Fire chief

Helmet color often corresponds to rank in fire departments around the world. In the United States, for example, the chief ranks are often denoted by a white helmet.

Fire Chief (or Chief Fire Officer in England and Wales; or Fire Master in Scotland) is a top executive rank or commanding officer in a fire department (either elected or appointed) who is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of running a firefighting organization. Such tasks include supervising other officers and firefighters at an emergency scene and recruiting, training, and equipping them for their respective duties.[1] Depending upon local needs and organization, the Chief may also be involved in fire prevention, fire inspection, disaster preparedness, emergency medical services, and related disciplines, as well as administrative duties such as budgets and personnel issues, research into safety and regulations, and liaison with other agencies.[2]

In larger departments, a Fire Chief is often assisted by one or more assistant fire chiefs, deputy fire chiefs, district fire chiefs, division chiefs, and/or battalion chiefs.[3] Collectively, these are known as chief officers, to distinguish them from company officers.

The Chief may report to the fire commissioner, the mayor, or a governing body (such as a board of selectmen).

During an emergency incident, the first qualified officer on the scene may "establish command", and then transfer command to the Chief when he or she arrives, as circumstances warrant. The chief may delegate some statutory powers to qualified officers, such as the ability to enter or use private property as reasonably necessary to stop a fire, or to order people or property seized as may be essential to preserving safety or investigating the cause of an incident.

A valuable chief will have many years of experience at all levels of firefighting, as well as superior management skills, especially under the stress of emergency situations.

Suitable fire chief's vehicles can be valuable as an Incident Command Post and also for public relations during emergencies and other public events.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Eddie Burns, Sr. (2007). "Fire Chief's Message". Dallas Fire-Rescue - City of Dallas, Texas. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  2. ↑ The Canadian Press (2007). "Fire trucks too heavy for highways, chief finds". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  3. ↑ Krystan Krailler (2007). "Fire department celebrates 20 years". Cincinnati Community Press. Retrieved September 22, 2007.


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