Glossary of Terms

Question 1

Chow:

Answer 1

A tradition in the Fire Service where everyone at the fire station working that shift puts in money for lunch or dinner costing around $13 to $15.

Question 2

Class A Burn Building:

Answer 2

The multi-story building where fire suppression training utilizing live fire with Class A ordinary combustibles is done at the Training Academy for recruits as well as for continued training for the Department.

Question 3

Class B Burn Building:

Answer 3

The multi-story building where fire suppression training utilizing live fire with Class B natural gas props is done at the Training Academy for new recruits as well as for continued training for the Department.

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 Fire Department comes in contact with either directly or indirectly. Customers may be internal, within the Department, or external, outside of the Department.

Question 6

Engine Company:

Answer 6

A piece of apparatus that carries hose, water and has a pump. Its primary function on a fire is to provide water to extinguish the fire. All engine companies in the City of Phoenix also have ALS capabilities.

Question 7

Ladder Company:

Answer 7

Apiece of apparatus that has a large aerial ladder or platform (usually 100 feet) and carries additional ground ladders and tools. Its primary function on a fire is to support the fire attack by forcing entry, ventilating the structure, providing lighting, securing utilities, providing salvage and overhaul, and many other support functions. Ladder companies are also responsible for extrication.

Question 8

Rescue Company:

Answer 8

A piece of fire apparatus that is used to transport sick and injured people. It has a two-person crew and also responds to fires where the crew is used for manpower.

Question 9

Extrication:

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Firefighter Mentor:

Answer 10

A firefighter or engineer who is assigned to the Training Academy to assist the RTOs with training the Recruit Firefighters and to help Recruit Firefighters overcome any difficulties they may be experiencing.

Question 11

Forcible Entry:

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Grinder:

Answer 12

The cement area outside at the Training Academy where most of hands-on training occurs.

Question 13

Health Center:

Answer 13

A clinic run by the PFD that provides medical exams, fitness evaluations, industrial injury management, infectious exposure management and many other medical services to firefighters from across the Valley.

Question 14

Kitty:

Answer 14

A fund that is created at every fire station and at the Training Academy to buy snacks, condiments, cable tv, newspapers, coffee, etcetera. Every firefighter contributes to this fund on payday. The amount varies depending on the strength of the kitty but is typically about $10 per pay period. (two weeks)

Question 15

Chain Saw:

Answer 15

A gas powered saw primarily used for cutting ventilation holes in wooden roofs and are carried on all ladder trucks, ladder tenders and squad companies.

Question 16

K-12 Saw (Rescue Saw):

Answer 16

A gas powered circular saw used for forcible entry, extrication and ventilation. These saws are carried on all ladder trucks, ladder tenders and squad companies. Many engines have also begun carrying the K-12. The saw comes with three blades (wood, metal and masonry). Most companies carry this saw with the metal blade in place to be used for forcible entry operations.

Question 17

Lay a Line:

Answer 17

The task of connecting fire house to a fire hydrant as the engine is driven closer to the fire. This connects the engine to the fire hydrant for an uninterrupted water supply to supplement the 500 gallons of water carried by PFD apparatus.

Question 18

Local 493:

Answer 18

Firefighters, after successful completion of the Training Academy, are invited to become a part of an organized Labor Union called the International Association of Firefighters. The Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, and Peoria Chapter is Local 493. The Union bargains for firefighter wages and benefits and participates in all functions of the Fire Department.

Question 19

Member’s Assistant Program:

Answer 19

A comprehensive program that may be accessed by any Fire Department member to provide short-term counseling and help in times of need. The MAP can help with drugs and alcohol, marital problems, emotional issues and family issues to name a few.

Question 20

PFD:

Answer 20

Phoenix Fire Department.

Question 21

PIO:

Answer 21

Public Information Officer- This is a Fire Department representative that is assigned to and specializes in the news media. The Fire Department depends on public support and responds to customers in the most dire circumstances. This requires a constant flow of information to all avenues of media.

Question 22

Plug:

Answer 22

A fire hydrant.

Question 23

Recruit Engine Company:

Answer 23

The team each recruit is assigned to while in the Academy. The Recruit Engine Company usually consists of 4-6 recruits and one RTO.

Question 24

Ride Along:

Answer 24

A program the Fire Department has that allows civilians such as family, friends, EMS personnel, and citizens, etcetera to familiarize them with what the Fire Department does. Most riders go to the fire station, sign a waiver, and then ride with the fire company as they respond on incidents for several hours.

Question 25

RTO:

Answer 25

Recruit Training Officer- A Fire Captain that is assigned to the Training Academy to train Recruits.

Question 26

SCBA:

Answer 26

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus- The air pack used by firefighters to breathe fresh air in smoky, oxygen deficient, or otherwise contaminated atmospheres.

Question 27

Search and Rescue:

Answer 27

An activity that is preformed on fire incidents by fire crews to systematically locate and then remove fire victims. Rescue is always the first priority at any incident.

Question 28

Shift:

Answer 28

The 24-hour period of time that a firefighter works. This is 0800 hours to 0800 hours every third day. The PFD has 3 shifts (A, B, C) to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Question 29

Tool:

Answer 29

Usually a hand tool such as an axe, sledgehammer, pike pole, or other manually operated equipment.

Question 30

Ventilate:

Answer 30

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