Combination fire department

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A combination fire department is a type of Volunteer fire department which consists of both career and volunteer firefighters. In the United States, combination fire departments are typically tax-supported in some fashion, and generally have an annual call volume larger than purely volunteer departments but less than career departments. Volunteers often outnumber career employees in a combination fire department, but combination fire departments range between 100% volunteer and 100% career departments.

[edit] Career Staff

The career staff attached to a combination fire department will oversee one or more areas of responsibility:

1. Administrative Support, such as organizing paperwork, complying with legal and regulatory requirements, and answering phones.
2. Equipment Maintenance of firefighting apparatus, tools, and personal protective equipment.
3. Responding to emergencies during their working hours.
4. Leadership of the department, such as serving as a chief officer.

[edit] Volunteer Staff

The volunteers associated with a combination department will be firefighters and/or medical first responders such as EMTs, performing tasks in line with their training and physical abilities.