Glossary Of Terms

Question 1

Chow

Answer 1

Lunch or dinner.
Each put in $13-$15 at the beginning of the day to buy food.
Firefighters take turns cooking.

Question 2

Class A burn building

Answer 2

Multi-story building where fire suppression training utilizing live fire with class A ordinary combustibles is done at the academy

Question 3

Class B burn building

Answer 3

Multi-story building where fire suppression training utilizing live fire with class B natural gas props is done.

Question 4

Crew

Answer 4

A group of firefighters assigned to the same piece of apparatus or station.

Question 5

Customer

Answer 5

Anyone the department comes in contact with either directly or indirectly.
May be internal or external.

Question 6

Engine company

Answer 6

Piece of apparatus that carries hose, water, and has a pump.
Primary function is to provide water to extinguish the fire.
All have ALS capabilities.

Question 7

Extrication

Answer 7

The removal of trapped victims from smashed automobiles, equipment, or any other place someone may be mechanically trapped.
Can be done with hand tools, but usually involves power tools.

Question 8

Firefighter mentor

Answer 8

A firefighter or engineer who is assigned to the training academy to assist the RTOs with training the recruits and to help recruits overcome any difficulties they may be experiencing.

Question 9

Forcible entry

Answer 9

Forcing a door of other access point with tools or a foot in order to get inside of a locked structure.

Question 10

Grinder

Answer 10

The cement area outside at the academy where most hands-on training occurs.

Question 11

Health center

Answer 11

Clinic run by the department that provides medical exams, fitness evaluations, industrial injury management, infectious exposure management, and many other medical services to firefighters from across the valley.

Question 12

Kitty

Answer 12

Fund that is created at every station and at the academy to buy snacks, condiments, cable TV, newspaper, coffee, etc.
everyone contributes to the fund on payday.
Amount varies but is typically $10 per pay period.

Question 13

K-12 saw (rescue saw)

Answer 13

Gas powered circular saw used for forcible entry, extrication, and ventilation.
Carried on all ladder trucks, ladder tenders, and squad companies.
Comes with three blades for wood, metal, and masonry.

Question 14

Ladder company

Answer 14

Piece of apparatus that has a large aerial ladder or platform (usually 100 ft) and carries additional ground ladders and tools.
Primary function is to support the fire attack by forcing entry, ventilating the structure, providing lighting, securing utilities, providing salvage and overhaul, and other support functions.
Responsible for extrication.

Question 15

Lay a line

Answer 15

Task of connecting fire hose to s fire hydrant as the engine is driven closer to the fire.
This connects the engine to the hydrant for uninterrupted water supply to supplement the 500 gallons of water carried by PFD apparatus.

Question 16

Local 493

Answer 16

Firefighters union for Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, and Peoria.

Question 17

Member’s assistance program

Answer 17

Comprehensive program that may be accessed by any member to provide short term counseling and help in times of need.
Can help with drugs and alcohol, marital problems, emotional issues and family issues

Question 18

Public information officer

Answer 18

Department representative assigned to and specializes in the news media.

Question 19

Plug

Answer 19

Fire hydrant

Question 20

Recruit engine company

Answer 20

The team each recruit is assigned to in the academy.

Usually consist of 4-6 recruits and 1 RTO.

Question 21

Rescue company

Answer 21

Piece of apparatus that is used primarily to transport sick and injured people.
2 person crew
Responds to fires where the crew is used for manpower.

Question 22

Recruit training officer

Answer 22

A fire captain that is assigned to the academy to train recruits

Question 23

Self contained breathing apparatus

Answer 23

The air pack used by firefighters to breathe fresh air in smoky, oxygen deficient, or otherwise contaminated atmospheres.

Question 24

Search and rescue

Answer 24

Performed by fire crews to systematically locate and remove fire victims.
Rescue is always the first priority at any incident.

Question 25

Ventilate

Answer 25

The physical act of removing smoke from a fire involved building.
Can be performed by cutting holes in the roof, using fans, breaking windows, or using hose lines.

Question 26

Chain saw

Answer 26

Gas powered saw used for cutting ventilation holes in wooden roofs.
Available on all ladder trucks, ladder tenders and squad companies.