BUCKS COUNTY
FIRE FIGHTING TASK FORCE

OPERATIONS

MANUAL

September 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC / PAGE
Purpose of this Document / 3
Mission Statement / 3
Scope / 3
Expectations / 3
Bucks County Fire Chief’s and Fire Fighters – Task Force Committee / 4
Duties of Fire Task Force Committee / 4
Task Force Committee Chairman’s - Role and Responsibilities / 4
Fire Fighting Task Force Make-Up / 6
Apparatus / 6
Leadership / 6
Personnel / 6
Task Force Leadership – Roles and Responsibilities / 7-9
Task Force Leader / 7
Deputy and Assistant Leaders / 7-8
Safety Officer / 8-9
Task Force Requirements / 4-6
Task Force Participating Company / 4-5
Task Force Apparatus / 6
Task Force Leadership / 6
Task Force Personnel / 6
Task Force Personnel Qualifications: / 9-12
Task Force Leaders / 9
Deputy/Assistant TF Leader / 9-10
Task Force Safety Officer / 10
Apparatus Driver/Operator/Engineer / 10-11
Engine Company Personnel / 11
Rescue – Engine Company Personnel / 11-12
Ladder Company Personnel / 12
Continuing Education and Training / 12
Alerting and Dispatching / 12
Task Force Travel / 14-15
Personnel Accountability / 16-18
Appendix – Bucks CountyTask Force Forms / 21

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

Section I - Purpose:

This document provides the required guidance and direction for the organization, operation, and maintenance of the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force. The principals outlined herein are intended to meet the intent of federal, state, and regional Task Force operating principals, guidelines, and recommended best practices.

Section II - Mission:

The Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force is established to provide a team of qualified responders who are trained to assist BucksCounty communities and the Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Regional Task Force in response to County or Regional Task Force requests for Mutual Aid or Assistance to natural and manmade emergencies, disasters, and acts of terrorism.

Section III - Scope:

The success of the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force and its ability to provide a qualified response is dependent upon careful planning, selection of members and leaders, training, and credentialing of team members, along with equipping, and funding of teams.

Task Force members, their respective fire department leaders and elected municipal officials should understand the value added benefit and need for individual and team training, and establishment of requirements for equipping and deployment of specialized response teams.

Primary responsibility for operational oversight of the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force rests with the Task Force Committee of the Bucks County Fire Chief’s and Fire Fighters Association. The Bucks County Emergency Management Agency (BCEMA) in conjunction with the Fire Work Group of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force (SEPRTF), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and US Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) establish operational guidelines and standards which provide guidance for team organization and operation.

Section IV: Expectations:

As members of the Regional Task Force, BucksCounty’s representatives are expected to maintain a professional persona for working together with local and regional TF members and organizations. They are expected to demonstrate a culture of progressive leadership and team work, and promote a mutual understanding and application of the unified goals and objectives of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and its participating members.

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

Section V –BucksCountyFire Chief’s – Fire Fighting Task Force Committee:

The Fire Fighting Task Force Committee of the Bucks County Fire Chief’s and Fire Fighter’s Association is established to oversee and coordinate County and Regional Task Force related activities and functions within Bucks County.

The Fire Fighting Task Force Committee consists of (7) active members (from within the fire chief’s and fire fighters association) each of whom represents the (4) fire districts within BucksCounty. The Chairman is appointed at-large from the membership of the association. There are (2) standing committee members; the Communications Department Representative and the Task Force Liaison who represents the Bucks County EMA on the SEPA Regional Fire Task Force. Committee members are appointed to serve a two year term.

Section VI - Duties of the Fire Task Force Committee:

The Fire Fighting Task Force Committee provides oversight of the activities of the Fire Fighting Task Force within Bucks County and ensures its adherence to the Operational Policies and Procedures of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and its Fire Fighting Work Group.

In addition, the Fire Fighting Task Force Committee establishes the criteria and selection process for Task Force Leaders, Deputy Leaders, and Safety Officers. The committee also establishes the criteria and selection process for fire departments and apparatus personnel who participate in Task Force activities. The FFTFC develops policies and procedures and performs periodic auditsto ensure compliance with the criteria established for participation by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and its Fire Fighting Work Group.

Section VII–BucksCountyFire Task Force Committee Chairman:

The Chairman of the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force Committee provides guidance, leadership, and direction to committee members on a routine basis. He organizes and schedules committee meetings, and provides a monthly status report regarding the activities of the committee to the BCFCFFA at its monthly meeting. He appoints committee members and other qualified members of the association to the following committees and sub-committees as deemed appropriate: credentialing, procedures, training – exercises and drills, company audits, and communications.

Section VIII - Task Force Company Requirements:

Task Force Fire Companies/Departments and/or Municipalities are required to ensure compliance with provisions of the Pennsylvania Intra-State Mutual Aid System and Sub-Sections 7331. thru 7340. 35Pa.C.S. Ch. 73, Subchapter. C (relating to intra-state mutual aid). Operations of Task Force Companies and officers are also guided by Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, and expectations of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and Fire Fighting Work Group.

