Chain of Command
Last updated
Last updated
The Fire Chief is the executive head of the Fire Department and is directly responsible for proper and efficient operations. Supervise, regulate, and manage the department and have control of all its personnel, activities, Fire Investigations/Inspections, including fire safety education, fire protection, fire extinguishment, emergency medical services, administration, and to provide highly responsible and technical assistance to the City Manager and to serve as the Emergency Management Coordinator.
The Assistant Chief serves as second in command to the Fire Chief and assists in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities of Fire and EMS Operations. This includes fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, disaster preparedness, and related programs, services, operations, and budgets; coordinates assigned activities with outside agencies; may represent the Fire Department in the absence of the Fire Chief; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative and management support to the Fire Chief.
Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Battalion Chief is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and supervising activities of an assigned shift which includes the management of personnel, fire prevention and training activities, and oversight of major programs. Responsibilities include managing fire suppression operations and emergency incidents, functions and programs. Battalion Chiefs are responsible for the personnel during their shift. The Battalion Chief will assign fire department members to their respected apparatus while on shift. Battalion Chief(s) will oversee safety and training, resolve conflicts between shifts or stations, and provide any necessary disciplinary actions.
The Captain serves as the highest ranking member that is based in a station. They will help with giving input on new policies and implementing the current policies of the department as well as play a crucial role in the day to day operations. They take command of scenes and guide personnel on calls. This should be someone that members of the department can look up to for guidance and leadership on scenes and dealing with issues on and off duty.
A fire lieutenant works as the officer in charge of the apparatus and is responsible for supervising other firefighters and fire engineers when working at a fire scene or other emergency. He organizes and supervises the day-to-day tasks at the fire station, and also provides training on safety procedures and fire equipment to firefighters and engineers. When an emergency arises, the Lieutenant is responsible for utilizing the fire and rescue equipment, as well as providing emergency medical treatment to victims as necessary. He also assists with employee training and evaluation, care of low level complaints and issues that may come up. They will look over reports and run sheets from the calls and go over the reports and run sheets with the Batt. Chiefs. They will also assist in all calls for service; this is a working supervisor’s position.
