses for civilians who could be reimbursed by their insurance company.

Budget Cuts and Restoration

In past years, the Battalion 3 ISS position was cut in an effort to assist San Francisco during a financial downturn. These critical positions were surrendered, but it was never fully intended to be permanent. However, the response area for Battalion 3 with the addition of the Mission Bay neighborhood has more than tripled in population and commercial density. South of Market and Mission Bay consist of multiple high-rise residential developments, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oracle Park, and the new Chase Center, making the restoration of the ISS position essential for public safety. This area consists of numerous terrorist targets, has experienced an increase in the number of jumpers from the Bay Bridge, and suffers from multiple-vehicle collisions. This is alarming given that the Chief currently serves as the sole source of information flow to multiple stakeholders, including Oakland Fire, the Dispatch Center, crews on the scene, BART, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the CHP. The return of an ISS to Battalion 3 would fill a significant need.

What Can Go Wrong When an ISS Is Not At the Scene Of an Emergency?

The tragic June 2, 2011 fire at 133 Berkeley Way that claimed the lives of Lt. Vincent Perez and Firefighter Paramedic Anthony Valerio did not have an ISS supporting either the first arriving Battalion Chief who was assigned to interior attack nor the second Battalion Chief who was on the roof. The Safety Investigation Report noted that there was a delay in implementing the Incident Command Worksheet, which is used to track companies. Having properly staffed Battalion companies provides better communication and tracking of personnel, equipment, and property damage. Proper staffing and tracking of personnel may help reduce the incurrence of Department fines; but more importantly, will help saves lives.