Operations Overview
Fire Operations is comprised of the personnel who respond to emergency incidents from fire stations strategically located throughout the city. An Assistant Chief oversees the Division, with the help of three Shift Commanders, each of whom is responsible for a specific 24-hour shift ("A," "B" or "C"). Operations firefighters work 24-hours-on, 48-hours-off and change shifts at 7 a.m. The team assigned to a particular apparatus (engine, quint, or rescue unit) and the apparatus itself is known as a "company."
In addition to responding to fires, medical calls, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and other emergencies, company personnel are responsible for developing pre-incident plans for businesses and apartment complexes; home safety surveys; participating in continuing education and skills training; maintaining their equipment and station; presenting public education messages at schools, community events, and station tours; and installing smoke detectors upon request.
All Georgetown firefighters receive basic training in water rescues, hazardous materials mitigation, and high-angle/confined-space rescues. However, members of GTFD's specialty teams have obtained additional training and certifications. These firefighters respond to medical calls, fires, and other "routine" calls, but also are dispatched to provide their special expertise as needed.
Rank Structure
The rank structure is as follows (in ascending order): firefighter, apparatus operator, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and fire chief. Promotions to all rank below assistant chief are conducted through a promotion process. A lieutenant is in charge of the primary apparatus at each station (e.g., engine, quint, or rescue unit). The lieutenant is the first supervisory rank in a single-company station.
The captain is in charge of all the Operations personnel and stations in the city on a shift.
Training
Fire Operations also provides for training, professional development, safety, and communications. Firefighters are informed of the latest health and safety issues and receive a minimum of 64 hours of annual training mandated by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Department of Health, and Environmental Protection Agency. The Training Section also ensures that all current personnel comply with state and federal mandates regarding continuing education requirements. Advanced and specialized technical training, along with professional development, are provided to various members of the department.
First Responder Program
This program involves a fire company response to most emergency medical calls within the City Limits for the purpose of providing basic medical treatment before an ambulance arrives to provide advanced life support. Personnel are certified Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics. Under most circumstances, fire apparatus can arrive at a medical emergency much quicker than an ambulance, due to the strategic locations of Fire Stations.
Hazardous Materials Response
All fire companies are trained to the "Operations Level" for hazardous materials. Specific Personnel are trained up to "Technician Level," and are members of the Williamson County Haz-Mat Response Team. Fire Station 2 serves as the Haz-Mat Station personnel are trained up to the "Technician Level," The county team was created by the Williamson County Fire Chief's Association and funded by the County. The team is comprised of firefighters from all fire departments in Williamson County.
Underwater Recovery
The Dive Team consists of firefighters trained and certified as divers whose primary responsibility is the recovery of drowning victims from any local lakes or waterways. Department members who volunteer for this special duty furnish most of their own equipment and train off-duty, thus providing a valuable service at little cost to the City.
Pre-Incident Planning Program
This program involves fire companies conducting pre-incident planning on high-target hazard areas. Each fire company is responsible for the high target hazards in their assigned territory. Fire companies conducting pre-incident planning remain available for emergency response.
Public Education Programs
The public education activities performed by fire companies have a positive impact on children as well as adults. Fire station tours and on-site fire prevention programs are available throughout the year.
Fire Hydrant Testing
Fire Companies are responsible for the inspection and testing the City's fire hydrants. They use the NFPA Color Coding System. Fire Administration maintains records on the current condition and water pressure of each hydrant.
Apparatus Preventative Maintenance
The City's Vehicle Service Center (VSC) is responsible for ensuring that the department's inventory of fire apparatus and non-emergency vehicles are maintained in a high state of readiness at all times. The mechanics' duties include preventive/routine maintenance, inventory control, and specialized repairs of the fire apparatus.
If you have any questions, please call 512/930-FIRE Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 12:00pm, 1:00pm - 5:00 pm
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