Tuesday, October 22, 1991
Before the regular calendar was discussed, President [James D.] Jefferson thanked all the members of the San Francisco
Fire Department; the on-
Chief Postel noted that both he and President Jefferson yesterday had
an opportunity to take a helicopter trip over the devastated area of the
Oakland-Berkeley Hills.
They spoke to Oakland's Fire Chief P. Lamont Ewell. Chief Postel
commented that at approximately 12:30 Sunday afternoon he received a
phone call that Oakland had requested mutual aid from San Francisco.
They requested two strike teams; each strike team consists of five engine
companies and one Battalion Chief.
One strike team was dispatched immediately, while the second was
assembled. The first strike team was led by Battalion Chief James Tracey
and the second by Battalion Chief Paul J. Tabacco. Chief Postel responded
to the City's Emergency Command Center to prepare for the disaster and
San Francisco's participation in it.
Several off-duty fire officers were recalled -- Assistant Chief James
Lynch and Battalion Chief Gary Torres and, subsequently, Assistant Chief
Daniel Barden and Deputy Chief John Boscacci returned to duty. At this
point, Temporary Assistant Chief John Hickey and Battalion Chief Richard
Seyler were dispatched to Oakland to activate San Francisco's command
post.
By early evening, San Francisco had dispatched eleven engine
companies and two hose tenders with five-inch hose, a mini-
Thus, San Francisco provided approximately 150 firefighters.
Assistant Chiefs Richard Condon [was recalled and took command of
staging operations at the Division of Training] and Howard Slater also
returned to duty and activated Division 1. Many off-
The number 150 does not represent the total number of San
Francisco firefighters who participated in fighting Sunday's fire. He cited
Chief's Aide Leonard DeStefano who responded directly from his home in
the East Bay. This is another example of the San Francisco firefighter's
dedication to the fire service and their profession. Fellow firefighters
throughout the East Bay responded in kind.
Chief Postel commented that he and President Jefferson visited the
scene yesterday. Chief Ewell warmly welcomed him and President
Jefferson and thanked them for San Francisco's outstanding contribution.
He complimented the San Francisco Fire Department on the performance
of its members. He singled out Temporary Assistant Chief Hickey for
praise and Assistant Chief Gary Musante as well. Battalion Chief Tracey
was given command of an entire division in Oakland... .
Chief Ewell commented to Chief Postel that if it had not been for the
San Francisco Fire Department, the Claremont Hotel would have been
destroyed as well as many homes adjacent to the hotel. The fire damage
was widespread and devastating as viewed from the helicopter, but the
damage could have been worse had it not been for the actions of the San
Francisco firefighters and others. He thanked each and every one of the
San Francisco firefighters who responded to Sunday's tragedy. He
commended that he was extremely proud of the San Francisco firefighters.
Mutual Aid Response
Table of Contents