Chicago Fire Department

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Chicago Fire Department

Established	August 2, 1832
Staffing	Career
Strength	4,314 firefighters and 619 paramedics
Stations	98
Engines	96
Trucks	61
Squads	4
Helicopters	2
EMS Level	BLS & ALS
Commissioner	Raymond Orozco

The Chicago Fire Department, also known as the CFD, is the principal fire suppression, prevention, and rescue agency of Chicago, Illinois, under the jurisdiction of the mayor of Chicago. The Chicago Fire Department is the largest fire department in the Midwestern United States and the second largest fire department in the nation as ranked by Firehouse Magazine. It is also one of the oldest major organized fire departments in the nation. Concurrently, some firefighters serve as paramedics with the Chicago Emergency Medical System.

The Chicago Fire Department is led by the Commissioner, who is currently Raymond Orozco, Jr. The Commissioner is appointed by the mayor. He is assisted by the First Deputy Commissioner, who oversees the department's bureaus. There are five bureaus under the First Deputy Commissioner: Administrative Services, Fire Prevention, Operations, Support Services, and Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Services.

Until December 2006 Chicago firefighters donned the famous three-quarter boots and jacket, instead of the now generally accepted bunker gear worn by many departments, especially those of the suburbs. An example of the boots and jacket can be seen in the photo below.

1 Chain of command
- 1.1 Fire Suppression and Rescue Division
- 1.2 Emergency Medical Services Division
2 Notable Incidents
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Chain of command

Chicago firefighters responding to a call on Michigan Ave.

Listed below are the chains of command for the two major divisions of the Chicago Fire Department's Operations Bureau: Fire Suppression and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services. The lists rank from lowest-level employee to senior command staff. Employees in these ranks may also serve in other divisions and bureaus.