Fire Department Company Officer (3rd Edition)
Chapter 1-Assuming the Role of Company Officer
Test Review

• Company officers are held accountable for the team performance.
• The role of the first-level supervisor (company officer) is that of player/coach.
• Teams produce a synergistic effect in that the team can do more than an individual on the team.
• Performance problems from a skill deficiency can be corrected through training.
• Substandard performance due to lack of motivation or attitude requires progressive discipline.
• Success as a company officer requires learning your job, being loyal to the department, being aggressive with training, guarding speech on/off duty, leading by example, and accept criticism.
• Achievements in the fire department are only limited by the degree of personal commitment.
• Being loyal to the department requires advocating policies and procedures, being supportive of co-workers, and preserving the image of the department.
• When speaking, company officers should only speak of things which are correct and consistent with the department's position.
• Company officers must be honest, fair, and trustworthy in the discharge of duties.
• Assume all decisions are being evaluated and observed.
• Company officers should know the fundamentals of human resources management and how the laws apply in a supervisory role.
• Company officers must understand planning, inspection procedures, investigative techniques, and public education.
• The majority of on-duty time as a company officer will be spent using "people skills" in one form or another.
• Company officers deal with group dynamics, motivation, career counseling, and problem solving.
• Knowledge of legal responsibilities and personal liability as a fire officer can be important to the effectiveness as a supervisor.
• One of the most basic and most important responsibilities as fire officer is for the health and safety of subordinates.
• Company officers devise appropriate plans for a variety of contingencies (i.e.-company budget, natural disasters).