5 answers
Brayden
Student
Oak Harbor, Ohio
10
Questions
Asked
1835 views
How many ranks can be achieved as a firefighter?
How many ranks and what is the most difficult rank to get too.
Login to comment
5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Brayden in the fire service, rank isn’t just a title, it’s about responsibility, command and knowing where you stand when it’s time to get to work. Whether you’re working in a large metro fire department or a rural volunteer firefighter operation, ranks keep the team organized and the mission focused.
• PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER: This is the firefighter trainee entry-level position. The recruits undergo training and evaluation for six to 12 months. It is the lowest rank in the fire department, and recruits are assessed to see if they’re an organizational fit for the department. All trainees take instructions from those above them. After successfully completing training and evaluation, the recruits are sworn in as full-time fire department members.
• FIREFIGHTER: You become a firefighter after going through the training. Firefighters are responsible for the actual firefighting duties during live operations. These duties include operating fire rescue equipment, handling hoses, conducting searches and providing first-aid care to fire victims. Although any department member can be called a firefighter, it’s a rank on its own. A firefighter takes instructions from commanding officers.
•FIRE ENGINEER: The fire engineer or driver engineer drives the apparatus and operates the fire pump. They know everything about the apparatus and work as acting Lieutenants in the absence of a Lieutenant. Driver engineers ensure the vehicle is clean and runs efficiently. In addition, the fire engineer should know each hydrant’s location and every fire alarm in his jurisdiction. The driver engineer is also known as “apparatus operator,” or “fire equipment operator.”
•FIRE LIEUTENANT: This is an officer who oversees training, emergencies and daily tasks for an Engine or Rescue company. In the captain’s absence, the Lieutenant becomes the Acting Captain. A Lieutenant may not call all the shots at the company, but they can relay commands of their superiors and keep their juniors in check. Lieutenants are required to have knowledge of scene operations and aim to be more educated than their juniors.
• FIRE CAPTAIN: This officer supervises training, daily operations and emergency response of a Ladder/Truck company. They also supervise members assigned to the company and the fire station. A captain may have one or several Lieutenants working at the fire station on a Rescue Company or Engine Company. The captain is often the initial commander in emergencies and can act as the Battalion Chief in their absence. A captain should be able to lead firefighters and demonstrate exemplary management skills.
• BATTALION CHIEF: The Battalion Chief is the highest-ranking officer on duty and is responsible for managing the station’s personnel and creating work schedules. Before transitioning from one shift to another, the Battalion Chief should ensure enough personnel on duty. They schedule each role in the department, including managing sick days and vacation time for firefighters. Each department typically has a few rotating Chiefs to ensure the Battalion Chief position is staffed 24 hours a day.
• DIVISION CHIEF: The division chief typically oversees a major function of the department, such as operations, training, prevention or EMS. This role involves more planning and long-term project management, with less time spent responding directly to calls. Division chiefs often write policy, manage budgets, supervise battalion chiefs and provide technical assistance across their area of focus. They also serve as a bridge between field personnel and upper administration, making sure that operational needs are communicated clearly at the leadership level.
• ASSISTANT CHIEF: The Assistant Chief is responsible for controlling, managing and directing the activities of people assigned to the Operations Division. They manage the fire department’s operational and administrative functions. Assistant Chiefs develop, implement and administer projects and programs to maintain the quality of fire services and facilities by effectively using the available resources.
• FIRE CHIEF: The Fire Chief is the highest rank in the fire department. The Assistant Chief performs their duty under the supervision and command of the Fire Chief, and the Chief has the final say on the budget and all plans and projects prepared by the Assistant Chief. The Fire Chief controls every aspect of the fire department and its divisions, from training facilities and safety services to the operations divisions.
Typically, becoming a Fire Chief can take between 15 to 25 years of progressive experience and continual professional development Brayden.
• PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTER: This is the firefighter trainee entry-level position. The recruits undergo training and evaluation for six to 12 months. It is the lowest rank in the fire department, and recruits are assessed to see if they’re an organizational fit for the department. All trainees take instructions from those above them. After successfully completing training and evaluation, the recruits are sworn in as full-time fire department members.
• FIREFIGHTER: You become a firefighter after going through the training. Firefighters are responsible for the actual firefighting duties during live operations. These duties include operating fire rescue equipment, handling hoses, conducting searches and providing first-aid care to fire victims. Although any department member can be called a firefighter, it’s a rank on its own. A firefighter takes instructions from commanding officers.
•FIRE ENGINEER: The fire engineer or driver engineer drives the apparatus and operates the fire pump. They know everything about the apparatus and work as acting Lieutenants in the absence of a Lieutenant. Driver engineers ensure the vehicle is clean and runs efficiently. In addition, the fire engineer should know each hydrant’s location and every fire alarm in his jurisdiction. The driver engineer is also known as “apparatus operator,” or “fire equipment operator.”
•FIRE LIEUTENANT: This is an officer who oversees training, emergencies and daily tasks for an Engine or Rescue company. In the captain’s absence, the Lieutenant becomes the Acting Captain. A Lieutenant may not call all the shots at the company, but they can relay commands of their superiors and keep their juniors in check. Lieutenants are required to have knowledge of scene operations and aim to be more educated than their juniors.
• FIRE CAPTAIN: This officer supervises training, daily operations and emergency response of a Ladder/Truck company. They also supervise members assigned to the company and the fire station. A captain may have one or several Lieutenants working at the fire station on a Rescue Company or Engine Company. The captain is often the initial commander in emergencies and can act as the Battalion Chief in their absence. A captain should be able to lead firefighters and demonstrate exemplary management skills.
• BATTALION CHIEF: The Battalion Chief is the highest-ranking officer on duty and is responsible for managing the station’s personnel and creating work schedules. Before transitioning from one shift to another, the Battalion Chief should ensure enough personnel on duty. They schedule each role in the department, including managing sick days and vacation time for firefighters. Each department typically has a few rotating Chiefs to ensure the Battalion Chief position is staffed 24 hours a day.
• DIVISION CHIEF: The division chief typically oversees a major function of the department, such as operations, training, prevention or EMS. This role involves more planning and long-term project management, with less time spent responding directly to calls. Division chiefs often write policy, manage budgets, supervise battalion chiefs and provide technical assistance across their area of focus. They also serve as a bridge between field personnel and upper administration, making sure that operational needs are communicated clearly at the leadership level.
• ASSISTANT CHIEF: The Assistant Chief is responsible for controlling, managing and directing the activities of people assigned to the Operations Division. They manage the fire department’s operational and administrative functions. Assistant Chiefs develop, implement and administer projects and programs to maintain the quality of fire services and facilities by effectively using the available resources.
• FIRE CHIEF: The Fire Chief is the highest rank in the fire department. The Assistant Chief performs their duty under the supervision and command of the Fire Chief, and the Chief has the final say on the budget and all plans and projects prepared by the Assistant Chief. The Fire Chief controls every aspect of the fire department and its divisions, from training facilities and safety services to the operations divisions.
Typically, becoming a Fire Chief can take between 15 to 25 years of progressive experience and continual professional development Brayden.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Brayden,
Firefighting offers many opportunities for promotions as your career progresses and you develop more skills:
Probationary firefighter -> Firefighter -> Driver Engineer -> Lieutenant -> Captain -> Battalion Chief -> Assistant Chief -> Fire Chief
You find the rules for promotions in the link below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-124.45
Firefighting offers many opportunities for promotions as your career progresses and you develop more skills:
Probationary firefighter -> Firefighter -> Driver Engineer -> Lieutenant -> Captain -> Battalion Chief -> Assistant Chief -> Fire Chief
You find the rules for promotions in the link below.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
118
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hey Brayden. Every department is a little different, but it's almost universal that you have:
A probationary firefighter (your first year typically)
Firefighter (you're fully qualified and do all the tasks of a firefighter)
Engineer (sometimes called a driver / operator or chauffeur, you still have to be able to do all the tasks of a firefighter, but you have the added responsibility of driving the fire engine / fire truck and pumping the water on scene)
Lieutenant (this is generally the title of the first level of supervisor. you have to be able to do all the tasks of a firefighter, plus you're responsible for the safety of your engineer and firefighter(s), and for making sure all the rules are followed - at the fire and back at the station).
