Fire Station Operations Protocols

Standard Operating Procedures for Lieutenants

• Lieutenants are the company commanding officers during their shift.
• They have authority over personnel in their company.
• Lieutenants cannot make permanent changes to their station, equipment, personnel, or apparatus without company captain authorization.
• Lieutenants' duties include carrying out verbal and written instructions from the company captain, station captain, and district chief.
• They are responsible for performing duties outlined in SOP 208 (Company Officer).
• The senior lieutenant takes charge of the company in the absence of the company captain.

General Promotional Requirements for Lieutenants

• Engineers must serve a minimum of 12 months as an Engineer before applying for promotion.
• Provisional time does not count towards the 12-month requirement.
• Applicants must hold a current Municipal Fire Inspector I certification (Prevention Division).
• Applicants must hold a current State of Florida Paramedic certification (Suppression and Rescue Division).
• Applicants must hold the NIMS Incident Command System certifications I-100 and I-200.
• Applicants must hold a JFRD Fire Officer I certification (Suppression, Rescue, and Prevention Divisions). The certification must have been obtained before 1/2/2019
• Or, a valid State of Florida Fire Officer I certification.
• Or, a valid A.S./B.S. degree in Fire Science, and/or a valid A.S./B.S. degree in EMS Management.
• Any certification must be submitted to the Training Academy by the application deadline.

General Promotional Requirements for Engineers

• Firefighters must serve at least 12 months as a Firefighter before applying for a promotion.
• Firefighters must obtain certifications for 1302 Apparatus Operations or Florida Certified Pump Operator, and 703 Aerial Operations or Florida Aerial Operations.
• All certifications must be submitted by the Training Academy within the application deadline.

Duties and Responsibilities for Company Officers

• Company officers, including Captains, Lieutenants, and Engineers, oversee their company members.
• They enforce JFRD rules, regulations, SOPs, SAPs, SOGs, and the Union Contract.
• They are responsible for ensuring personnel under their supervision receive proper training for their roles and have necessary knowledge of rescue and operations.
• Rescue officers must be knowledgeable of emergency medical care and building locations, including streets and character within the response territory.
• Suppression officers must be familiar with fire prevention, extinguishment, and emergency situations.
• Company officers are responsible for resolving disagreements within their districts following the chain of command.
• They are responsible for promptly reporting any rule infractions by their subordinates.

Training Requirements for Company Officers

• Company officers are responsible for the training of personnel under their supervision.
• They must conduct practical drills, to cover apparatus and equipment training, with new or probationary firefighters assigned.
• A time limit of 90 days is given for new or permanent members, and 6 months to learn territory information

Personnel Evaluations for Company Officers

• Company officers are required to submit monthly performance evaluations for probationary firefighters assigned to their companies.
• These evaluations help determine the firefighters’ promotion possibilities.

Reports for Company Officers

• Company officers are responsible for accurate reporting.
• This includes reports on every matter under their supervision, in the proper form, accuracy, and completeness
• A timely report is submitted by the end of the shift.
• Reports regarding equipment, going to or coming from the repair shop, must be accurately recorded.

Firefighter Duties

• Firefighters perform all duties assigned by their superiors.
• Firefighters shall be knowledgeable of major streets, water sources, commercial buildings, schools, and high life hazard buildings within their first alarm territory.
• Required knowledge also includes the use of all equipment carried on their apparatus.
• Firefighters shall participate in training sessions, company drills, maintaining physical and mental health.
• Firefighters are also responsible for learning all aspects of the JFRD activities.

Apparatus Back-in-Service for Firefighters

• With assignments complete, firefighters assist the company officers and crew with restoring the apparatus to service as quickly as possible.

Firefighter Riding Out of Position (OOP)

• Firefighters may be assigned to operate apparatus in the absence of the Engineer, provided the District/Battalion Chief has not already designated another firefighter, and the firefighter meets the necessary knowledge and skills required.

Training regarding Deficiencies for Firefighters

• Sufficient training opportunities are provided to newly assigned personnel.
• If a deficiency is noted by company officers, the District/Battalion Chief will intervene to facilitate development of a training plan for correction.
• The 30-day training review period will be conducted.

Probationary Firefighter Requirements

• Probationary firefighters must complete the required tasks within the 12-month probationary period.
• This includes driver and apparatus training
• Basic fireground skills
• Tasks outlined in probationary firefighter task books
• 7-month and 11-month examinations
• Monthly review of performance
• Vector Solutions assignments.

Probationary Firefighter Examinations

• Probationary firefighters are required to pass written, oral, and practical examinations with a minimum score of 80%.
• The 7-month exam must be completed within 7 months of hire, and the 11-month within 11 months.
• The first two parts (oral and practical) are administered by the District/Battalion Chief; the written exam is given by the company officer who witnesses the completion.
• There are checklist-based requirements for engine and ladder companies.

Attendance Policy

• Personnel working 24-hour shifts must report to work by 0800 hours.
• Personnel working other than 24-hour shifts must report no later than the scheduled start time.
• Personnel must remain on duty until relieved by oncoming personnel.
• Certain requests for leave (e.g., for less than two shifts or for illnesses) must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours in advance, unless the leave is for illness.
• Requests for leave of more than two shifts require submission at least two weeks in advance.
• Personnel must report to work on their next scheduled day (or notify their officer by 0730) following an illness absence.
• There are various leave types, and certain leaves can't be denied during an employee's vacation month (e.g., annual leave).
• Personnel are typically not required to report immediately following a sick leave period or when on jury duty.
• Recall procedures are activated in major emergencies, though salary and benefits aren't usually suspended.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Procedures

• JFRD personnel must have all required PPE available when on duty.
• PPE must be clean and in good condition.
• PPE over ten years old should be replaced immediately.
• Damaged or defective gear must be reported to the Chief immediately.
• There are specific procedures for cleaning and maintaining each type of PPE (e.g., helmets, boots, coats, gloves, etc.).
• The required PPE is specified for each type of call (i.e., Suppression or Rescue).

Station Procedures

• Specific procedures, including monthly inspection policies and protocols for site safety inspections, are outlined
• Proper procedures regarding personnel vehicles, alarms, working routines, holiday work routines, and personal phone calls are defined.

JFRD Uniform Requirements

• JFRD uniforms and accessories have defined requirements for their appearance and usage in various circumstances.
• The proper type of uniform (Class A, B, C, or D) to be worn depends on the specific work or event to which personnel are assigned.
• Certain items may be worn according to rank of position held.
• Some items that are not approved or issued by the JFRD are not permitted under any circumstances.
• Uniforms and personnel must meet certain safety requirements.

Personal Grooming

• All JFRD personnel must maintain a professional appearance in terms of cleanliness and appropriate attire.
• Hair styles that hinder the use of safety equipment are prohibited.
• Facial hair (e.g., mustaches, beards, sideburns) must meet specific requirements in terms of length and style.
• Employees must be clean-shaven unless exceptions are granted based on their employment records prior to 8/5/2021.
• Any tattoos considered inappropriate or offensive must be covered with clothing.
• Specific jewelry (e.g., necklaces, bracelets) is limited to certain areas, and visible body piercing is prohibited.
• Any visible tattoos, offensive to others, must be covered.
• Offensive body odors are not permitted.
• Fingernails must be appropriately trimmed.

Test your knowledge on fire station operations and routines with this quiz. Questions cover responsibilities, work routines during holidays, and safety inspections. Ensure you understand the conditions and procedures that keep the fire station running effectively.