Ranks
High Brass
FireChief
The Fire Chief is the highest-ranking officer in the fire department. He or she is directly responsible for the efficient operation of the fire department, and has control of all of its personnel and activities. The fire chief has a say in various department functions such as: Fire safety education Fire protection EMS Disaster preparedness Department administration The fire chief may also provide technical assistance to the city manager or mayor, and represents the interests of the fire service when it comes to planning fire coverage. While all firefighters start as probies, they have the opportunity to work their way up the ranks to fire chief. As firefighters advance their careers, they likely to assume more responsibility in managerial or administrative roles. It becomes their duty to train and assist the next generation of hands-on firefighters, and to promote the interests of the fire service in their area of coverage.
Assistant Chief
Assistant fire chiefs manage and control the activities of personnel assigned to the operations division. The operations division is responsible for fire suppression and disaster relief. Depending on the department, operations may also include EMS. Assistant chiefs are also responsible for creating programs to maintain and improve the fire service. They assist the fire chief by preparing budgets and planning the expansion of the fire service.
High Brass And Shift Commanders
Deputy Chief of Operations
A deputy fire chief supervises and coordinates the activities of her battalions, including responding to emergencies, providing proper training, managing firefighters, conducting training and ensuring that department policies and procedures are followed.
Deputy District Chief
A District chief manages and works with districts in a fire department, which includes ensuring the safety of the Stations and providing the necessary equipment or resources in emergencies.
Battalion Chief
A battalion chief manages and works with various groups in a fire department, which includes ensuring the safety of the team and providing the necessary equipment or resources in emergencies.
Captain
The Captain is responsible for administration, supervision and management of the Fire Department. The Captain is assigned to a 24 hour shift that is responsible for fire suppression, hazardous material response, rescue operations and emergency medical services.
Lieutenant
The Fire Lieutenant is responsible for the administration and supervision of a fire company for fire suppression, hazardous material response, rescue operations and emergency medical services. ... Conducts fire inspections, supervises shift inspections, assigns work projects and approves completed work.
Engineers
The engineer is responsible for driving, operating and maintaining fire department apparatus. The engineer must respond to medical emergencies and provide pre-hospital care to victims of injury or illness at a BLS or ALS level according to the engineer's current medical certification.