Battalion Chief Case Study

1) How do you see the Battalion Chief role evolving over the next 3 -5 years?
The role of the Battalion Chief over the next 3-5 years will continue to grow and develop as the Liaison role it is today, a steward of his organization. This key role in the fire service is a pivotal position between the administrative Chiefs and the frontline personnel as well as an advocate for the community he/she serves. He/she will represent the forefront of his superiors by communicating and demonstrating the operational goals and values set forth by the Fire Chief to the operational staff through written, verbal and hands-on communications. The Battalion Chief will be the polished image and role model to his officers and subordinates and cultivate a synergistic
Our local governments and citizens are tightening the financial budgets of fire service budgets. The Battalion Chief can monitor and maintain proper utilization and maintenance of the departments equipment and facilities. He/she also possess a unique insight to innovative ways to be fiscally responsible through implementing new programs such as Treat and Refer. Treat and Refer is a program that has the potential to treat individuals outside of sending the patient to the hospital. Through treat and Refer the patient will be evaluated by Fire/EMS on scene and referred to another type of medical facility such as an urgent care, home health nurse or mental health case worker, all scenarios will be dependent of the patients need. By reducing the amount of un-necessary transports, treating our patients at home or making other arrangements for their healthcare, our department will reduce the cost and time associated with emergency room transports at the same time generate revenue through providing patient care. The Battalion Chief will have a key administrative position in this
Moreover, we share the cost of doing business, provide a safer working environment, through safety in numbers and expand our knowledge base through the education and experience of others. But most importantly we foster a positive culture within our department by setting an example of team building, unity and build organizational relations resulting in better customer service. For example, Rural/Metro Fire Department (RMFD) is an active participant in Pima County’s Regional Response Teams, Hazmat and Technical Rescue Teams (TRT). As a single Department Hazmat Team, we consist of approximately fifteen technicians, a handful hazmat support staff, and a single resource hazmat truck. Having equal partnership in the Pima County Regional Hazmat Team, should the need arise, we have seven other Hazmat Teams from the county which include, chief officers, Hazmat Technicians, Support Staff and all the equipment they possess. With one simple request, RMFD more than triples its personnel, equipment, and resources to mitigate any scene that may