A professional who directs activities of municipal fire department. Respnsibilities include:

• Directs training of personnel and administers laws and regulations affecting department.
• Evaluates fire prevention and fire control policies by keeping abreast of new methods and conducting studies of departmental operations.
• Assumes personal command at multiple-alarm fires.
• Supervises firefighters engaged in operation and maintenance of fire stations and equipment.
• Coordinates mutual fire protection plans with surrounding municipalities.
• Surveys buildings, grounds, and equipment to estimate needs of department and prepare departmental budget.
• Confers with officials and community groups and conducts public relations campaigns to present need for changes in laws and policies and to encourage fire prevention.
• May investigate causes of fires and inspect buildings for fire hazards.
• May control issue of occupancy permits and similar licenses.
• May perform duties of battalion chief in smaller communities.
• May be designated Chief Of Field Operations; District Fire Chief; or Fire Chief, Deputy in larger organizations.