Fire Suppression/Operations/EMS

The Durham Fire Department is a full-service organization. The operational staff consists of a shift captain and four firefighters working a 24-hour shift on a rotational schedule to average a 42-hour week. There are four platoons in the rotation, and each work 24 hours then take 2 days off followed by 24 hours, which are then followed by four days off. All shifts start at 08:00 hours and leave the following day at 08:00 hours. All personnel are subject to emergency callback as well as mandatory overtime due to sickness or vacation. The operational staff is required to maintain skills in Emergency Medical Care, Firefighting and Technical Rescue Operations.

The Assistant Chief manages the operational staff and reports directly to the Fire Chief. His responsibilities include shift scheduling, command at large scale incidents, standard operational guidelines, equipment needs assessments and overseeing training and safety.

The four Shift Captains report to the Assistant Chief. Each have a Staff function as well as line responsibilities. They are required to maintain shift records, meet and greet the public, command operations on a daily basis and to provide for a safe work environment for the Firefighters.

The 16 Firefighters are responsible for the routine care of all the equipment, and to maintain a high level of readiness for any incident. They clean, inspect, repair and test all department resources to ensure a safe and efficient work environment. They train in all aspects of the job. Many have additional responsibilities such as Maintenance Coordinator, EMS Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, Hand Tools, Air Packs, and Small Engines and power tools.

The shifts respond to an average of six calls per day. These calls include requests for medical aid, fire suppression, and service calls. Whenever a customer calls, we will do everything possible to help with their situation. If you have a problem, call us; we may have the inside track to the solution.