The Fire Chief Russell Thomas supervises about 237 personnel.
The City of Charleston Fire Department is a Class I rated department consisting of 19 fire companies located throughout the city.
The Fire Chief Russell Thomas supervises 3 Assistant Chiefs and 12 Battalion Chiefs, who command three shifts and work 24 hours on and 48 hours off. The 3 Assistant Chiefs cover five areas - uptown, downtown and West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island, and John's Island. The remainder of the Fire Department staff consists of Captains, fire drivers and firefighters.
A Captain is in charge of each station, with a fire driver and two firefighters in his company. Staffing level is currently at 237 personnel.