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

Section VIII - Task Force Company Requirements (continued):

Fire Companies/Departments or Municipalities who participate in Task Force activities must attest that ample personnel are available to ensure that TF apparatus are properly staffed with qualified resources to provide consistent 24x7 365 days response. They must also attest that they have provisions in-place to ensure continued coverage and availability of apparatus and personnel to protect their primary response area while participating in Task Force related response, training, or exercise activities.

Task Force Companies must secure authorization to participate in the Task Force from the political sub-division in which they preside or by the authority having jurisdiction over their operations. The political sub-division must acknowledge that personnel listed as members of the Fire Fighting Task Force Unit are recognized as “Volunteer Employees” of said municipality when responding to a County or Regional Task Force request for Mutual Aid or Assistance. The authorization document must acknowledge that the participating Fire Company and designated personnel are authorized to respond as part of the BucksCounty and Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Fire Fighting Task Force upon request by/through the Bucks County 911 Emergency Communications Center or the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency.

They must provide a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from their political sub-division acknowledging that the AHJ provides appropriate workman’s compensation insurance including heart and lung related coverage and that “Volunteer Employees” of the responding TF Company and political sub-division who sustain injury or death in the course of and arising out of their “Volunteer Employment” for said municipality shall be entitled to all applicable benefits normally available to paid personnel while performing their duties for their employer.

Individual Fire Companies who participate in Task Force activities shall agree that they will not commit to providing more than one service to the Task Force.

The Chief of a participating TF Company shall attest that the designated TF Apparatus listed on SEPTF – Fire Fighting Form 900 complies with the Apparatus Requirements established by the BCFCFF Task Force Committee and meets or exceeds the minimum Apparatus Requirements outlined in SEPTF – Fire Fighting Task Force SOG – 102.3 thru 102.5.

Task Force Companies and their members are expected to participate in county and regional training and exercise activities as determined by the BCFCFF Task Force Committee and Task Force Leaders in concert with the SEPRTF Fire Fighting Work Group.

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

Section IX - Make-Up of Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force

The Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force is made-up of the following resources and components:

A. Task Force Apparatus:

The Task Force includes the following apparatus that meet or exceed the minimum resource typing requirements established by the US Department of Homeland Security, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Fire Fighting Task Force, and the BCFCFF Task Force Committee.

2 -Engine Companies (HSD Type 1) with minimum manning of (4) personnel.

2 - Rescue – Engine Companies (HSD Type 1) with Auto Extrication and Rescue

capability with minimum manning of (6) personnel, one of which must be an EMT or

Paramedic.

2 - Ladder Companies (minimum 100’ Aerial or 75’ Platform) (HSD Type 1) with

Minimum manning of (4) personnel.

1 - Air Cascade Unit with minimum manning of (2) personnel

Note: While minimum manning is identified for each type of Task Force Apparatus, every effort should be made to ensure that each apparatus is fully manned when responding to a County or Regional Task Force request for Mutual Aid or Assistance.

B. Task Force Leadership:

Leadership of the Bucks County Task Force consist of the following personnel who meet or exceed the minimum resource typing requirements established by the Bucks County FCFF Task Force Committee with guidance from the US Department of Homeland Security and Southeastern PA Regional Task – Fire Fighting Work Group.

  • Task Force Leaders – (3) Total
  • Deputy Task Force Leaders - (6) Total
  • Safety Officers – (6) Total

C. Task Force Personnel:

Personnel of the Bucks County Task Force consist of the following classifications: Apparatus Operator/Engineer, Engine Company, Rescue – Engine Company, and Ladder Company. Personnel manning each of these apparatus are required to meet or exceed the minimum training and experience requirements established by the Bucks County FCFF Task Force Committee with guidance from the US Department of Homeland Security and Southeastern PA Regional Fire Fighting Task Force.

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

Section VII - Task Force Leadership Roles and Responsibilities

A. Duties and Responsibilities of Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force Leaders:

Individuals designated as Leaders of the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force shall agree to perform the following duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability.

  1. Ensure that policies and procedures established for Bucks County Companies to participate in BucksCounty and Regional Task Force Activities meet and/or exceed the minimum criteria established for participation by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and its Fire Fighting Work-Group.
  2. Participate in Bucks County Fire Chief’s Task Force Committee and Sub-Committee’s when requested, as required, or on an as needed basis. (The following minimum Sub-Committees will be established: Credentialing, Procedures, Training – Exercises and Drills, Company Audits, and Communications).
  3. Perform required duties in accordance with established NIMS and accepted Incident Command and Management Practices based upon the circumstances and priorities of the situation or Incident in which Task Force Units and personnel are involved.
  4. Actively participate in the Incident Command System as determined by the Lead Agency assuming overall responsibility for Managing the situation or Incidents.
  5. Participate in training (minimum of 50%), planning and conduct of inter-active drills, and exercises with Task Force Units from within and outside of BucksCounty.
  6. Conduct all Task Force related operations and activities with safety as a priority and apply “The Everyone Goes Home” philosophy as appropriate. The Risk vs. Gain philosophy should be factored into the decision making process in all situations.

