Chicago Fire Department

The Chicago Fire Department, also known as the CFD, is the principal fire suppression, prevention, and rescue agency of Chicago, Illinois, under the jurisdiction of the mayor of Chicago. The Chicago Fire Department is the largest fire department in the Midwestern United States and the second largest fire department in the nation as ranked by Firehouse Magazine. It is also one of the oldest major organized fire departments in the nation. Concurrently, some firefighters serve as paramedics with the Chicago Emergency Medical System.

The Chicago Fire Department is led by the Commissioner, who is currently John Brooks. The Commissioner is appointed by the mayor. He is assisted by the First Deputy Commissioner, who oversees the department's bureaus. There are five bureaus under the First Deputy Commissioner: Administrative Services, Fire Prevention, Operations, Support Services, and Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Services.

Until December 2006 Chicago firefighters donned the famous three-quarter boots and jacket, instead of the now generally accepted bunker gear worn by many departments, especially those of the suburbs. An example of the boots and jacket can be seen in the photo below.

Chain of command

Listed below are the chains of command for the two major divisions of the Chicago Fire Department's Operations Bureau: Fire Suppression and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services. The lists rank from lowest-level employee to senior command staff. Employees in these ranks may also serve in other divisions and bureaus.

Fire Suppression and Rescue Division

• Firefighter Candidate/Emergency Medical Technician
• Firefighter 1st Class
• Fire Engineer
• Fire Lieutenant (Company Officer)
• Fire Captain (House and Company Officer)
• Fire Battalion Chief

The following positions are appointed by the Fire Commissioner:

• Deputy District Chief
• District Chief
• Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner
• Deputy Fire Commissioner
• First Deputy Fire Commissioner
• Fire Commissioner (Appointed by the Mayor)

Geographically, the CFD is organized into six districts and a total of 24 battalions.

Emergency Medical Services Division

• Fire Paramedic Candidate
• Fire Paramedic
• Paramedic in Charge
• Paramedic Ambulance Commander
• Paramedic Field Officer

The following positions are appointed by the Fire Commissioner:

• Asstant Deputy Chief Paramedic
• Deputy Chief Paramedic
• Chief Paramedic

Notable Incidents

• 2003 Chicago balcony collapse

References

• CFD chain of command

External links

• Chicago Fire Department