DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is an important supervisory position involving responsibility for directing municipal firefighting and fire prevention activities and for assisting the Fire Chief in the over-all coordination and direction of the fire department. The Deputy Fire Chief renders necessary assistance and service to persons and property in case of emergencies and accidents. The work is performed in accordance with policies, procedures and objectives established by the Chief, but an incumbent is allowed considerable leeway for the exercise of independent judgment in the scheduling and assignment of personnel and the coordination of firefighting activities. Supervision is exercised over Firefighters and Fire Officers. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Responds to all significant fires, significant medical emergencies, and other emergencies and assumes command;
Directs all firefighting and related activities at the scene of the incident until the arrival of the Fire Chief;
Determines the necessity for additional firefighting companies and personnel and orders their recall and dispatch as required;
Administers fire, medical, hazardous materials, technical rescue, code enforcement, and public education activities pursuant to departmental rules, regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures and prepares written records and reports as required;
Supervises the maintenance of all fire department property;
Periodically inspects fire stations, tools and equipment, fleet, personnel, and official records to ensure efficiency and conformity with departmental rules, regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures;
Takes corrective action as needed to ensure safe and efficient platoon operations;
Assumes responsibility for maintaining established levels of effectiveness of tools and equipment, training, fire prevention, code enforcement, public education, and safety programs, and of physical facilities;
Administers and supervises all training of fire-and hospital-based employees;
Conducts programs for the education and benefits of fire personnel and the general public;
Administers the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department;
Supervises the maintenance of information systems, including all records and reports;
Reports to the Fire Chief any significant information concerning issues of personnel, tools and equipment, fleet, facilities, activities, and otherwise;
Assists the Fire Chief and makes recommendations for the overall administration and direction of the Fire Department.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of modern firefighting and fire prevention principles, methods and equipment; thorough knowledge of the municipality's fire prevention laws and ordinances; thorough knowledge of the geography, building conditions and major fire hazards of the area; thorough knowledge of the safety precautions used in firefighting; thorough knowledge of fire training techniques; thorough knowledge of modern principles of fire department administration; knowledge of first aid methods; ability to maintain discipline; ability to recognize fire hazards; demonstrated ability to direct and coordinate firefighting activities; resourcefulness; sound judgment in emergencies; ability to meet departmental physical standards;
ability to use radio, pager, personal computer, phone; ability to use standard fire fighting equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in fire science, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, or related emergency services field AND four (4) years of active service in a paid/career fire department,
OR: - Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two-year college or university with an Associate’s Degree in fire science, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, or related emergency services field AND six (6) years of active service in a paid/career fire department,
OR: - Completion of eight (8) years of active service in a paid/career fire department, one (1) year of which was as a Fire Captain or higher, or two (2) years of which were as a Fire Lieutenant.
Competitive Classification