B. Duties of Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force Deputy or Assistant Leaders:

Individuals designated as Deputy or Assistant Leaders of the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force shall agree to perform the following duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability:

  1. Ensure that the policies and procedures established for Bucks units to participate in Bucks and Regional Task Force Activities meet and/or exceed the minimum criteria established for participation by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and its Fire Fighting Work-Group.
  2. Participate in Bucks County Fire Chief’s Task Force Sub-Committees when requested, as required, or on an as needed basis. (The minimum Sub-Committees will be established: Credentialing, Procedures, Training – Exercises and Drills, Company Audits, and Communications).

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

B. Duties of Fire Fighting Task Force Deputy or Assistant Leaders (continued):

  1. Perform required duties in accordance with established NIMS and accepted Incident Command and Management Practices based upon the circumstances and priorities of the Incident.
  2. Actively participate in the Incident Command System as determined by the Lead Agency assuming overall responsibility for Managing the Incident.
  3. Participate in training (minimum of 50%), planning and conduct of inter-active drills, and exercises with Task force Units from within and outside of BucksCounty.
  4. Conduct all Task Force related operations and activities with safety as a priority and apply “The Everyone Goes Home” philosophy as appropriate. Risk vs. Gain philosophy should be factored into the decision making process in all situations.
  5. Assist the Task Force Leader in the performance of his/her duties as requested.

C. Duties of BucksCounty Fire Fighting Task Force Safety Officer:

Individuals designated as Safety Officer for the Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force shall agree to perform the following duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability:

  1. Ensure that the policies and procedures established for Bucks units to participate in County and Regional Task Force Activities meet and/or exceed the minimum criteria established for participation by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force and it’s Fire Fighting Sub-Group.
  2. Participate in Bucks County Fire Chief’s Task Force Sub-Committees when requested, as required, or on an as needed basis. (The minimum Sub-Committees will be established: Credentialing, Procedures, Training – Exercises and Drills, Company Audits, and Communications).
  3. Perform required duties in accordance with established NIMS and accepted Incident Command and Management Practices based upon the circumstances and priorities of the Incident.
  4. Actively participate in the Incident Command System as determined by the Lead Agency assuming overall responsibility for Managing the Incident.
  5. Participate in training (minimum of 50%), planning and conduct of inter-active drills, and exercises with Task force Units from within and outside of BucksCounty.
  6. Ensure that all Task Force related operations and activities are accomplished with safety as a priority and apply “The Everyone Goes Home” philosophy as appropriate. Risk vs. gain philosophy should be factored into the decision making process in all situations.
  7. Assist the Task Force Leader in the performance of his/her duties as requested.

Bucks County Fire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual

Section VIII: Qualifications of Task Force Leadership:

  • Task Force Units shall be staffed by qualified personnel who meet or exceed a combination of the following training, experience, and certification requirements or their equivalent.
  • Participating TF companies must annually supply documentation from a doctor that attests that their personnel are capable of performing firefighting and driving duties based on credentialing.

A. Task Force Leadership Requirements

Task Force Leaders must have completed SEPRTF Form #903 and submitted a resume that outlines their education, training, and experience to the BCFCFF Task Force Credentialing Sub-Committee.

B. Task Force Leader:

  • Must meet Engine, Rescue - Engine, and Ladder Company Requirements.
  • Must have completed NIMS 300 or an equivalent number of ICS related courses

and training hours.

  • Completion of NIMS 400 or an equivalent number of ICS related courses and training hours is recommended.
  • Fire Officer 1 or Equivalent.
  • Fire Officer 2 or Equivalent
  • Must have a minimum of (5) years experience at the Chief Officer or equivalent level in a municipal or industrial emergency service organization. A minimum of three (3) years of his/her experience must have been at the Deputy, Assistant, Battalion, or other subordinate Chief Officer Level or equivalent.
  • Must have access to a command or utility vehicle through a designated Aide or by agreement with his/her respective emergency service organization.
  • Task Force Leaders are encouraged to participate in continuing education courses related to their TF responsibilities throughout the year.

C. Deputy/Assistant TF Leader:

  • Must meet Engine, Rescue – Engine, and Ladder Company Requirements.
  • Must have completed NIMS 300 or an equivalent number of ICS related courses

and training hours.

  • Completion of NIMS 400 or an equivalent number of ICS related courses and training hours is recommended.
  • Must have completed Fire Officer 1 or equivalent.
  • Must have a minimum of 3 years experience at the Deputy, Assistant, Battalion, or equivalent subordinate Chief Officer Level in a municipal or industrial private sector fire department or emergency service organization.

Bucks CountyFire Fighting Task Force – Operations Manual