Chapter 3 Flashcards
42
administrative fire officer
Battalion chief or district chief
In response to a recent survey chief officers outlined four basic tasks they considered vital for new officers
- Beginning of shift report-( other departments) report is provided for each work location to BC within first hour reporting in. Chiefs rely on this information to make staffing adjustments, this report provides on-duty staffing information sick leave identifies positions and need to be filled.
- notifications- new supervising fire officer must make prompt notifications information must be passed up the chain of command quickly– the surprises rule–
3/4. decision-making and problem-solving some chiefs complain new fire officers hesitate to make decisions. They seem to want the chief to make hard decisions and enforce unpopular rules. Make the decisions that are within their scope. Don’t complain about problems without proposing solutions
* consider the larger picture of how the possible solution would affect the rest of the department*
45-46
the four times in a firefighters career when major changes occur
- Firefighter completes probationary training.
- Firefighter completes promotional process, company officer
- firefighter completes another perk level of training advances through the promotion process, chief officer
- firefighter retires
46
When a FFer promotes to an officer, what changes are required in this new sphere of responsibility ?
They change some on-duty behaviors or practices
Behavior that was acceptable for a firefighter may be unacceptable for fire officer
46
James Page, wrote in his book, Effective Company Command, the company officer’s duties can be divided into three roles
Supervisor
Commander
Trainer
46
Three roles of the officer, Supervisor
Function as official representative of Fire Chief. Officer is expected to supervise company consistent with rules and regulations of the fire department.
46
How can a fire officer improve his or her effectiveness in handling an unpopular order?
By determining the story or history behind the order enable the fire officer to put the directive in perspective.
Officers should express concerns/objections with their supervisor in private. Telling firefighters the officer doesn’t agree with in order undermines the authority and supervisory ability of the chief
47
Commander- three functions of company officer
Operating on emergency incident officers expected to function as a commander and exercise strong direct supervision over company members.
Functioning as an initial incident commander on a major incident one of the higher profile roles of the fire officer. The officer needs to be clear, calm and concise at initial radio traffic.
Command presence is a key part of mastering the art of incident command= project an image of being in control.
Officer must convince others to follow by demonstrating the ability to take charge and make correct decisions
47-48
Trainer- officer functions of company officer
Officer has responsibility of ensuring firefighters are confident and competent in skills. the officer plays a key role in developing these competencies with the company
48
James Page makes three specific recommendations to assist officers in developing competencies (training) within the company
Develop a personal training library
Know the neighborhood
Use problem-solving scenarios
48
How to set up a personal training library
Three ring binder with subject matter tabs. Each training event attended notes from that session are placed into the three ring binder along with handouts product information sheet and other related materials. When the officer is preparing to present the class covers a specific topic referred to training library
48
Leo Stapleton advocated maintaining a _____
Maintaining a personal journal of to record information about incidents they and issues handled.
For working incidents that would include what was encountered, what they learned, and how they would handle it the next time.
49
Know the neighborhood- recommendations of James Page
Firefighter should have a detailed knowledge of the environment they protect. This includes walking structures and pre-incident plans or diagrams. Aerial views are especially valuable for apartment complexes, building parks, and retail areas.
49
Problem-solving scenarios- James Page
Officers can help company members become more skilled and knowledgeable by providing opportunities to use problem-solving skills.
Page would present fact-based situations and require company members to use code to solve the problem. This is an excellent way for adults to learn concepts, regulations and decision-making skills.
49
Every officer has an obligation to work effectively with their supervisor. What are the three activities that are necessary to ensure a good working relationship?
- Keep supervisor informed
- Make appropriate decisions at your level
- consult with your supervisor before making major disciplinary actions/policy changes