Fire Chief (this is the highest ranking member of the department, and is entirely administrative at most career fire departments. In volunteer and small career departments (1, maybe 2, fire stations and a few hundred calls a year) the Fire Chief may still respond to calls, but this position is much more about human relations, budgeting, writing policies, ordering new fire trucks, setting the strategic vision of the organization, etc.)
The other ranks become highly varied by department, depending on size and needs. Some departments have:
Captain (like a Lieutenant but slightly higher ranking. They often do the same job as a Lieutenant, but with more responsibility, like also being in charge of the entire fire station, a specialized response group like a truck or rescue company, or a particular program like training.)
Battalion Chief (the first second line supervisor, the BC usually supervises 3-8 Lieutenants/Captains. At this rank you're no longer on a fire engine / fire truck, your alone in an SUV and rather than doing hands-on tasks at an emergency scene, you're typically in command of the incident and responsible for keeping track of all the resources and have the overall responsibility for the entire operation and everyone's safety!_
District Chief (very large departments in big cities that have multiple battalion chiefs on duty at once may have a District Chief that oversees multiple battalion chiefs. Each department is different, but generally speaking the Battalion Chief will remain in command of the incident even if a higher ranking officer, like a District Chief, arrives on scene. District Chiefs and above are generally more administrative, and take on a support role of helping the Battalion Chief manage their resources.)
Division Chief (actually more common that District Chiefs, and had by most medium sized departments. The most common example of a division chief is an operations chief that works an administrative schedule (M-F) and supervises 3-4 battalion chiefs. A division chief could also be non-supervisory but oversee a very large program, such as training division chief or a fire marshal (in charge of fire prevention, fire investigations, etc.).
Assistant Chief (Very similar to a division chief, but oversees multiple divisions or programs, such as an "Assistant Chief of Operations and Training". An AC need not necessarily supervise multiple division chiefs, just multiple divisions.
Deputy Chief (In very large departments there may be a deputy chief that is the Fire Chief's right-hand man or woman. Sort of like a Vice President, the Deputy Chief is working directly alongside the Fire Chief and can quickly assume the duties of the Fire Chief if needed.).
Now, to say which is most difficult to get, thats a very hard question. Yes the Fire Chief is the highest ranking, but every fire department does have one, so technically something like a District Chief would probably be most difficult to get because there are probably fewer District Chiefs countrywide than any other rank. Plus many firefighters don't want to be Fire Chiefs, because most firefighters become firefighters to be out in the community, responding to calls, helping the public, using their hands, and have no desire to sit behind a desk all day dealing with politics and administrative issues. So from that standpoint, I could argue that Firefighter is the hardest rank to get because you are a stranger competing against dozens, hundreds, or sometimes thousands of other strangers, whereas once you're hired you may only be competing against a handful or a few dozen other people for that internal promotion.
I hope that helps.
A probationary firefighter (your first year typically)
Firefighter (you're fully qualified and do all the tasks of a firefighter)
Engineer (sometimes called a driver / operator or chauffeur, you still have to be able to do all the tasks of a firefighter, but you have the added responsibility of driving the fire engine / fire truck and pumping the water on scene)
Lieutenant (this is generally the title of the first level of supervisor. you have to be able to do all the tasks of a firefighter, plus you're responsible for the safety of your engineer and firefighter(s), and for making sure all the rules are followed - at the fire and back at the station).
Fire Chief (this is the highest ranking member of the department, and is entirely administrative at most career fire departments. In volunteer and small career departments (1, maybe 2, fire stations and a few hundred calls a year) the Fire Chief may still respond to calls, but this position is much more about human relations, budgeting, writing policies, ordering new fire trucks, setting the strategic vision of the organization, etc.)
