High-stakes decision-making, operational oversight, and personnel supervision are just a few aspects to leading as battalion chief
Nine years ago, a captain for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) was driving south on Interstate 75, heading to a cousin's wedding with his wife and children. Along the way, he witnessed a car accident and stopped to check on the people involved. Thankfully, everyone was fine, and the captain and his family continued on their way.
For this conscientious captain, there was more good fortune coming.
Moments after leaving the accident, the captain received a call from the County's fire chief. With his phone on speaker and his family listening, the captain was told he was being promoted to battalion chief.
It was a memorable moment and the beginning of a new role with significant responsibility for Fire Station 41's battalion chief.
Leading battalions
A battalion chief oversees a group of fire stations and reports to a higher-ranking fire chief. As senior officers, battalion chiefs are responsible for the personnel, equipment, and operations of the battalions under them.
When serving as incident commanders at the scene of major emergencies, firefighters in this position must know how to direct crews and coordinate resources. Having firsthand experience in all firefighting positions, as well as the ability to work under extreme stress, ensures battalion chiefs can lead their teams effectively.
Because battalion chiefs manage all the people at their designated fire stations, they also play a large role in overseeing staff assignments and developing and implementing training.
Often, in the professional world, with more responsibility comes more administrative work. Being in Fire Rescue's upper management means battalion chiefs make time every day for scheduling shifts, reviewing reports, approving payroll, and developing policies and procedures.
Training and qualifications
Like all firefighters in HCFR, a battalion chief must have attended a fire academy and be certified as a firefighter. EMT or paramedic certification is also required to advance through the ranks. In addition to this, classes in leadership, incident command, and firefighting tactics must be completed for one to be promoted to battalion chief.
Extensive experience as a firefighter is also crucial to achieving this role. At this level, a firefighter should understand the work of every position that reports to them, as well as be highly competent in every role themself.
However, the skills of a battalion chief must go beyond firefighting know-how and experience. Having people skills are equally important and can help make a tough job easier.
Mentoring staff, communicating clearly, and fostering trust are crucial to teambuilding. By also building relationships between the stations under them, a battalion chief can encourage morale and boost productivity.
It's been almost a decade since the battalion chief at Fire Station 41 got the life-changing call with his family on I-75. When asked what continues to motivate him as a leader in Hillsborough's Fire Rescue department, there wasn't a second of hesitation.
"Waking up and knowing that I get to come to the best job in the best department for 34 years is unbelievable," he said.