As with different branches of the military, in fire service firefighter ranks and duties can vary and the titles can change. However, as with the military, once you understand the Fire Service rank structure you will have a good understanding of each position within the fire department and their general Firefighter ranks and duties.
As a firefighter candidate it is important to understand the structure of the department you’re interested in. As a result of knowing their rank you can properly address an officer. This is important and shows respect. It also shows your understanding of the rank structure.
Firefighter ranks and duties will often appear different from a volunteer or rural fire department versus a large metropolitan fire department. However, the general structure is the same. There may also be some differences is rank structure in a fire district versus a fire department. I have a blog post that discusses the differences between a fire district and a fire department. click here to read more.
Within each firefighter rank there are typically steps for seniority and experience within the rank. For example at the fire department I recently retired from there were 6 steps from recruit firefighter to Senior firefighter.
You may also see sub ranks within the rank. For example, a firefighter may also be a paramedic and his or her title would be firefighter/paramedic.
Typical firefighter ranks and duties in a rural area or volunteer fire department.
Fire Call!: The highs – the lows – of 30 years on the hose. A volunteer firefighter’s memoir
“On a good day, our biggest fire truck carries a crew of five. Today is not a good day. It’s a weekday, the time when the fewest volunteers can respond to a fire call. We’re heading for a roaring house fire — where a woman is reported trapped — with a crew of two.” So begins “Fire Call!”, retired fire chief George DeVault’s memoir about his 30 action-packed years as a volunteer firefighter.
Volunteer Firefighter
A volunteer firefighter is typically a title for a firefighter who is working for free or as a “paid for call” status. Even though they are called volunteers they do usually have the opportunity to build a pension or a retirement for their service. Many departments will also pay them when they respond to emergency calls.
Recruit Firefighter
A Recruit or probationary firefighter is a new hire or new volunteer. They are typically considered in a training status and will have restrictions to their duties and responsibilities. This rank is usually 6 to 12 months in length and has training requirements before moving to the status of Firefighter 1.
Firefighter
After completing your recruit year and successfully competing your required training you will receive the rank of Firefighter. As stated earlier there are many steps within the rank of firefighter and often sub ranks within Firefighter. Fore example Firefighter/EMT has the additional training as n Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT. Click here to read more about a day in the life of a career firefighter.
Driver Operator
The fire apparatus driver operator is a promotional rank and has the responsibility of operating and driving all the various types of fire equipment. Fire apparatus are highly technical and require proficiency in operating at the fire scene.
There are several titles for the fire apparatus driver operator. Beside Driver Operator you may see Engineer or Chauffeur.
Company Officer
The Company Officer is a promotional rank and is the person in charge of a specific team and fire apparatus. They are also usually the person in change at the fire station as well. As with Driver Operator, there are several different titles within the rank of company officer. Two of the most common are Lieutenant and Captain.
Battalion Chief
This is a promotional rank and is typically responsible for a “battalion” of stations and crews. This person will oversee the daily operation of 5 to 7 stations and there crews within these stations. They are also the first arriving command officer at the fire scene and are usually on shift with the firefighting crews.
Chief
The rank of chief is used with many different sub titles. You may see several levels and responsibilities for chief officers. This can very greatly based on the size of a department and the services provided by the department. For example, if the department provides ambulance transport they you may have an EMS Chief typically called an EMS Division Chief.
The importance is for you as the new recruit firefighter is to understand they are senior officers and should be addressed as Chief.
Fire Chief
The Fire Chief is the top ranking officer for the fire department or fire district.
Large Metropolitan Fire Department firefighter ranks and duties.
The line or shift rank structure is very typical as described earlier in the article. The difference in a larger metropolitan fire is dependent on size and operational divisions. we will discuss a few of those additional positions.
Division Chief
A Division Chief oversees a division of response or service within the department. Large cities may have a Division Chief that oversees 5 to 7 Battalions. You may also have a Division Chief that will oversee Operations and another Division Chief oversee Fire Prevention and training.
Assistant Chief or Deputy Chief
Rank of Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief are usually second in command. Their roles again can very from department to department, however they usually work closely with the chief by handling more of the daily operational issues and special projects. This allows the Chief to handle more long term operational and strategic goals, department growth, and political aspects of the position.
Additional Firefighter Titles and Ranks you might Encounter
Sergeant
The rank of Sergeant is rare in the fire service. If you see this rank it is usually just below Lieutenant and is a line position that usually oversees the day to day fire house duties and responsibilities.
Fire Investigator
The Fire Investigator is an important position that is usually a fulltime Position in larger departments and can be assigned to line firefighters that are trained in fire investigations in smaller departments. They are in charge of investigating all fires and developing a report to cause and origin of the fire.
Training Officer
Larger departments will have a training officer position to develop and oversee all department training and certifications. They are also often in charge of new hire testing and training.
Chief Assistant and Driver
The position is pretty rare in the modern fire service however some larger departments do still have personnel dedicated to driving for Chief Officers. They also have duties that assist the chief officer in managing day to day operations.
Field Training Officer
This position is usually found in departments that provide fire based ambulance service. The Field Training Officer, FTO, is usually a shift lieutenant and will over see the Paramedics and assist on calls. He also is the officer that will oversee new paramedics and EMTs to validate and develop their training and certification process.
Public Education Officer
The Pubic Education Officer develops and coordinates all fire safety and public education programs.
Summary
These are the most common firefighter ranks and duties in the fire service. As you can see their are a lot of ranks and structures within a fire department. Each department will have some differences that you well need to learn as your involvement grows with that department. Please also understand that this does not cover every possible position and rank in the fire service.
Mastering the Firefighter Exam: The Proven Path from Applicant to Top Spot on the Hiring List – Firefighter Exam Preparation Book
Mastering the Fire Service Assessment Center 2nd Edition
This book will help you regardless of the fire officer rank you seek. You will learn where you need to improve, how to develop a specific personal plan to become an excellent officer, and how to do well with whatever assessment center exercises you face.