There are usually one to two firefighters in each company. (Photo/FDNY)Īny one member of the department can be called a “firefighter,” but it’s also a rank of its own.įirefighters are responsible for the hands-on actions of fire suppression and search and rescue. Probationary firefighters must earn their place in the department.
Upon completion of the probationary period, probies are sworn in as full-time members of the department. They are the lowest-ranking members of the fire service.Īs a probationary firefighter, candidates undergo training and evaluation for the first six to twelve months of their employment to make sure that their character and skills meet the high standards of the fire service. Probationary firefighters (“ probies”) are fire recruits who have just been hired by the fire department as an “at will,” entry-level employee. Here’s a general outline of the rankings for metropolitan departments: Probationary firefighter Personnel with these units receive additional training for their particular specialty.Ī battalion is composed of several fire stations and the companies that are assigned to them. Companies are led by a lieutenant or captain.Ī unit within the fire department may be dedicated to special tasks such as EMS or special rescue from dangerous environments. Organizational divisions in the fire departmentĪ fire department is separated into several parts according to their function.Īn engine or truck company consists of a major vehicle and its firefighting or EMS personnel. Here is an outline of the firefighter ranks in order: They must also take written exams and interview with their superior officers before advancing to the next firefighter rank.
In order to get promoted, firefighters are required to serve a certain amount of time at each level of the department. The fire service was developed as a paramilitary organization, which means that its ranks and chain of command were taken from the military. This article, originally published in December 2011, has been updated