In spite of our best recruitment/retainment efforts the volunteer fire service is still experiencing shortages. That’s why more and more the “front seat” typically occupied by an officer will be occupied by a non-line officer or “black hat”. Sadly, in spite of these circumstances many volunteer companies do not provide enough opportunities for non-line officers to step into that role when called upon. This could have drastic effects not only for the communities we serve but also the future of volunteer companies when firefighters do not get the opportunities to advance themselves.

The bottom line is all volunteer firefighters must be prepared to take on the role of officer and the responsibilities of the front seat. The first step is to ensure you have an adequate crew in accordance with departmental SOPs. Typically, volunteer departments must minimally have a driver, officer and at least one interior firefighter. The term adequate is also in reference to experience i.e. probationary firefighters. Yes, they can assist on scene but acting officers need to realize the limitations of inexperienced crew members. Always remember that as an officer YOU are responsible for the safety of your crew!

Non-line officers may feel overwhelmed with all that is going on even to less complex calls. It is an obvious advantage then for a non-line officer to have an experienced driver as that position has several responsibilities (including but not limited to directions to a scene, pump operation and PAR) that the officer will then not have to concern themselves with full-well knowing it is in capable hands. Still, it is the officer who must turn the siren on, use the airhorn to clear intersections and assist the driver with lane traffic and all while getting ready! Lastly, it is the officer who must either assign a crew or designate a firefighter in the rear to establish crews. This includes ensuring that each crew member has at least one tool, specific to their assignment in their hands when they exit the apparatus.

On that note limiting basic mistakes is key to being a successful officer. It is still the officer’s responsibility to properly place the apparatus and informing the driver where to start operations – assuming you are the first piece in and not being directed by an established IC. Expecting a fire at every scene helps to establish the necessary mentality and so properly placing an engine leaving room for truck operations will go a long way. An engine will typically have at least 1000 ft of LDH and can easily make room for a truck in front of a structure making it easier to start operations including forcible entry and ladders for ventilation. Officers also have to take into account apparatus positioning from the standpoint of hydrant availability and running lines across roads.

En route it is the officer who must pay the most attention to radio communications. This element is likely going to be the most challenging for a non-line officer to be successful at and only because the opportunities to practice and polish the skill of talking on the radio is just not available. Make sure all firefighters on the rig are on the correct channel. From there follow two simple rules when communicating on the radio. First, listen, listen, listen BEFORE talking! This will ensure you don’t tie up air time for other critical information coming in such as updates on victim searches. The second rule is BE CONCISE. This will also free up air time while not stepping on other crews as they communicate their own operations.

One last note on radio communications would be to repeat any orders received back to the IC. This will ensure any orders have been acknowledged and understood. Assuming no orders have been received it is up to officer to establish command or be the ONLY firefighter to report to the IC for any orders in accordance with the unity of command.

Arguably, the second most challenging responsibility is size-up and again this is due to lack of opportunities. Understand though as a firefighter in the rear seat you should be conducting your own size-up, the only difference being having to communicate that size-up to command. The nuances of a CAN (conditions, actions, needs) report will be a follow-up to this article for now just note that it is the officer who will provide dispatch with what the existing conditions are for a given fire call, what actions are being taken by the crew and what resources also need to be obtained or downgraded.

Lastly, is the concept of leadership. Once on scene an officer must keep their crew together and maintain accountability. Lead by setting the example – not by finger pointing. Be ready to work and set the tone and expectation that your crew be ready to work behind you. Remember to stick to your assignment and DO NOT FREELANCE! The worst decision an officer can make is not making a decision.

As mentioned, opportunities are crucial for non-line officers to be successful. The non-line officer is going to be overwhelmed at first and unfortunately there really isn’t much chance for a learning curve considering the potential stakes. The good news is settling in to the role of an officer really doesn’t take long especially with opportunities to drill and/or hone the necessary skills prior to.

All firefighters should really insist on having the chance to be an officer. In many cases when live fire drills are conducted driving in to a tower or other simulated fire scene it is easy enough to designate a non-officer in charge with an officer or chief providing feedback after the fact. This would not only provide practice and a confidence booster for the non-officer but would also benefit the officer/chief honing their own skills from a different perspective – that of an instructor.

Next would be taking the skills developed in drill and having non-line officers occupy the front seat for “smells and bells” calls such as fire alarm drops or traffic control for an MVA. Remember, being an officer isn’t for everyone; your decisions will affect not only your crew but possibly the entire operation. If you’re not comfortable in the front seat or if you think you need more training then don’t sit there.

On the flip side, if you’re a chief/officer and for whatever reason don’t provide opportunities for your firefighters to grow and advance into the front seat then you should resign. Leaders train their successors. It is necessary on the local level and vital for the survival of the volunteer fire service.

*This article is based on the experience and drill presentation from Asst. Chief Chris Van Buskirk.