Objective 3- NFPA 1001 Firefighter Qualifications and Roles Overview

NFPA 1001

Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.

Fire Fighter I

A firefighter who works under the direct supervision of a Fire Fighter II or company officer.

Fire Fighter II

A firefighter trained to coordinate Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II personnel while working under the supervision of a company officer.

Primary difference between Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II

Fire Fighter I works under direct supervision; Fire Fighter II can coordinate Fire Fighter I and II personnel.

Fire Fighter II additional responsibilities

Perform more complex firefighting tasks and assume or transfer command within the Incident Command System (ICS).

Basic firefighter skills

Fire suppression, search and rescue, extrication, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, and EMS.

Fire apparatus driver/operator

A firefighter trained to drive apparatus, operate pumps and aerial devices, and service and maintain apparatus.

Hazardous materials technician

A firefighter certified to mitigate hazardous materials and CBRNE emergencies.

CBRNE

Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive.

Rescue technician

A firefighter certified to perform specialized rescues such as high-angle, trench, structural collapse, confined space, vehicle/machinery, water, ice, cave, or mine rescue.

Airport firefighter

A firefighter specially trained in airport operations and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF).

Wildland firefighter

A firefighter trained to extinguish fires involving outdoor vegetation, including the wildland/urban interface.

Company officer

A firefighter who supervises a fire company at the station and at fires and other emergencies.

Incident safety officer

Monitors operational safety at emergency incidents.

Health and safety officer

Monitors the department's health and safety program.

District/Battalion chief

Supervises groups of fire companies or stations and may manage logistics, fire prevention, training, planning, or other functions.

Assistant/Deputy chief

Manages upper-level functions such as emergency operations, administration, fire prevention, or training.

Fire marshal

May manage fire prevention, plans review, and investigation divisions.

Fire chief

The person responsible for all operations within the department.

Fire prevention division

Deals with the public through building inspections, code enforcement, plans review, and community risk reduction.

Fire prevention officer/inspector

Performs periodic inspections, enforces building and fire codes, and interacts with the public.

Plans examiner

Reviews architectural/site plans and fire protection system plans and calculations for code compliance.

Fire and arson investigator

Investigates fires and explosions to determine their origin and cause.

Fire and life safety educator

Informs the public about fire and life safety hazards, fire causes, and precautions or actions to take before and during a fire.

Fire protection engineer/specialist

Reviews building and fire protection plans for compliance and may advise administration.

Training officer/chief of training

Oversees training activities and supervises training division personnel.