Chapter 08

Copyright © 2006 Thomson Delmar Learning

Introduction to Fire Protection 3rd EditionRobert Klinoff

Introduction to Fire Protection3rd Edition



Chapter 8

Support Functions



Objectives

• Identify the support functions required by the fire department

• Describe the duties and responsibilities of the support functions

• Explain the need for the support functions• Explain the difference between a managerial

support function and a technical support function



Introduction

• Not all fire department personnel respond to emergencies

• Many personnel in fire departments work in support roles that aid emergency responders

• Without support functions, the fire department would not have the necessary equipment, training or facilities



Dispatch

• Staffed with telecommunicators– Receive and dispatch calls

– May be firefighters or civilians

• Expanded dispatch– Used for large incidents

– Supplements regular dispatch personnel and systems



Transmission of Alarms

• 911 system• Alarm pull boxes• Cell phones• Lookout towers (forests)



Figure 8-1

911 sticker on apparatus compartment door.



GIS/Maps

• Fire department requires current maps• GIS

– System of map overlays

– Uses coordinates from GPS

– Connects to databases for additional information

• Streets, hydrants, addresses, business type, jurisdiction



Hazardous Materials Control Unit

• Type of fire prevention unit that works with hazardous materials risks

• Provides services to emergency response personnel– Storage

– Inventory update

– Emergency responder information

• Provides technical expertise



Arson Unit• Arson is a heinous crime

– May harm unintended victims

– Tremendous cost

• Reasons for arson– Spite/revenge

– Profit

– Mental aberration

– Cover up other crimes

• Difficult to convict perpetrators



Arson Bureau

• Determines cause of suspicious fires• Investigates serious injuries and death due to

fire• Prosecutes perpetrators• May serve as department internal affairs

– Investigates complaints against employees

• Determines cost recovery



Arson Investigators

• Are specially trained in– Collecting and preserving evidence

(see Figure 8-2)

– Interviewing suspects and witnesses

• Must know fire chemistry and physics• Works with police and law enforcement• Can testify in court• Are considered expert witnesses



Cost Recovery

• Civil suits– Pursue cost of recovery from people who cause

fires

– Wildland fires costs not totally recoverable• Limited to amount of insurance carried by

person

• Extraordinary hazard ordinances• Criminal negligence and criminal acts



Personnel

• Handles employee matters– Insurance

– Payroll

– Hiring and firing processes and paperwork

– Retains employee evaluations

• Assists with budget preparation



Information Systems

• Automates the management of statistical, training, equipment, personnel, and other information

• Maintains the computer network• Responsible for data collection, storage and

retrieval• Repairs and upgrades system• Assists users with applications



Business Manager

• Chief financial officer of department– Prepares budget and analysis

– Keeps tracks of all expenditures

– Must be well-versed in all laws relating to the fire service

– Performs day-to-day accounting

– Manages inventory and orders

• Usually a civilian position



Fire Business Management

• Administers contracts for resources between owner and requesting agency

• Inspects equipment used on contract• Manages equipment time recorders and check-

in personnel at incidents• Keeps records and prepares necessary forms at

incidents



Technical Support

• Legal services• Crime lab• National Weather Service• Health Department

– Hazardous materials incidents

• Special hazards– Subway

– Refineries



Warehouse/Central Stores

• Receives and distributes items• Stores items needed to operate department• Receives supply requisitions from stations• Fills orders• Repairs equipment



Repair Garage

• Services and repairs fire apparatus• May build up specialized equipment• Mechanics are civilian employees with

specialized knowledge



Radio Shop

• Repairs and maintains radios– Vehicle

– Base station

– Hand held

• Installs radios in new apparatus



Adjutant/Aide

• Assists chief officer– Paperwork

– Errands

– Research

– Memos

– Dispatch recorder

– Chauffeur

• Has opportunity to learn about department on higher level



Summary

• The modern fire department requires many personnel in support functions– Dispatch– Hazardous materials control unit– Investigation– Personnel– Equipment supplies and maintenance– Information management– Financial services– Technical expertise

Chapter 08

Health & Medicine

Transcript of Chapter 08