Patrick Déry: Command Structures

Here, read the transcript of the interview with Patrick Déry, Captain in the Saint-Eustache Fire Safety Department.

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The first officer to arrive at the scene is responsible for taking command of operations. No matter what their rank is. At the Saint-Eustache Fire Department, we have several ranks. You can identify them by their helmets: the yellow helmet belongs to the firefighters who help us carry out each of our tactics. The red helmet belongs to the lieutenants or acting lieutenants. They work at the tactical level, in the command structure and on the scene. But if they arrive at the scene first, they’re responsible for taking command until they are relieved of their duties. The third level or rank is the captain – that’s my rank – who  primarily manages operations on the scene. We also have the deputy directors, division chiefs, and director. So, each of those ranks has specific responsibilities. And as I said, on the scene, the officer stands back, clearly identifies the risks, and determines the strategy and tactics to be used and the tasks to be carried out.