Fire Officer Study Guide

Questions and Answers

Who must take corrective action if an investigation confirms a harassment complaint has merit?

The Fire Chief

Looking beyond the physical attributes of individuals and matching the individual's strengths with the organization's needs in order for the organization, the individual, and the officer to be successful is a must for the fire officer to maintain _____________.

cultural diversity

What is one of the four basic tasks expected of a good fire officer, as reported by the administrative fire officers study?

notifications

What type of organizational document is developed to provide definite guidelines for present and future actions?

policy Signup and view all the answers

What type of organizational document establishes or prescribes specific operational or administrative methods to be followed routinely for the performance of designated operations or actions?

standard operating procedure (SOP) Signup and view all the answers

Fire fighters who want to initiate a harassment complaint have three methods for doing so. At what level must they first make contact?

It is their choice. Signup and view all the answers

What term does the International Association of Fire Chiefs use for a Fire Officer I?

supervising fire officer Signup and view all the answers

What is one method of fostering the concept of appropriate workplace behavior?

Fire fighters develop their own set of rules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the four functions of management does the fire officer use to take the available people, equipment, structure, and time and develop them into an orderly, functional, and structural unit?

organizing Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary causes of death to fire fighters operating in a burning structure?

flashover and structural collapse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the four functions of management deals with developing a scheme, program, or method that is worked out beforehand to accomplish an objective?

planning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the four functions of management is used when a fire officer considers the impact on the budget before making purchases?

controlling Signup and view all the answers

Most experts believe that span of control should extend to no more than a specific number of people. What is that number?

5 Signup and view all the answers

Human resource management is built from two generalized schools of management thought. What is one of those schools?

Scientific Signup and view all the answers

According to the NFPA, about what percentage of American fire fighters are volunteers?

72% Signup and view all the answers

If fire officers have the authority to solve a given problem that has come up, what should they do about involving their supervisors first?

Nothing; they should go ahead and make a decision. Signup and view all the answers

Fire officers should consult their supervisors if they are going to make a decision that __________________.

goes beyond their scope of authority Signup and view all the answers

When an officer tells subordinates that he does not agree with unpopular orders, but the orders have to be enforced anyway, what is the result?

The officer's authority and supervisory ability is undermined. Signup and view all the answers

What type of organizations do private industries or nongovernmental organizations use to provide fire protection to factories, processing plants, and large private facilities?

fire brigades Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest level of fire officer that could be in a chief officer position?

III Signup and view all the answers

What type of study was used to greatly improve performance in the Fire Fighter Combat Challenge?

time and motion Signup and view all the answers

What type of organizational document is developed by various government or government-authorized organizations to implement a law that has been passed by a government body?

Regulation Signup and view all the answers

When officers are preparing to present a class on a topic, what/whom should they consult first?

their personal training library Signup and view all the answers

What agency enforces the federal laws establishing the civil rights of Americans?

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Signup and view all the answers

Historically, what did it mean if a house had a fire mark on it?

The house was covered by insurance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the set of guidelines that a department establishes for fire fighters?

discipline Signup and view all the answers

The beginning of shift report is normally due to the battalion or district chief within what amount of time after the start-of-shift?

15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of looking at the organization of a fire department?

Hazards Signup and view all the answers

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 includes almost all public and private employers with a minimum number of employees. What is the number?

15 Signup and view all the answers

How does diversity affect fire departments?

They should tailor their service to meet the culturally diverse needs of the community. Signup and view all the answers

According to the 1993 amended EEOC guidelines, under what circumstances, if any, are employers liable for the acts of those who work for them?

any time they knew, or should have known, about the behavior and did nothing about it Signup and view all the answers

What level of administrative chief fire officer is responsible for managing the activities of several fire companies within a defined geographic area, usually in more than one fire station?

battalion chief Signup and view all the answers

There are many ways to shrink a fire department's labor supply. What is one of the methods preferred by most fire departments?

attrition Signup and view all the answers

Who determines whether or not to award accreditation to a given agency?

a group of impartial experts Signup and view all the answers

What NFPA standard covers the infection control program?

NFPA 1581 Signup and view all the answers

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the most basic human needs, at the bottom of the ladder, are known as _____________.

physiological needs Signup and view all the answers

In the context of human resources, what does the F stand for in FLSA?

Fair Signup and view all the answers

Are strikes by state or municipal workers legal?

False Signup and view all the answers

In the Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid, _____________ sees a high level of concern for either people or results as too extreme and tries to moderate both in the workplace.

status quo Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of fire fighters required for an interior operation?

2 Signup and view all the answers

How are the air time ratings for SCBA determined?

They are based on the air consumption of an individual at rest. Signup and view all the answers

Which level of the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) is the most difficult to analyze?

