1. Fire Department Organization, Command, and Control
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2. 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

3. Fire Department Organization
Fire departments have a reason for existing and a structure for operations.
Mission statements
Organizational structures
Defines chain of command
Authority

4. 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

5. Mission Statement
Each fire department should have a mission statement.
Provides meaning and direction
Provides clear and defined purpose
Specific to the public

6. Organizational Structure
Fire department organizational structure
Simple or complex
Shows internal organization and responsibilities

7. The organizational structure for a medium to large fire department shows the division of work assignments and chain of command.

8. Different from most organizational charts, this organizational structure shows the interdependence of the community, fire department, governing body, and firefighters.

9. The Firefighter
Individual trained to perform the function of fire prevention and suppression
Emergency medical technician (EMT)
Paramedic (EMT-P)
Hazardous materials technician
Rescue specialist
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001

10. Firefighter Responsibilities
Know organizational structure and operating procedures
Perform safely
Know response area
Maintain equipment
Respond to alarms
Use SCBA

11. The firefighter is the individual who makes a department operate.

12. (A)
(B)
(C)
Some positions available to firefighters are (A) rescue specialist, (B) paramedic, and (C) hazardous materials technician.

13. The Company Basic unit of a fire department Company officers
Engine, truck, rescue companies
Specialty/combination units
Emergency medical services
Company officers
Chief officers
Rank structure, position designation, and number of officers vary across fire departments.
Management-level positions

14. Additional Fire Department Functions
Additional duties
Hazardous materials
Urban/technical search and rescue
Water rescue
Emergency medical services
Apparatus maintenance and purchasing
Traditional duties
Fire prevention
Training

15. 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.

16. Some fire departments utilize unique characters such as E. D. I. T. H
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.

17. Training Begins with basic firefighter or probationary training
Continues with proficiency training
All departments must have a training officer.

18. Training must be a continuing function in all fire departments regardless of size or area served. (Courtesy of Eastern Oklahoma Technology Center)

19. Emergency Medical Services
Depending on size of organization, the EMS function may be a separate division.

20. Apparatus Maintenance and Purchasing
Departments may have a fire apparatus maintenance or repair shop.
Responsible for:
Vehicle repair
Maintenance
Purchasing

21. Special Operations Size of community Potential hazards present
Hazardous material mitigation
High-rise operations
Air operations
Confined space rescue
Trench rescue
Swift water or ice rescue

22. Trench rescue is one of many specialized operations requiring additional equipment and training.

23. Regulations, Policies, Bylaws, and Procedures
All organizations must have
Regulations
Federal, provincial or territorial Workplace Health and Safety regulations
Policies
Bylaws
Procedures

24. Allied Agencies and Organizations
Fire departments interact with many different organizations.
Police/law enforcement
Utility companies
Environmental conservation
Private business

25. Lessons Learned To 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