San Francisco fire commissioners are facing criticism for a decision to remove peer counselors from emergency calls. The San Francisco Fire Department has provided its members with community paramedic training, which department leaders believe prepares them to handle calls without peer navigators. The decision was discussed at a recent Fire Commission meeting, where program supervisors and outside experts expressed their concerns.

Peer counselors also spoke out, highlighting their unique experience in responding to people in crisis. Some counselors noted that they had personal experience being on the other side of emergency calls, which motivated them to help others. Further details about the decision and the response from the community are available from local news sources, including NBC Bay Area.