Question about FF designations and assignments

[Guest]

What does being a internal firefighter and external firefighter entail. And how does someone get on a truck company in a volunteer fire department. Or is it they fill what they need at that the time.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

Welcome to the forum! I'll answer your question based on what my department considers the difference between "Interior" and "Exterior" NY is a bit different from CT, but it will give you the general idea.

An "Interior Firefighter" is someone who has taken the proper training and certification courses (IE: Firefighter 1, HAZMAT Operational, etc) to enter a structure fire for fire suppression, ventilation, search and rescue, etc.

An "Exterior Firefighter" is someone who has either not yet taken/passed those courses and is therefore operates in a support capacity, IE: water supply, changing air bottles, traffic duties (if your department does them.) Depending on the department, Exterior Firefighters may engage in some rescue activities such as water rescue and may also fight brush fires, but only after properly trained.

In my department (New Fairfield) only Interior Firefighters may be on the Truck Company, but any Interior personnel can ride it.