IFSTA Fire Officer I – Course Summary

Overview

Fire Officer I is the entry-level supervisory course designed to prepare firefighters to step into the role of company officer. The course focuses on leadership, crew management, administrative responsibilities, and the foundational skills needed to supervise emergency and non‑emergency operations.

1. Role of the Company Officer

• Transitioning from firefighter to supervisor

• Ethical decision-making and professional conduct

• Understanding authority, responsibility, and delegation

• Representing the department to the public and within the chain of command

2. Leadership & Supervision

• Leadership styles and when to use them

• Motivating personnel and building team cohesion

• Managing conflict within the crew

• Conducting coaching, counseling, and performance evaluations

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the fire service

3. Communication Skills

• Effective verbal and written communication

• Conducting briefings and delivering orders

• Report writing and documentation

• Interpersonal communication with crew, command staff, and the public

4. Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Promoting a safety culture

• Understanding NFPA 1500 principles

• Accident, injury, and near‑miss reporting

• Scene safety and risk‑benefit analysis

• Behavioral health awareness for firefighters

5. Emergency Operations

• Initial incident size‑up

• Implementing the Incident Command System (ICS) at the company level

• Developing and communicating an incident action plan (IAP)

• Crew accountability and resource management

• Coordinating tactical operations (fire attack, ventilation, search, etc.)

• Post‑incident analysis and critique

6. Administrative Responsibilities

• Scheduling, staffing, and daily station management

• Policy enforcement and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Budget basics and resource requests

• Records management and documentation requirements

7. Training & Professional Development

• Conducting company‑level training

• Evaluating skills and identifying training needs

• Understanding adult learning principles

• Maintaining certifications and promoting continuous improvement

8. Community & Fire Prevention Responsibilities

• Public education and community risk reduction

• Conducting basic fire inspections

• Identifying common hazards and code violations

• Pre‑incident planning and building familiarization

9. Ethics & Legal Responsibilities

• Legal considerations for company officers

• Liability, negligence, and due diligence

• Ethical decision-making models

• Ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and departmental policies

10. Emergency Scene Leadership

• Managing stress and maintaining situational awareness

• Making decisions under pressure

• Coordinating with other agencies

• Ensuring firefighter safety during operations