• history*

The earliest known firefighters were in the city of Rome. In 6 A.D. , emperor Augustus made the Corps of Vigils to protect Rome after a disastrous fire. The Corps of Vigils consisted of 7000 people. They were equipped with buckets and axes, and they fought fires and served as police.[1]


  • old tactics/tools*

In 4th century B.C. , an Alexandrian Greek named Ctesibuis made a double force pump called a 'siphona'. As water rose in the chamber, it compressed the air inside which forced the water to eject in a steady stream through a pipe and nozzle.[1]

In the 16th century, syringes were also used as firefighting tools. The larger ones were usually put on wheels.[1]

Another tactic that was used was the bucket brigade. The villagers would form two lines between the water source and the fire. The men would pass along the full buckets of water to the fire. The women and children would pass back the empty buckets to be refilled.[1]

In the 17th century, fire engines were being made and the best one was made in Amsterdam.[1] In 1721, Richard Newsham made a fire engine that was very popular. It was basically a rectangular box on wheels. The bucket brigade would pour water into the machine and the men would supply the power to produce the water pressure.[1]


  • fire service today*

-uniform and dress The fire fighting uniform is used for public appearances, public events, parades, inspections, and some social events.[1]

The fire fighting uniform consists of specially made pants, coats, helmets, eye protection, boots, and gloves for fire fighting. The uniform also include exact locations of emblems, badges and rank.[1]

-conduct There are very strict and specific rules that firefighters have to follow when on duty. No firefighter should do any action that will lower the respect of the public or local government.[1] They should not report for duty under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drug, or compound.[1] There should be no horseplay or rough housing in or around any fire department facility.[1] Basically, firefighters are expected to use common sense when it comes to behavior.[1]


  • Department Operating Procedures*

-rules for shifts

Firefighting personnel will be split up into alternating shifts. Usually, the shifts are 24 hours, which are followed by two days off. [1] The shift personnel will arrive ready to complete a regular tour of duty. The next oncoming shift will report for roll call at a specified time.[1] While on shift, the firefighter is to remain at the fire station unless relieved or assigned other duties somewhere else.[1] Everyone is expected to keep their protective clothing on until after roll call.[1] Finally, no one will be excused from duty except in the case of an extreme emergency.[1]


  • Firefighting expectations/job description

Firefighting involves extensive training in performing firefighting and rescue activities. Firefighters must have knowledge of department organizations, operations, and procedures.[1] They must also know the district or city street system.[1] They must meet the minimum physical fitness standards and must be able to learn various firefighting and rescue duties within a reasonable test period.[1]

  • The chief officer

The chief officer is the person that is in charge of his firefighters during fires or emergencies. The chief officer is expected to command and control the situation while effectively combating a fire or other emergency.[1] They must be able to evaluate the firefighter, use sound judgement when deciding when it is time to pull out his firefighters from the fire, and react calmly in emergency situations. [1] The chief officer must direct the activities of a fire department and must supervise all firefighting and rescue activities. On top of that, the fire chief must have extensive knowledge of the city, the location of the streets, the location of the fire hydrants and fire alarm boxes, and where the principal buildings are. [1] They are expected to have knowledge on explosives, hazardous chemicals. and combustion qualities of materials in buildings and homes.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x International Fire Service Training Association. Fire Service Orientation and Indoctrination. Philadelphia: Board of Regents, 1984. Print.