Brian Pedro, who leads the City’s new Incident Management Team responding to homelessness, has been named the interim director of the Department of Community Response.
DCR outreach specialists play a critical role in the IMT’s daily work of connecting people with services, and Pedro’s appointment allows for even better coordination and synergy among participating departments, said Assistant City Manager Mario Lara, who oversees public safety.
“Brian is the right person to lead DCR at this time, especially when you consider his vast experience in public service, the medical profession and his dedication to helping others,” Lara said.
Prior to his work with DCR and the IMT, Pedro served as the Sacramento Fire Department’s emergency medical services coordinator, where he was responsible for EMS quality improvement, EMS training, infection control and collaboration with local hospitals.
He joined SFD following a 20-year stint with the Reno Fire Department where he worked in various capacities including on the hazmat team and in the emergency medical services division.
His desire to care for others led him early in his career to earn a nursing degree, and he has continued to work as a registered nurse specializing in emergency, surgery and pediatrics.
In addition to serving others, Pedro has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving his country. He started his military career in 1984 as an active-duty airman in the United States Air Force and continues to serve as a reservist, holding the position of lieutenant colonel, deputy commander, for the 349th Aeromedical Staging and Transport Squadron at Travis Air Force Base.
In that capacity, he leads a squadron of physicians, nurses and medics who provide field medical care and transport during wartime and humanitarian deployed missions.
Pedro’s appointment to lead DCR is effective immediately, Lara said.
“I am honored by this opportunity,” Pedro said. “I have an incredible amount of respect for the Department of Community Response and the work it has done over the years to help people stabilize their lives and navigate them to the resources they need. I look forward to continuing to build on the department’s significant accomplishments.”
Following Council direction, the City in 2020 first established an office to develop an alternative response model for 911 calls that do not require traditional emergency services. This office also led the City’s efforts to support people experiencing homelessness. In 2021, it officially became the Department of Community Response.