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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