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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the Fire Department to donate one surplus fire apparatus, a 1999 Spartan fire engine VIN#4S7AT409XYC031783, to the City College of San Francisco’s Fire Science vocational education program. (Matthew Samson, Deputy Fire Chief)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Fire Department to donate one surplus fire apparatus, a 1999 Spartan fire engine VIN # 4S7AT409XYC031783, to the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) for use in their Fire Science vocational education program.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
It is recommended the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Fire Department to donate one surplus fire apparatus, a 1999 Spartan fire engine VIN #4S7AT409XYC031783, to the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) for use in their Fire Science vocational education program.
The CCSF Fire Technology Program provides fire industry courses leading to certifications and an associate’s degree. CCSF is one of the primary Fire Technology Programs servicing northern San Mateo County and supports local fire agencies by providing students that are prepared for testing, selection, and employment. A large number of South San Francisco residents have participated in CCSF Fire Technology courses including their Firefighter I Academy and numerous members of the department received their initial training through the College. The South San Francisco Fire Department supports this academy through use of its fire training facilities.
CCSF maintains a small number of retired fire apparatus (Engines and Trucks) for use when training students to perform tasks and evolutions. CCSF depends on surplus fire apparatus donations from local fire agencies to maintain this capability. Fire apparatus used for training do not need to meet the same mechanical reliability demands as apparatus used for emergency response. As such, the vocational education environment is the perfect place to extend the life of one of our retired fire engines.
The retired fire apparatus described in this Staff Report (formerly vehicle number 503) is a 1999 Spartan brand fire engine. The City Fleet Maintenance and Fire Department follow National Fire Protection Association 1911: Standard for Inspection, Maintenance, Testing and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus to guide our vehicle replacement schedule. The current replacement plan for our fire engine apparatus is 20 years. Fifteen years of frontline service and five years in reserve status for use during increased call volume, or as temporary replacements for out-of-service frontline apparatus. This vehicle’s replacement was purchased in 2019 and went into service in 2021. Council has approved the replacement of two additional engines in this fiscal year which staff will be making a recommendation for replacement in a future staff report.
When fire apparatus are removed from active service in South San Francisco, our fleet maintenance personnel remove serviceable hardware to be used as spares for our existing fleet of fire apparatus. This vehicle has had hardware useful to the shop, and all South San Francisco Fire Department labelling removed.
The Fire Department has previously donated surplus apparatus to the College of San Mateo’s Fire Science vocational education program. Because CCSF’s student catchment area includes northern San Mateo County this donation will benefit San Mateo County residents, specifically South San Francisco residents who will elect to attend the CCSF fire programs. It is the intention to request permission to donate future surplus apparatus to support the College of San Mateo (CSM).
Based-upon reviewing the used apparatus market, the value of a surplus fire engine is estimated to be $15,000 or less. Removal of hardware has reduced the estimated value even further. The alternative to donating the fire engine to CCSF is to sell the apparatus through an online Public Surplus auction site. The surplus auction can take several years to find private buyers. Recently, retired vehicle 510 took over four years before being sold. Vehicles not purchased immediately remain in the City’s possession requiring periodic maintenance to keep them viable. This is complicated as protected storage for fire apparatus is limited and cannot support surplused apparatus. Fire engines parked outside experience accelerated degradation from the elements. With the exception of the value of the vehicle, there are no additional costs incurred by donating the vehicle to CCSF.
FISCAL IMPACT
Donation of the 1999 Spartan fire engine will not have a fiscal impact to the General Fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
This action is related to Strategic Plan Initiative 6: Community Connections by strengthening the City’s relationship with CCSF through this donation and continued use of our fire training facilities.
CONCLUSION
Donation of the 1999 Spartan fire engine to CCSF will enhance the vocational education delivered in the Fire Technology Program. This vehicle should not be placed in an emergency role due to its age and wear, but it will be an excellent platform to train students to drive, operate and work from a functional fire engine. Donation of the engine will require a minimum of staff time and no transportation costs, while supporting students that may ultimately become employees of fire agencies in San Mateo County.
Therefore, staff recommends Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Fire Department to donate one surplus fire apparatus, a 1999 Spartan fire engine VIN # 4S7AT409XYC031783, to the City College of San Francisco (CCSF) for use in their Fire Science vocational education program.