Section Three: Glossary of Terms

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Chain Saw

Question 2

Lunch or dinner. At the fire station everyone who is working that shift puts in money, usually around $13 - $15, at the beginning of the day to buy the food for the noon and evening meals. The firefighters often take turns cooking. This is a fire service tradition

Answer 2

Chow

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

Class A Burn Building

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Class B Burn Building

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Crew

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Customer

Question 7

A pieced of fire 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 or advanced life support capabilities.

Answer 7

Engine Company

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Extrication

Question 9

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.

Answer 9

Firefighter Mentor

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Forcible Entry

Question 11

The cement are outside at the Training Academy where most hands-on training occurs

Answer 11

Grinder

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Health Center

Question 13

A fund that is created at every fire station and at the training academy to buy snacks, condiments, cable TV,newspaper, coffee, etc. Every firefighter contributes to this fund on payday. The amount varies depending on the strength of the kitty but it’s typically about $10 per pay period (two weeks).

Answer 13

Kitty

Question 14

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 use for forcible entry operations

Answer 14

K-12 (Rescue Saw)

Question 15

A piece of fire 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

Answer 15

Ladder Company

Question 16

The task of connecting fire hose 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.

Answer 16

Lay a Line

Question 17

Fire fighters, after successful completion of the training academy, are invited to become part of an organized labor union called 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.

Answer 17

Local 493

Question 18

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.

Answer 18

Member’s Assistance Program

Question 19

The Phoenix Fire Department

Answer 19

PFD

Question 20

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 of circumstances. This requires a constant flow of information to all avenues of the media.

Answer 20

PIO

Question 21

A fire hydrant

Answer 21

Plug

Question 22

The team each recruit is assigned to while in the Academy. The recruit engine company usually consists of 4-6 recruiters and one RTO.

Answer 22

Recruit Engine Company

Question 23

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

Answer 23

Rescue Company

Question 24

A program the fire department has that allows civilians such as family, friends, EMS personnel, and citizens, etc. 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.

Answer 24

Ride Along

Question 25

Recruit training officer – a fire captain that is assigned to the training academy to train recruits.

Answer 25

RTO

Question 26

Self-contained breathing apparatus – the airpack used by firefighters to breathe fresh air in smoky, oxygen deficient, but otherwise contaminated atmospheres.

Answer 26

SCBA

Question 27

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

Answer 27

Search and Rescue

Question 28

The 24 – hour period of time that a firefighter works. This is 0800 hours to 0800 hours every third day. The Phoenix fire department has three shifts (A, B and C) to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Answer 28

Shift

Question 29

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

Answer 29

Tool

Question 30

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

Answer 30

Ventilate

Question 31

Relationships by Objective is how the Department’s Administration and the Local 493 interact and develop plans and problem solve to achieve the necessary results to move the Department forward and accomplish our goals.

Answer 31

RBO