SAN RAMON VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS OF CAPTAINS JULY 2004
Captain Expectations The following information describes expectations of a Captain working in the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. The responsibilities are practical, standard performance behaviors that are expected to be demonstrated. They are necessary to assure that coordinated approaches to daily activities are accomplished throughout the District. Of primary importance is that, as a Captain in the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, you understand that you are here to serve this community to the best of your abilities with compassion and a positive attitude and you are accountable for the actions of your company and will share the recognition of the unit. The items listed in this document are not an exhaustive list of expectations, but are intended to clearly outline the responsibilities Captains have accepted. Topics: Mission Statement Core Work Values Leadership Supervision Communication Emergency Response Management/Administration Station Operations
MISSION STATEMENT In the spirit of our tradition, we strive for excellence, respectfully serving all with pride, honor and compassion
CORE WORK VALUES HONOR I am accountable for my professional and personal behavior and bring credit to the organization through my treatment of others. I recognize that serving our community is a privilege and that this district exists solely for that purpose. I do the right thing even when it is the hardest thing and especially when I am the only one who will know what was done. I work in a manner that my actions can be openly revealed because they are safe, right, legal, moral and have no hidden agenda. I work in a manner that demonstrates good character, produces excellence and maintains proper ethics. I am accountable for my actions and have a commitment to fulfill my responsibilities. I am honest in my words, actions and intentions with myself and others. I work in a manner that generates fulfillment and satisfaction from my achievements. RESPECT I treat myself and others with respect and compassion. I demonstrate respect and compassion for all the citizens I serve- I am considerate, tactful and sincere in my actions. I recognize that each person's contributions have value and are key to the success of the district. I value and respect all employees and support their efforts to achieve their highest potential. EXCELLENCE I provide the highest level of service, striving to produce the best possible results...i am prepared and available for service and action at all times- I work for common purposes that bring the organization together. I work in a manner that maximizes the efficient use of resources. I exhibit the highest degree of professionalism and competence in all that I do...i help guide others to perform in a manner that enables excellent results. I work in a manner that is coordinated with others and I assure that other affected people are well informed. I am committed to the development of my knowledge, skills and abilities.
LEADERSHIP: The company is a team; the Captain is that team s leader. Captains must lead by example, with honesty and integrity. The Captain has the greatest influence (positive and negative) on the members of the company. The safety, efficiency, morale, and discipline of their subordinates are a direct reflection of the Captain s leadership ability. Their behavior and expectations set the standard of performance on any given work shift or assignment. Support the District s Mission Statement and Core Work Values in your words, actions, and decisions. Adhere to District policies, procedures, and guidelines. Ensure that you are technically competent as a Fire Officer through a continual effort of selfstudy, training, and education. Provide a positive work atmosphere that encourages team building, initiative, creativity, and company, as well as individual, skill development. Encourage cooperation amongst crew members, other companies, other shifts, and other agencies. Make decisions and assume the responsibility for those decisions, acts, or omissions. Understand that your actions and those of your crew must protect the liability of the Fire District. Invite and accept participation in problem solving and decision making when appropriate. Be an advocate for both the District and your crew. Place the needs of the public, the District, and your crew ahead of your own.
SUPERVISION: The Captain has the responsibility of making sure the objectives of the organization are carried out according to plans, policies, and assignments. As a Captain, you must maintain situational awareness to ensure plans, policies, and assignments are implemented properly. This responsibility includes giving instructions (communicating), continuous inspection (evaluating), and making corrections and adjustments (coaching and counseling) to ensure the safe accomplishment of tasks and continual operational readiness. As a Captain, you are the primary trainer and safety officer of your crew and you must demonstrate an understanding of these responsibilities by reinforcing skills to be learned and applied; working to ensure your crew is well trained and able to perform their duties, and supervising them to ensure they do so efficiently and safely. Ensure readiness of District personnel, apparatus, and equipment to respond and perform job functions or immediately bring inabilities to the attention of the on-duty Battalion Chief. Maintain current knowledge of District policies, procedures, and guidelines. Ensure that subordinate personnel know and follow District policies, procedures and guidelines. Delegate authority and responsibility when appropriate by developing and communicating clear expectations for crew members of their roles, responsibilities, and assignments. Utilize the Chain of Command as appropriate. Direct, conduct, and participate in educational sessions and training drills. Evaluate and test personnel on their knowledge, skill, and ability to perform to the levels of their responsibility. Praise good performance and address shortcomings directly with positive coaching and training. Follow up on assignments to ensure they are completed in a timely manner. Identify when assistance is needed and provide the necessary help to complete the assignment. Work with subordinates to set goals and capture those goals in the personnel evaluation system. Provide crew and individual company members with honest feedback on their progress towards fulfilling both your expectations and the District s. Use both the annual personnel evaluation and daily interaction to accomplish this. Be fair, impartial, and consistent in dealing with all crew and District members. Attempt to solve issues at the Company level when possible. Notify the Battalion Chief as appropriate or whenever the Battalion Chief s assistance would be helpful in resolving the situation. Refrain from confrontational or disciplinary actions in view or ear shot of others.
