Driver engineers are more than fire truck operators, they are apparatus managers, hydraulic experts, and experienced firefighters
Most drivers, at one time or another, have heard the wail of a fire truck's siren behind them and dutifully pulled to the side of the road, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass.
As the fire engine zipped by, did you ever wonder who was at the wheel of the immense truck?
The highly skilled motorist was a driver engineer.
These specialized firefighters have crucial jobs that go beyond putting the pedal to the metal. They are responsible for maintaining the fire truck and the equipment it carries, as well as managing the vehicle's operation at the scene of emergencies.
Behind the flashing lights and wailing sirens
A driver engineer shifts into high gear as soon as dispatch relays an emergency call to the fire station. Not only does the driver operate the fire truck and assist in identifying the best route to the scene, they also work closely with the fire captain, often anticipating their directives. For this reason, successful driver engineers often advance to become fire captains themselves.
Upon arriving at a fire scene, driver engineers assess the structure on fire and determine where to position the fire truck. Ensuring access to a water supply, such as a fire hydrant, and efficient fire hose deployment are paramount to efficiently extinguishing blazes.
As the team addresses the fire, the driver engineer oversees and operates the fire engine's pump, hoses, and nozzles. Continuous monitoring of water flow and pressure to the hose lines is necessary so the crew battling the fire has adequate water.
Training and qualifications
There's more to becoming a driver engineer than learning how to flip on a firetruck's flashing lights and sirens.
The first step is to graduate from a firefighter academy. Driver engineers must also take classes in hydraulics and pump operation to learn the science behind water movement and compression. This is necessary to earn a state-certified pump operator license.
Firefighters in this role must also complete an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). This program involves a classroom portion and hands-on training segment to teach students how to operate emergency vehicles at high speeds, through confined spaces, and in adverse weather.
A driver engineer for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) Station 29 highlighted the focused mindset one must have to parallel park a 33-foot fire truck. The ability to stay calm under pressure is also necessary when driving a 21-ton vehicle safely through traffic.
Station 29's driver engineer found his calling with HCFR after a career in logistics. As a former baseball player in high school, he gravitated towards athletics and team sports. When his sedentary office job left him feeling unfulfilled, he trained and became an emergency medical technician (EMT). Afterwards, he earned his firefighter and paramedic certifications. He joined HCFR at the age of 25 and has enjoyed over 12 years serving his community, professionally advancing over the years.
As Station 29's driver engineer describes it, a career with Fire Rescue is the "ultimate team sport." His job allows him to use his physical strength and mental agility to serve his community every day.
For him, the athletic nature of his work, camaraderie with his crew, and the meaningful bonds he builds with his team make his position as driver engineer the "best job in the world."