Who Leads?

[ChipKillian]

The new trend in our area seems to be the implementation of a Batt Chief or Captain that responds to calls in a car/buggy. They usually doesn't go on run of the mill stuff (Amb calls, car fires, trouble alarms)--just multi-company responses (AFA's, Crashes, Fires, etc.)

My questions is...
When they are responding, should they lead?
Some say yes, so they can get to the scene first and perform a size-up.

Some say No, because they are smaller vehicles and are more likely to get involved in a crash.

What are y'all seeing and doing out there?

Thanks--and be safe!

[FCDave24]

Our "leader" is detemined by who get out the door first. Most of the time, the BC leads, because he doesn't have to put on bunker gear.

[rfd599]

Our two chief's are stationed in a dual house with an engine and ladder company. Usually, the Engine leads out, followed by the Ladder, and then the chief.


rfd599

https://www.IllinoisFireStore.com

[PosseTK]

Our Captian is our shift commander. he is in charge at all multi-company incidents, reguardless if he gets there first or not. On structure fires, the second engine will take command, but pass it to the captian once he arrives on scene. Just by the fact that he doesnt put on turnout gear and he drives a car, not an engine or ambulance (Better pick-up) he is first on scene for 3/4 districts.

[firefighterox]

usually its a asst chief or lt in a brush truck that is first out of the station. we are a small volly dept so we dont have a chiefs vehicle or riding assignments.

[kprsn1]

We're similar to Ox down here in Southern Illinois (small, rural, no Chief's vehicle). OIC is the highest ranking officer of the first due vehicle on scene which could be Chief down to Lt. They remain in charge until a higher ranking officer arrives and replaces them in Command. We don't normally respond any other vehicles not outlined in our SOP's for that particular call. If our Chief, for example, doesn't catch our first 2 pumpers out, or the rescue truck, or the ambulance on a structure fire, he normally stays at the station unless he or another vehicle is specifically requested. One of our neighboring mutual aid departments does have a Chief's vehicle, for the Chief only, and he responds directly to all calls. A couple of other departments in our area also have Chiefs or Asst. Chiefs that respond directly in their personal vehicles.