HFACS 4 Signup and view all the answers

_____________ is the process of imparting knowledge or skill through systematic instruction.

Education Signup and view all the answers

What type of management techniques are appropriate in an involuntary work performance meeting with a subordinate?

Theory X Signup and view all the answers

How did Taylor determine the optimal way to perform a job?

time and motion studies Signup and view all the answers

Who can the incident commander give authority to, immediately suspend, or alter activities on an incident scene?

safety officer Signup and view all the answers

What federal directive mandates incident management training?

HSPD-5 Signup and view all the answers

In the context of having their security threatened, fire fighters may do what is necessary to survive. In that situation, how will they feel, typically, about advancing the objectives of the fire department or their officers?

not highly motivated Signup and view all the answers

According to Taylor, ____________________ calls for optimizing the ways tasks are performed and simplifying the jobs so workers could be trained to perform a specialized sequence of motions in the one best way.

scientific management Signup and view all the answers

How many days is a supervisor given to reply to a written grievance?

10 days Signup and view all the answers

What NFPA standard covers health-related fitness programs for fire department members?

NFPA 1583 Signup and view all the answers

What has been used in place of strikes to influence public opinion in favor of the wants of fire fighters during labor disputes?

picketing Signup and view all the answers

What task force developed a standardized physical ability test that is validated as an assessment of a fire fighter candidate's physical ability to perform the critical tasks of a fire fighter?

Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Task Force Signup and view all the answers

What is the fifth level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

self-actualization Signup and view all the answers

What does the accommodating person demonstrate, according to the Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid?

low concern for results, high concern for people Signup and view all the answers

Employee relations include all activities designed to __________________.

maintain a rapport with the employees Signup and view all the answers

The range, scope, and tasks of a fire officer's supervisory activities are defined by three primary components two of which are: 1) the local labor contract, and 2) the fire department's rules, regulations, and procedures. What is the third component?

the municipality's personnel regulations Signup and view all the answers

What entity provides accreditation to certificate-issuing entities and also accredits fire-related degree programs at the college and university levels?

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress Signup and view all the answers

A fire fighter complaining about work assignments in a fire station would be an example of what category of problem that a fire officer may encounter?

in-house Signup and view all the answers

What two challenges does the fire officer of the twenty-first century face?

fire station as a work location and leading volunteers Signup and view all the answers

What trend was started when The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) helped standardize fire fighter training by publishing the inaugural edition of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, in 1974?

consensus standards Signup and view all the answers

On a live fire training evolution, each handline is required to flow a minimum of how many gallons per minute?

95 GPM (359.6 L/min) Signup and view all the answers

Fire officers should avoid spending longer than ______________ on any one lecture or presentation, as adult learners tend to let their attention drift after that.

15 to 20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

In situations where a complaint is directly related to actions taken by officers to whom the complaint is being presented, what is the rule of thumb for them?

Do not explain or excuse. Signup and view all the answers

Which NFPA standard outlines the principle duties of a public information officer?

1035 Signup and view all the answers

In general, at what level should a problem be solved within an organization?

at the lowest possible level Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step when establishing a local public education program?

Identify the fire or life-safety problem. Signup and view all the answers

What does the D stand for in the ABCD of public education course design?

degree Signup and view all the answers

Should leadership style change from the time of size-up to the time of execution of the chosen plan?

True Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the number and complexity of decision-making situations as fire officers move up through the ranks?

They both increase. Signup and view all the answers

The specific behavior to perform, the conditions in which it must be performed, and the performance measure are all part of what?

an objective statement Signup and view all the answers

What does the B stand for in the ABCD of public education course design?

behavior Signup and view all the answers

How should a company officer handle a discrepancy dealing with the duties of an engine company at a fire scene?

Refer the problem to an officer higher in the organization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the C stand for in the ABCD of public education course design?

conditions Signup and view all the answers

Is it ever appropriate for a fire department to make an effort to speak a non-English language in the United States?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the best implementation strategy for a program that involves extensive community contact?

willing participation Signup and view all the answers

Progressive fire departments realize it is their responsibility to save the lives and property of their citizens from all types of incidents through what process?

prevention Signup and view all the answers

A(n) ___________________ shows a building from above, identifying doors, utilities access, and any special considerations or hazards.

plot plan Signup and view all the answers

If a fire officer is unable to resolve a citizen complaint dealing with an operational issue, to whom should the complaint be forwarded?

chief of operations Signup and view all the answers

Budget preparation is a process that is both technical and ________________.

political Signup and view all the answers

Should a fire officer tell a complainant that certain actions will be taken?

False Signup and view all the answers

What can an agency conduct to identify hazards and the probability of the hazard occurring?

risk assessment Signup and view all the answers

On a NFPA 704 symbol, which number represents the highest hazard?

