The typical company officer, if there is such a thing, must address many tasks and responsibilities. When a career company officer reports for duty at a firehouse, the long list includes administrative duties that must be conducted in the company office but also activities that are associated with the turnout gear and equipment that the individual will need for emergency operations. Other activities that are on the list might or might not need to be conducted on the apparatus floor.
Check-ins
Recording the on-duty crew status in the computer system or completing overtime shifts that are being worked must be conducted in the office. However, after completing the administrative duties, what else must be conducted by the officer? If a roll call will be conducted, the officer must prepare a riding list of the on-duty members with their associated tactical assignments. If other administrative activities that weren’t completed during the last tour are unfinished, they, too, should be completed and forwarded.
At this point, the on-duty firefighters are finishing their apparatus and tool checks on the apparatus floor and will turn their attention to the daily housework. This might be a good time for the officer to visit the apparatus floor to check in with the firefighters who checked the rig to see whether any tools or equipment must be removed from service or repaired, which might require a spare or new equipment as a replacement. Any first-time tool or equipment additions to the apparatus will have been discovered by now, and the officer can explain to the firefighters the purpose and use of those items.
After responding to alarms or conducting other outside activities, the company will return to quarters and prepare the afternoon meal. The officer can take this time to resume administrative duties in the office or walk around the apparatus floor to look over the workbench, the tool locker or closet, and any electronic or hydraulic machinery, such as compressors, wire wheels and torch sets. Sometimes, these tools aren’t used for extended periods and can collect material that’s stored around them, which makes them difficult or unsafe to access and use. Other items, such as storage closets, training props and flammable liquid containers, also should be examined.
Training
At some point during the shift, the officer should assemble the members to conduct a training activity. This can be conducted outside of the firehouse in the rear yard or at a distant location. During inclement weather or when it’s too hot or cold, the apparatus floor provides a large, well-lit area that can be used for training.
Some companies construct training props for roof cutting, forcible entry and hydrant operations, which allow them to train and practice hands-on skills right on the apparatus floor. Training on the apparatus floor saves time by eliminating a drive to a remote location.
Engaged and involved
The apparatus floor often is thought of simply as a garage. However, it’s much more than that. Company officers who are engaged with their members and involved in the many activities and training evolutions that are conducted every shift should be on the apparatus floor with their members participating in those activities.
Another benefit of the officer spending time on the apparatus floor is that it will attract the on-duty members to that area, which will result in more familiarity with the tools, equipment, apparatus and training props that are out there 24/7.
