Description
Operate a fire department communications center by receiving and prioritizing emergency calls and alarm signals, dispatching fire and EMS units, coordinating radio communications, maintaining incident logs and unit status, providing pre-arrival safety instructions, and supporting multi-agency responses and disaster operations.
- • Answer 911 and non-emergency calls for fire, rescue, and hazardous conditions.
- • Question callers to determine location, nature, and severity using approved protocols.
- • Prioritize incidents and select appropriate response levels in CAD.
- • Dispatch fire and EMS units and transmit details over radio and station alerting.
- • Monitor and operate CAD, mapping, phone, and radio consoles.
- • Maintain continuous contact with field units and acknowledge status updates.
- • Track unit locations, availability, and times; update logs in real time.
- • Initiate additional alarms, mutual aid, and special calls per SOPs.
- • Provide pre-arrival safety instructions and evacuation guidance to callers.
- • Relay CPR and bleeding control instructions when certified and guided by protocols.
- • Receive and process automatic fire alarm signals from monitoring companies.
- • Verify alarm addresses, reset information, and responsible party contacts.
- • Notify utilities, law enforcement, and public works to support incident operations.
- • Transmit hydrant locations, preplans, access codes, and hazard notes to crews.
- • Issue emergency evacuation tones and Mayday notifications as directed.
- • Coordinate multi-agency communications during large-scale incidents and disasters.
- • Activate pagers, sirens, and tones to alert stations and volunteer responders.
- • Document incident narratives, unit actions, and milestones for official records.
- • Monitor weather, road closures, and special events that may affect response.
- • Run inquiries for hazmat guides, weather radar, and GIS layers to assist command.
- • Maintain and test radios, recording systems, telephony, and station alerting equipment.
- • Troubleshoot and report equipment failures; switch to backups when required.
- • Participate in drills, tabletop exercises, and continuing education on dispatch procedures.
- • Follow ICS, NIMS, and radio discipline standards during all operations.
- • Maintain confidentiality and comply with legal and departmental policies.
- • Manage alarm permits, false alarm notices, and premises contact databases.
- • Prepare shift change briefings and handoff notes for incoming operators.
- • Support accountability by conducting PAR checks when requested by command.
- • Enter and close incident reports; generate daily activity and run summaries.
- • Provide public information on burn bans, fireworks restrictions, and referrals when appropriate.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