COMMUNICATION: Effective communication is vital to every interaction in both routine and emergency situations as it will go a long way toward eliminating confusion, misunderstanding, and surprises. Communication that is open and sincere will let others know that they are valued members of the District. Communicate in a manner that upholds the dignity, respect, and integrity of the public, the District, and all employees. Ensure your crew members do the same. Communicate in a professional manner with the public to answer questions, receive complaints, and refer issues not solvable at the company level to the appropriate party. Be approachable and communicate from an objective position and encourage others to do the same. Be an active listener by making a sincere effort to understand the other party s message. Actively seek out and keep crew members continually informed of information affecting them. Be open to positive and constructive criticism. Be willing to admit when you are in error. Be responsible for official information sent by the District s email system. Respond in a timely manner when requested. Relay information in a timely manner. Communicate up, down, and laterally in the chain of command as necessary. Use follow-up as needed to ensure accurate messages are received and understood. Maintain competency on District computers, radios, and other technology.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: The Captain is the leader of an emergency response company and therefore responsible for its safety and success. The service that the company provides is reason for the District s existence. As the first arriving Company Officer, make and transmit a preliminary size-up and direct resource utilization. Initiate the Incident Command system. Direct initial attack and assume the role of Incident Commander until command is properly transferred. Lead, manage, and supervise incident scene operations by knowing and following the principles of the Incident Command System. Ensure San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District safety standards are observed and hazards are appropriately communicated and addressed. Maintain an in-depth knowledge of your first-due area, including street and fire-trail network, water supply availability, and life/property hazards. Ensure that your crew does the same. Exhibit command presence and professional demeanor when preparing for, responding to, and operating at the scene of an emergency. Make decisions and assignments based on sound strategy & tactics, District SOP s, and County/State/Federal guidelines. Demonstrate the ability to achieve needed results. Ensure crew integrity and accountability. Demonstrate the ability to communicate by displaying calm demeanor, quick direction, ability to listen to crew input, provide clear and concise radio communications, and provide continuous updates to crew members on changing conditions. Crews should understand their roles, expectations and responsibilities at the emergency scene. Assist with the protection and preservation of evidence and investigation of fires to determine cause and origin. Assist with determination of value of structural damage and content loss. Ensure apparatus and equipment is placed back into service as soon as possible and that your crew members are prepared for immediate dispatch once released from the scene. Participate in post-incident evaluations of decisions made and actions taken.
MANAGEMENT/ADMINISTRATION: The Captain is a first level management position, which means getting things done through people. The Captain also has the administrative responsibility to personally complete the tasks expected by the District. Captains have the authority and responsibility to achieve certain results. The resources that must be managed are the personnel, apparatus, equipment, and time. Complete accurate incident reports, daily logs, training records, check-off sheets, personnel evaluations, and any other required documentation within expected time frames. Understand that you are accountable for the accuracy and proper routing of the above documentation. Meet deadlines for completing special projects and routine assignments. Utilize available duty time, including holidays and/or weekends to ensure all assignments and tasks are completed on time. Organize the work of the company under your command by planning ahead, establishing priorities and deadlines, and communicating their expectations. Coordinate your decisions and activities with the operational schedule, duty Battalion Chief, and other companies as necessary to ensure appropriate District coverage and prompt arrival at all District activities.
STATION OPERATIONS: Fulfill the role of the Fire Chief s designee in the fire station during any duty shift or work assignment. Conduct a daily exchange of information (rollover) with the off-going shift. Gather information regarding the training schedule, work details, station duties, tours, and public education events and communicate to your crew. Receive questions, complaints, and visits from the public in a pleasant, professional manner and refer issues not solvable at the company/station level to the appropriate party. Ensure your crew does the same. Develop a daily plan with your crew and keep them informed as to the needs of the day and any significant schedule changes. Make adjustments as necessary. Ascertain the needs of your crew so that they can be met through appropriate time management. Assume responsibility, while on duty, for the conduct and actions of members assigned to your company. Assume responsibility, while on duty, for station and District property and take pride in its appearance. Supervise and participate in the maintenance and cleaning of tools, equipment, apparatus, buildings, and grounds to District standards. Monitor and address safety issues in the station. Requisition the needed supplies to ensure continuity of station activities. Compile supplies, inventory, and maintain records. Practice economy in dealing with District supplies and use of utilities.