Abilene Fire Department
Tactical Operations
The Fire Tactical Operations Branch of the Fire Department is directed by the Deputy Chief. Firefighters are assigned to shift work at one of the city's eight fire stations. At full strength, each of the three shifts is comprised of approximately fifty personnel consisting of one Battalion Chief, three District Captains, eight Lieutenants, and thirty-eight Firefighters. The Battalion Chiefs direct the day-to-day activities of the division.
While one of the primary goals of the Tactical Operations Branch continues to be the provision of quality emergency response services, our priorities have expanded in recent years to the areas of education, prevention, and preparedness. In addition to their fire operations and rescue responsibilities, fire companies engage in the following programs and activities:
First Responder Program
Under most circumstances, fire apparatus can respond to a medical emergency much quicker than an ambulance, simply because there are eleven fire companies in eight strategically-located fire stations throughout the city, as opposed to MetroCare's three ambulances at three base stations. Patients receiving timely advanced life support have a greater probability of surviving life threatening conditions, which makes this program one of the department's most effective and rewarding activities. Our department responds to an estimated 10,000 medical emergencies each year.
Hazardous Material Response Team The Haz-Mat Response Team is comprised of the two fire companies assigned to Station #5. In addition to responding to all types of emergencies within their assigned districts, these personnel are prepared to assist with incidents involving hazardous materials. Team members must attend technical training courses and practice their skills at every given opportunity to stay proficient in this highly specialized assignment.
Asset Management
Asset Management consolidates the functions of fixed facility and motor fleet maintenence, equipment and supply allocation in addition to procurement and research to facilitate efficient and effective utilization of fire department resources. The goal of this division is to provide quality equipment, services and facilities to the firefighters of the Abilene Fire Department in a controlled, expedient manner.
Asset Management administers the inventory and supply distribution network to meet the daily and mission critical needs of the Abilene Fire Department including everything from fire engines and fire hoses, to office supplies, station furnishings, fire tools and equipment, yard maintenance equipment, emergency medical supplies, fitness equipment, uniforms and protective clothing.
This division also works with Abilene's own highly trained Emergency Vehicle Technicians, station officers, station firefighters and outside contractors to maintain the fire departments' fleet of vehicles.