FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION State of Georgia BASIC FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING COURSE

Fire Department Organization2 TYPES OF FIRE DEPARTMENTS  Volunteer Some receive no pay Some receive pay by the call  Career All members are paid  Combination Some members are paid Others are volunteer

Fire Department Organization3 FIRE DEPARTMENT COMPONENTS  Pumpers - (engine companies)  Aerials, Ladder Towers, etc. - (truck companies)  Quick response vehicles, Squads, etc. - (rescue units)  Tankers, Hazmat units, Light trucks, etc. - (auxiliary units)  Ambulances - (EMS units)

Fire Department Organization4 FIRE DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE  Fire departments may consist of a single station or may have many stations  Larger departments may be divided into divisions, battalions, and companies Companies are assigned to stations Several stations make up a battalion or district Several battalions make up a division  Each firefighter should know their own fire department structure  Fire departments usually owned by local government, but may be privately owned and controlled

Fire Department Organization5 GOVERNING BODIES  City Council  County Commissioners  Privately Owned board of trustees, etc.

Fire Department Organization6 CHAIN OF COMMAND  Chief / Director  Assistant / Deputy Chief  District Chief  Battalion Chief  Captain  Lieutenant  Sergeant  Firefighter

Fire Department Organization7 LINE PERSONNEL  Persons whose primary duties involve fire suppression, rescue, and other emergencies  Usually includes firefighters and fire officers CHAIN OF COMMAND STAFF PERSONNEL  Persons whose primary duties do not involve fire suppression, rescue, and other emergencies  Chief, Training Officer, etc.

Fire Department Organization8 FIREFIGHTER’S ROLE in the command structure Be involved in performing the duties and responsibilities of a fire department within the command structure of the organization

Fire Department Organization9 TYPICAL DUTIES OF A FIREFIGHTER  Firefighting  Rescue  Attend training classes  Participate in Emergency drills and simulations  Study street locations and territory buildings  Daily physical training  Fire station maintenance  Inspect, paint, maintain fire hydrants  Educate the public concerning fire and life safety  Assist in fire prevention programs  Equipment maintenance  Assist with pre-fire planning

Fire Department Organization10 FIRE SERVICE MISSION It is the duty of every fire department to save lives, reduce injuries, and protect property

Fire Department Organization11 LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT example The __________ Fire Department is committed to protecting the people and property within our community. We will be responsive to the needs of our citizens by providing rapid, professional, humanitarian services essential to the health, safety, and well being of the community.

Fire Department Organization12 The mission of the fire service is more than just fire fighting! FIRE SERVICE MISSION

Fire Department Organization13  Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.s) A standard set of actions or procedures that are the core operations for every fire fighting plan  Standard Operating Guidelines (S.O.G.s) An organizational directive that establishes a course of action or policy SOP’S / SOG’S

Fire Department Organization14  Establish the method of on scene command  Firefighters better understand their duties  Reduces confusion  Increases command and control effectiveness  Prevents duplication of effort  Provide a basis for training SOP’S / SOG’S Purpose

Fire Department Organization15 SOP’s and SOG’s should be written to outline and describe an organizational approach to the major categories of fire ground activity SOP’S / SOG’S

Fire Department Organization16 Typical SOP’s and SOG’s Include But Not Limited to:  Communication procedures  Response procedures  Deployment of certain equipment and hose and nozzles for certain situations  Staging of equipment and personnel  Command procedures SOP’S / SOG’S

Fire Department Organization17 TYPICAL RULES AND REGULATIONS  Knowledge of geographical area of coverage  Knowledge of work hours/schedule  Maintenance of facilities and equipment  Maintaining an effective relationship with fellow firefighters  The use of protective equipment  Obtaining and maintaining required certifications  Others

Fire Department Organization18 OTHER AGENCIES Firefighters should know and understand the role of other agencies that respond to emergencies within their local jurisdiction  Hospital / EMS  Law Enforcement  Utilities  Mutual Aid Departments  State / Federal agencies

Fire Department Organization19 MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS As specified by NFPA 1500 A generic term used to describe the various methods used in the workplace for the control of alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, and personal problems that adversely affect job performance

Fire Department Organization20  Provide assistance to F.D. members and families  Program on the health effects associated with the use of tobacco products  Provide health promotion activities that identify physical and mental health risk factors  Program designed to relieve the stress generated by an incident  Provide education and counseling MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Functions Might Include

Fire Department Organization21  Accessible location  Adequate medical insurance  Qualified M.A.P. staff  Informal members  Current information on treatment and resources  Periodic review MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Components

Fire Department Organization22 FIREFIGHTERS RESPONSIBILITY Under NFPA 1500  Every firefighter should be familiar with Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines  The guidelines refer to the local interpretation of the NFPA 1500, and identifies their responsibilities as members of the fire department