The other ranks become highly varied by department, depending on size and needs. Some departments have:
Captain (like a Lieutenant but slightly higher ranking. They often do the same job as a Lieutenant, but with more responsibility, like also being in charge of the entire fire station, a specialized response group like a truck or rescue company, or a particular program like training.)
Battalion Chief (the first second line supervisor, the BC usually supervises 3-8 Lieutenants/Captains. At this rank you're no longer on a fire engine / fire truck, your alone in an SUV and rather than doing hands-on tasks at an emergency scene, you're typically in command of the incident and responsible for keeping track of all the resources and have the overall responsibility for the entire operation and everyone's safety!_
District Chief (very large departments in big cities that have multiple battalion chiefs on duty at once may have a District Chief that oversees multiple battalion chiefs. Each department is different, but generally speaking the Battalion Chief will remain in command of the incident even if a higher ranking officer, like a District Chief, arrives on scene. District Chiefs and above are generally more administrative, and take on a support role of helping the Battalion Chief manage their resources.)
Division Chief (actually more common that District Chiefs, and had by most medium sized departments. The most common example of a division chief is an operations chief that works an administrative schedule (M-F) and supervises 3-4 battalion chiefs. A division chief could also be non-supervisory but oversee a very large program, such as training division chief or a fire marshal (in charge of fire prevention, fire investigations, etc.).
Assistant Chief (Very similar to a division chief, but oversees multiple divisions or programs, such as an "Assistant Chief of Operations and Training". An AC need not necessarily supervise multiple division chiefs, just multiple divisions.
Deputy Chief (In very large departments there may be a deputy chief that is the Fire Chief's right-hand man or woman. Sort of like a Vice President, the Deputy Chief is working directly alongside the Fire Chief and can quickly assume the duties of the Fire Chief if needed.).
Now, to say which is most difficult to get, thats a very hard question. Yes the Fire Chief is the highest ranking, but every fire department does have one, so technically something like a District Chief would probably be most difficult to get because there are probably fewer District Chiefs countrywide than any other rank. Plus many firefighters don't want to be Fire Chiefs, because most firefighters become firefighters to be out in the community, responding to calls, helping the public, using their hands, and have no desire to sit behind a desk all day dealing with politics and administrative issues. So from that standpoint, I could argue that Firefighter is the hardest rank to get because you are a stranger competing against dozens, hundreds, or sometimes thousands of other strangers, whereas once you're hired you may only be competing against a handful or a few dozen other people for that internal promotion.
I hope that helps.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Brayden,
Firefighters can achieve up to eight ranks during their career which is based on things like experience, the skill level you have and competitive examinations that fire departments have. Here is a list of the ranks of firefighters. Hope this advice was helpful!
Highest:
Fire Chief
Assistant Chief
Battalion Chief
Captain
Lieutenant
Driver Engineer
Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter
Lowest:
Firefighters can achieve up to eight ranks during their career which is based on things like experience, the skill level you have and competitive examinations that fire departments have. Here is a list of the ranks of firefighters. Hope this advice was helpful!
Highest:
Fire Chief
Assistant Chief
Battalion Chief
Captain
Lieutenant
Driver Engineer
Firefighter
Probationary Firefighter
Lowest:
Philip Gauthier
Nuclear Plant Work Week Manager
19
Answers
Prairieville, Louisiana
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi Brayden,
Every City and State will have its own ranking/promotion system as Firefighting is a State/City-run enterprise and there is not Federal mandate on how each fire department needs to be set up. The hardest rank to achieve is obviously Chief as there is only one of these at a time. The Chief not only needs to have the knowledge and experience (15-20 years minimum), but also needs to have a grasp of Politics, Fire Codes, Training, Basic Engineering, and EMS. All Leaders also need to know and care for the firefighters that work for them.
