Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator (1st Edition)
Chapter 1 Terms
The Driver Operator

Company
Basic firefighting organizational unit consisting of firefighters and apparatus.

Company Officer
Individual responsible for command of a company.

Driver Operator
Firefighter who is charged with the responsibility of operating fire apparatus to, during, and from the scene of a fire operation or any other time the apparatus is in use. The driver/operator is also responsible for routine maintenance of the apparatus and any equipment carried on the apparatus. This is typically the first step in the fire department promotional chain. 

Fire Apparatus
Any fire department emergency vehicle used in fire suppression or other emergency situation.

Ladder Company
Group of firefighters assigned to a fire department aerial apparatus who are primarily responsible for search and rescue, ventilation, salvage and overhaul, forcible entry, and other fireground support functions.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Nonprofit educational and technical association located in Quincy, Massachusetts devoted to protecting life and property from fire by developing fire protection standards and educating the public.

Pump Operator
Firefighter charged with operating the fire pump and determining the pressures required to operate it efficiently.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Standard method in which a fire department carries out routine functions.