4 Signup and view all the answers

When solving the problems, what must be the fire officer's primary focus area?

the best interest of the fire department Signup and view all the answers

For non-life-threatening hazards causing a failure of the inspection, when should a follow-up inspection be conducted?

within 30 days Signup and view all the answers

What type of documents are developed by a standards developing organization, such as the NFPA, and made available for adoption by authorities having jurisdiction?

model codes Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step in problem-solving after implementing a solution?

evaluating the results Signup and view all the answers

Which type of special extinguishing system is used to protect areas such as gasoline storage tanks?

foam Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the larger sources of grant funds for both municipal and volunteer fire departments?

the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Signup and view all the answers

What does the blue field on a NFPA 704 symbol represent?

health Signup and view all the answers

Are building codes or fire prevention codes legally enforceable?

True Signup and view all the answers

In the five-step process of decision-making, once a solution is selected, what happens next?

The solution must be implemented. Signup and view all the answers

A pre-incident plan should be developed with the goal of being useful in the event of an emergency to the fire department and also to whom?

the owner Signup and view all the answers

Which type of occupancy fires have a higher-than-average number of fire fighter line-of-duty fire deaths?

mercantile Signup and view all the answers

Nuclear power plants, bulk fuel storage facilities, hospitals, and jails are examples of what type of properties?

high-rise Signup and view all the answers

In a line-item budget, what is the term for the last set of numbers that describes the actual object purchased, such as replacement fire hose?

subobject code Signup and view all the answers

What agency has extensive experience in tracking evacuees?

American Red Cross Signup and view all the answers

To what organization can fire departments often turn for help in evacuation situations requiring basic services such as food and water?

the public school systems Signup and view all the answers

An incremental process can be used to develop pre-incident plans where access to some data is limited. What does an incremental process mean?

Start with a simple plan, add to it over time. Signup and view all the answers

Time, owner resistance, and ____________________ are factors that hinder the collection of data during a fire inspection.

proprietary information Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Harassment and Management in Fire Departments

The Fire Chief is responsible for taking corrective action if an investigation confirms harassment complaints.
Fire fighters can initiate harassment complaints at any level of their choice.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws regarding civil rights in the workplace.
Officers must consult supervisors before making decisions that exceed their authority.

Organizational Structure and Procedures

A policy provides definitive guidelines for present and future actions in an organization.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) prescribe specific methods for routine operations.
Fire brigades are used by private industries for fire protection in large facilities.
The lowest level of fire officer eligible for chief officer positions is III.

Firefighter Management and Operations

Key functions of fire officer management include organizing, planning, and controlling operations.
Organizing involves utilizing available resources into a functional unit.
Planning entails developing systematic methods to achieve objectives.
Controlling considers the budget implications before making purchases.

Firefighter Safety and Training

The leading causes of firefighter fatalities in burning structures are flashover and structural collapse.
The NFPA indicates that approximately 72% of American firefighters are volunteers.
Time and motion studies have significantly improved performance in the Fire Fighter Combat Challenge.
NFPA 1583 covers health-related fitness programs for firefighter members.

Employee Relations and Human Resources

Employee relations focus on maintaining good rapport with employees.
The principles of scientific management emphasize optimizing task performance for efficiency.
Diversity within fire departments is essential for meeting the needs of culturally diverse communities.
Strikes by state or municipal workers are generally illegal in most areas.

Fire Science and Equipment

Each handline in live fire training must flow at least 95 gallons per minute to meet requirements.
The minimum number of firefighters required for an interior operation is 2.
The NFPA 704 symbol uses the number 4 to indicate the highest hazard level.

Decision-Making and Problem Resolution

In addressing a citizen complaint, fire officers should forward unresolved issues to the chief of operations.
The five-step decision-making process concludes with evaluating the results after implementing solutions.
Problems should be resolved at the lowest possible organizational level.

Public Education and Community Engagement

The first step in establishing a local public education program is identifying the fire or life-safety problem.
Willing participation is crucial for implementing community contact programs effectively.

Budgeting and Financial Management

Budget preparation is both a technical and political process that requires careful consideration of various interests.
Fire departments often use attrition as a preferred method to manage labor supply.

Compliance and Regulations

Regulations are developed by government organizations to implement laws passed by governmental bodies.
Building codes and fire prevention codes are enforceable by law.

Accreditation and Standardization

The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress oversees accreditation for fire-related educational programs.
The NFPA standards, such as NFPA 1001 and NFPA 1035, aid in establishing training and public information officer duties.

Miscellaneous

Education involves imparting knowledge through systematic instruction.
Private firefighting services aid in protecting commercial entities, significantly influencing community safety strategies.

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Test your knowledge on essential concepts related to fire officer responsibilities, including handling harassment complaints and understanding cultural diversity. This quiz is a perfect resource for those preparing for leadership roles in fire services.