What do you call your operators?

[Fokker416]

It's always interesting to see how different departments from different regions of North America assign different titles to an equal rank. It seems that the title that is the most diverse is that of the apparatus operator. What do you call yours?

I am a Fire Equipment Operator, FEO. Apparently this is a pretty unique one because I haven't managed to find another dept that uses the same title. I'm still working on the history of the title. We've been around since 1885 but unfortunately city hall has been less than motivated to preserve history over the decades.

[WCENG23]

Ours and most of the other area departments- Engineer

[txgp17]

I am a Fire Equipment Operator, FEO. Apparently this is a pretty unique one because I haven't managed to find another dept that uses the same title.

Greensboro, NC uses the same title. I don't know the history behind it.

[KB1OEV]

I'm on a small volley dept and we don't have specific titles or designated firefighters for operators. If you are of age (18+) and are capable of driving the truck then you are a potential operator. We have some tough trucks to drive so those who can operate them are in the minority (think standard, no synchro and no power steering).

[nameless]

we call them tons of things, usually just driver or operator. It's not a specific rank or anything. Just one of the firefighters steps up and says they'll be the driver or the crew rotates the position.

[FIREMECH1]

For us, we call the drivers FAE's officially. Fire Apparatus Engineers. But they are normally called Engineer's. And it is a rank, step up from Fire Fighter.

Not sure when or where it started, or how it became.

FM1

[Gnufsh]

In the USFS, they are Fire Engine Operators (of course, the fs does not really need trucks so we only have engines).

edit: Also, our FEOs are fully qualified to lead the engine module in the captain's absence (or when the captain is IC), on engines with 7 day staffing they are in charge 2 days a week when the captain is on days off.

[Weruj1]

we call them tons of things, usually just driver or operator. It's not a specific rank or anything. Just one of the firefighters steps up and says they'll be the driver or the crew rotates the position.

this us too............

[BrewCityFF]

Heavy Equipment Operator -H.E.O

-engine drivers
-truck drivers

Promoted by competitive exam on written and practical skills of all job components. All hiring is based from placement on an eligible list, based numerically on exam scoring/seniority.

[JayDudley]

Up here in North Idaho they are......Engineers.

[kuh shise]

Just drivers, but on the fireground we have more experienced and mechanically inclined drivers designated as engineers. The Chief Engineer and his assistants are responsible for minor maintenance and scheduling of equipment into the shop for mechanic work, routine maintenance and annual testing. If your having a problem, they are the "Go To!" guys.

[RFDACM02]

Because our guys may do more than man the pump on many calls, when making assignments for the shift we call them the "driver".

When referring to fireground operations, as in SOG's or training they're the "pump operator".

When using radios, they're "Eng X Pump" or "Eng X Operator".

When only the station crew is operating, most formality is dropped and first names or simple jargon is used. "Shut down the blue line Joe." "Copy Lieu, shutting down".

[fireman4949]

Formerly, they were called Driver/Operators (D/O). They are now Engineers.

[RFD21C]

no offical name other then driver. everyone on the shift takes turns driving. unoffically it is called "steaming". as in hey, who is steaming today? i am not sure where the term comes. this department is the only department i have ever heard the term used. has anyone else ever heard it before?

[DeathValleyCap]

here, Engineer.

[Fokker416]

Greensboro, NC uses the same title. I don't know the history behind it.

Well at least we know it wasn't one person at city hall making something up. I'm kinda glad to see it somewhere else, at least there's a good chance there's some history here. If I find anything, I'll post it.

[rural457]

Full-Time Dept - Driver/Operator
Volunteer Dept - Engineer

[DCFDRescue2]

When I worked in Baltimore County they were called FADO's: Fire Apparatus Driver Operator.

Here in Washington DC they are all known official as "Techinician" however the more accepted terms are:

Engine:
Wagon Driver, there used to be a Pumperman as well when we ran two piece companies

Truck:
Truck Driver, or Tillerman

Rescue:
Squad Wagon Driver

[JayDudley]

When I drove a 100' aerial...I was the Engineer and there was also a Tillerman. Two different people.

[bharer75]

Full-Time Dept - Driver/Operator
Volunteer Dept - Engineer

in socal

fulltime- FAE (fire apparatus ENGINEER)