![]() Why? Because they are the ones who do that job every day and should be the most proficient at it given the practice they should be getting or having to prepare for such incidents. While some might say a deputy chief should take over from the battalion chief since they are senior in rank, unless that is required for political or exigent circumstances, I’m all for letting the on-duty battalion chiefs run the incident. I’m not there to take over the fire I’m there to assist and support them as needed. While it may not be feasible given a department’s staffing or finances, if there is any chance of having a senior officer be able to serve as an on-scene or at the command post mentor or advisor to offer suggestions or advice, while not having to be actively involved in managing the incident, that would be ideal.įor example, as a deputy chief, when I show up at a fire, the first thing I do is check-in at the command post, with one of our three on-duty battalion chief who is serving as the incident commander (IC). Similar to what I discussed above, I truly feel simulated incidents can be very valuable to help set someone up for success in their current and future position. What types of training should be employed to ensure new officers are able to successfully command a fire? It’s a great way for senior personnel to transfer their knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to those who want to step up to command a fire, especially in a comfortable and controlled, simulated environment. Since it’s almost impossible to get actual on-the-job training for commanding a fire – since those who aspire to command a fire are usually required to do their regular duties at an actual fire until they’re actually in a position to act or serve in the position – the next best thing is simulated events. While there are several various simulation software programs one can purchase to use, it can also be as simple as taking a magazine or newspaper picture with fire or finding pictures and videos on the internet or social media. Further, this can be done at no cost, the only cost being time. ![]() This can easily be done on duty in the course of the daily activities, but it requires both parties to have an appreciation for both personal and career development. While many point fingers at their leadership, saying they are not being sent to enough training classes on or off the job, or that their department as a whole is not fully preparing them to do their job (and the one they may be preparing for), there is a much cheaper and easier method: mentoring and coaching by one’s supervisor.įor example, a firefighter or engineer preparing to be a captain or a captain preparing to be a battalion chief should have that person (their supervisor in the respective position) mentor and coach them to be the best they can be. This training can occur in the firehouse, the classroom and even in the field. Prziborowski: While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for anything, the best approach is through simulated training. Steve Prziborowski, deputy chief for the Santa Clara County (California) Fire Department, has over 27 years of fire service experience, the last 13 as a chief officer.įireRescue1: What is the best approach for training new officers to command their first fire? ![]() ![]() This is a team sport, and there should be no harm in having as much support as possible at the command post, especially for a new officer who has not had the opportunity to command many (if any) fires.” I kindly chimed in, ‘Have you considered requesting a third alarm?’ He had not, but immediately got on the radio requesting one, looking at me and saying, ‘Thank you.’ I realize he would have eventually caught that he needed one, but I’ve also realized how easy it is at the command post to get task overloaded and sometimes forget key things because of all the distractions. I had a smile on my face and asked, ‘How can I assist?’ He said, ‘How about hanging out here for a bit?’ As he was doing a good job assigning personnel and resources, I remember him almost using up all of his resources in staging, and the incident was nowhere near being under control. Prziborowski relayed a story of how he arrived on the fire scene (as a deputy chief) and offered his expertise to a new battalion chief: “I could tell the new battalion chief was a bit overwhelmed, and he was very happy to see me. Steve Prziborowski, deputy chief for the Santa Clara County (California) Fire Department, has over 27 years of fire service experience, the last 13 as a chief officer – and he’s run more than a few fires in his day. As such, mentoring, coaching and on-scene guidance are critical. Running command for your first time is a stressful experience, particularly because it’s almost impossible to get actual on-the-job training for commanding a fire. ![]()
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