Aside from the ranks, there are some very difficult qualifications/certifications (Paramedic, Confined Space, HAZMAT, etc...) that you will only help you as you procced through the firefighting ranks.
-Probationary Firefighter) This is the entry level for firefighters, usually this is about a year period while you attend a firefighting school and when you first arrive to your fire Station.
-Fire Fighter) This is the base level of Firefighter... but that doesn't mean all firefighters are created equal. You will find that some firefighters will have qualifications, training, or experience that you do not have. For instance, some fire fighters will also be EMT's or paramedics. In larger Cities fire departments are divided into Engine, Rescue, and Ladder Companies with very different training. NYC even has a marine fire company with fireboats!
-Engineer/Pump operator) This is more of a qualification than a rank where i am from. However, the Engineer/Equipment operator is usually the driver of the vehicle and is held in high regard due to his or her technical expertise. The Engineer will run the pumps and ensure that the crew has the water it needs to fight the fire.
-Lieutenant) This is the first of the true fire ranks and there are usually a few of these in each firestation/department.
-Captain) A successful and hardworking lieutenant will eventually find himself as a captain
-Battalion/Division/Assistant Chief) This Varies by City/State and the titles change as well. Some smaller departments may not have a battalion chief and may just have division/assistant chiefs
-Chief) This is the head of the fire department and The Head Fire Chief in some major Cities is basically a bureaucratic/office position and may not even respond to fires. This Person is responsible for ensuring the department operates smoothly and effectively.
Some other positions that are associated with Firefighting but are normally separate are:
-Fire Commissioner (Administration of a FD, usually big cities)
-Fire Marshal (Code enforcement, Inspections, licensing, etc...)
If you are interested in firefighting i would look at your state's requirements and study for the civil service exam. Every department can be very different so keep an open mind always look for something to learn
Every City and State will have its own ranking/promotion system as Firefighting is a State/City-run enterprise and there is not Federal mandate on how each fire department needs to be set up. The hardest rank to achieve is obviously Chief as there is only one of these at a time. The Chief not only needs to have the knowledge and experience (15-20 years minimum), but also needs to have a grasp of Politics, Fire Codes, Training, Basic Engineering, and EMS. All Leaders also need to know and care for the firefighters that work for them.
Aside from the ranks, there are some very difficult qualifications/certifications (Paramedic, Confined Space, HAZMAT, etc...) that you will only help you as you procced through the firefighting ranks.
-Probationary Firefighter) This is the entry level for firefighters, usually this is about a year period while you attend a firefighting school and when you first arrive to your fire Station.
-Fire Fighter) This is the base level of Firefighter... but that doesn't mean all firefighters are created equal. You will find that some firefighters will have qualifications, training, or experience that you do not have. For instance, some fire fighters will also be EMT's or paramedics. In larger Cities fire departments are divided into Engine, Rescue, and Ladder Companies with very different training. NYC even has a marine fire company with fireboats!
-Engineer/Pump operator) This is more of a qualification than a rank where i am from. However, the Engineer/Equipment operator is usually the driver of the vehicle and is held in high regard due to his or her technical expertise. The Engineer will run the pumps and ensure that the crew has the water it needs to fight the fire.
-Lieutenant) This is the first of the true fire ranks and there are usually a few of these in each firestation/department.
-Captain) A successful and hardworking lieutenant will eventually find himself as a captain
-Battalion/Division/Assistant Chief) This Varies by City/State and the titles change as well. Some smaller departments may not have a battalion chief and may just have division/assistant chiefs
-Chief) This is the head of the fire department and The Head Fire Chief in some major Cities is basically a bureaucratic/office position and may not even respond to fires. This Person is responsible for ensuring the department operates smoothly and effectively.
Some other positions that are associated with Firefighting but are normally separate are:
-Fire Commissioner (Administration of a FD, usually big cities)
-Fire Marshal (Code enforcement, Inspections, licensing, etc...)
If you are interested in firefighting i would look at your state's requirements and study for the civil service exam. Every department can be very different so keep an open mind always look for something to learn