Fire Chief

Fire Chief Career

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Chiefs are leaders. Whether it’s the Commander in Chief of a nation or military branch, the leader of an Indian tribe, or the highest-ranking officer of a library (Chief Librarian), the Chief is the boss. In the world of fire safety, the Fire Chief is no exception. She is the leader of a firehouse, and sometimes manages several concurrently.

As a Fire Chief, you’re the go-to person for answers, and everyone relies on you, from the Firefighters who share the firehouse kitchen with you to the community leaders looking to enact new programs. Your leadership role as Fire Chief gives you ample opportunity to flex your Manager muscles through decisions about policies, procedures, and staffing. In addition, you’re in charge of making sure your Deputy Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, and Firefighters have the equipment and supplies they need.

While you use your fire knowledge and CEO -type role to manage the daily activities of the firehouse, you’re also on site when fires break out. You’re an experienced Firefighter, so your role is to manage the teams in the field. You give orders, supervise efforts, and ensure the safety of your staff.

Outside of your responsibilities of managing budgets and expenses, meeting with city officials, and educating the community about fire safety, you may also be called on to participate in fire inspections, formulate programs that focus on fire prevention, and respond to disaster relief efforts.

How do I become a Fire Chief?

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Most Fire Chiefs are nominated, appointed, or elected to the position. That means you need to prove your ability to manage people and resources, as well as your firefighting, safety, and rescue knowledge. Start out by completing Firefighter training. Then keep your eye on the Chief’s seat while you prove your dedication and skill set.