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Fire Department Organization, Command,
and Control
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Introduction This chapter covers:
Department organization into companies Companies divided into functions
Engine, ladder, truck companies Rescue or hazardous materials
companies Division of work assignments
Responsibility for specific response area, activity
Eliminate duplication of work and confusion
Establish adequate level of equipment and personnel
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Fire Department OrganizationFire departments have a reason for
existing and a structure for operations.
Mission statementsOrganizational structures
Defines chain of command Authority
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The Business of Fire Protection Jurisdiction determines the type and
level of fire protection. Several types of fire department
service delivery Career or paid departments Volunteer departments Combination departments Industrial fire departments
Fire chief responsibility
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Mission StatementEach fire department should have
a mission statement.Provides meaning and directionProvides clear and defined
purposeSpecific to the public
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Organizational StructureFire department organizational
structureSimple or complexShows internal organization and
responsibilities
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The organizational structure for a medium to large fire department shows the division of work assignments and chain of command.
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Different from most organizational charts, this organizational structure shows the interdependence of the community, fire department, governing body, and firefighters.
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The FirefighterIndividual trained to perform the
function of fire prevention and suppressionEmergency medical technician
(EMT)Paramedic (EMT-P)Hazardous materials technicianRescue specialist
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001
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Firefighter ResponsibilitiesKnow organizational structure and
operating proceduresPerform safelyKnow response areaMaintain equipmentRespond to alarmsUse SCBA
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The firefighter is the individual who makes a department operate.
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Some positions available to firefighters are (A) rescue specialist, (B) paramedic, and (C) hazardous materials technician.
(A)
(B) (C)
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The CompanyBasic unit of a fire department
Engine, truck, rescue companies Specialty/combination units Emergency medical services
Company officersChief officers
Rank structure, position designation, and number of officers vary across fire departments.
Management-level positions
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Additional Fire Department Functions
Additional dutiesHazardous materialsUrban/technical search and rescueWater rescueEmergency medical servicesApparatus maintenance and
purchasing
Traditional dutiesFire preventionTraining
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Fire Prevention and Life Safety Preventing fire reduces risk to
community. Code enforcement/inspection services Fire/life safety education
Fire survival programs educate the public on what to do after a fire has started.
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Some fire departments utilize unique characters such as E.D.I.T.H. the Clown to help children relate to the message of fire prevention.
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Training
Begins with basic firefighter or probationary training
Continues with proficiency training
All departments must have a training officer.
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Training must be a continuing function in all fire departments regardless of size or area served. (Courtesy of Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center)
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Emergency Medical Services
Depending on size of organization, the EMS function may be a separate division.
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Apparatus Maintenanceand Purchasing
Departments may have a fire apparatus maintenance or repair shop.
Responsible for: Vehicle repair Maintenance Purchasing
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Special OperationsSize of community Potential hazards present
Hazardous material mitigationHigh-rise operationsAir operationsConfined space rescueTrench rescueSwift water or ice rescue
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Trench rescue is one of many specialized operations requiring additional equipment and training.
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Regulations, Policies, Bylaws, and Procedures
All organizations must haveRegulations
Federal, provincial or territorial Workplace Health and Safety regulations
PoliciesBylawsProcedures
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Allied Agencies andOrganizations
Fire departments interact with many different organizations.Police/law enforcementUtility companiesEnvironmental conservationPrivate business
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Lessons LearnedTo survive on the fire scene,
firefighters must know: Roles and responsibilities of
personnel Overall mission of the fire
department The regulations, policies, bylaws,
and procedures within their organizations
The allied agencies available during an emergency