List of comparative firefighting ranks

Last updated

Fire departments are structured differently around the world. Many firefighters are sworn members with command structures similar to the military and police. They do not have general police powers but have specific powers of enforcement and control in fire and emergency situations.

Contents

Australia

New South Wales

New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Operational rankMembership typeInsignia
CommissionerNSW government senior executive service officer
Deputy commissionerNSW government senior executive service officer
Assistant commissionerNSW government senior executive service officer
Chief superintendentNSW government public service officer
SuperintendentNSW government public service officer
InspectorNSW government public service officer NSWRFS Insignia Inspector.jpg
Group captainVolunteer
Deputy group captainVolunteer
Assistant group captainVolunteer
CaptainVolunteer NSWRFS Insignia Captain.jpg
Senior deputy captainVolunteer NSWRFS Insignia SeniorDeptCapt.jpg
Deputy captainVolunteer NSWRFS Insignia DeptCapt.jpg
Support fire fighter (no qualifications)Volunteer NSWRFS Insignia Member.jpg

Victoria

Victoria Country Fire Authority
Administrative ranks for volunteer firefightersHelmet insigniaEpauletteHardboard
Group officer CFA-GO-HELMET.png
CFA-GO-Epaulette.png
N/A
Deputy group officer CFA-DGO-HELMET.png
CFA-DGO-Epaulette.png
N/A
Operational ranks for volunteer firefightersHelmet insigniaEpauletteHardboard
Captain CFA-CAPTAIN-HELMET.png
CFA-Captain-Epaulette.png
CFA-CAPTAIN-HARDBOARD.png
1st lieutenant CFA-LIEUTENANT-HELMET.png
CFA-Lieutenant-Epaulette.png
CFA-LIEUTENANT-HARDBOARD.png
2nd to 5th lieutenant CFA-LIEUTENANT-HELMET.png
CFA-Lieutenant-Epaulette.png
N/A
Firefighter CFA-FIREFIGHTER-HELMET.png
N/A
N/A

Austria

Salzburg

Volunteer fire departments
Higher ranksAdministrative ranks
TitleLandesbranddirektor (LBD)Landesbranddirektor-Stv. (LBD-Stv.)Oberbrandrat (OBR)Brandrat (BR)Hauptverwalter (HV)Oberverwalter (OV)Verwalter (V)
Rank insignia Dgrd lbd.noe.svg Dgrd lbdstv.noe.svg Dgrd obr.noe.svg Dgrd br2.noe.svg Dienstgrad Verwalter (V) in Tirol, Hauptverwalter (HV) in Karnten und Salzburg.svg Dienstgrad Verwalter (V) in Tirol, Oberverwalter (OV) in Karnten und Salzburg.svg Dienstgrad Verwalter (V) in Karnten und Salzburg.svg
Leading ranks
TitleAbteilungsbrandinspektor (ABI)Hauptbrandinspektor (HBI)Oberbrandinspektor (OBI)Brandinspektor (BI)Hauptbrandmeister (HBM)Oberbrandmeister (OBM)Brandmeister (BM)
Rank insignia Dgrd abi.noe.svg Dgrd hbi.noe.svg Dgrd obi.noe.svg Dgrd bi.noe.svg Dgrd hbm.noe.svg Dgrd obm.noe.svg Dgrd bm.noe.svg
Sub-officers/crew commandersFirefighters and leading firefighters
TitleHauptlöschmeister (HLM)Oberlöschmeister (OLM)Löschmeister (LM)Löschmeister (LM)
18 years as firefighter
Hauptfeuerwehrmann (HFM)Oberfeuerwehrmann (OFM)Feuerwehrmann (FM)Probefeuerwehrmann (PFM)
Rank insignia Dgrd hlm.noe.svg Dgrd olm.noe.svg Dgrd lm.noe.svg Dgrd lm.noe.svg Dgrd hfm.noe.svg Dgrd ofm.noe.svg Dgrd fm.noe.svg Dgrd pfm.noe.svg

Belgium

New rank structure as of 2015: [1]

Officers (higher cadre)NCOs (middle cadre)Enlisted (basic cadre)
Insignia Brandweerkolonel.jpg Majoor.jpg Kapitein.jpg Luitenant.jpg Adjudant.jpg Sergeantbrandweer.jpg Korporaal.jpg Brandweerman.jpg
FrenchColonelMajorCapitaineLieutenantAdjudantSergentCaporalSapeur-pompier
DutchKolonelMajoorKapiteinLuitenantAdjudantSergeantKorporaalBrandweerman

Obsolete ranks:

Officers (higher cadre)NCOs (middle cadre)
Insignia Luitenant-kolonel.jpg Kapitein-commandant.jpg Onder-luitenant.jpg Opperadjudant.jpg Sergeant-majoor.jpg 1sergeant.jpg
FrenchLieutenant-colonelCapitaine-commandantSous-lieutenantAdjudant-chefSergent-majorPremier Sergent
DutchLuitenant-KolonelKapitein-CommandantOnder-luitenantOpperadjudantSergeant-majoorEerste sergeant

Brazil

Officers
Rank groupGeneral / flag officersSenior officersJunior officersOfficer cadet
Flag of Brazil.svg Military Firefighters Corps
Cmd Geral CBM AP.PNG Cmd Geral CBM ES.PNG Insignia Cel Bombeiro.png Insignia Ten-cel Bombeiro.png Insignia Maj Bombeiro.png Insignia Cap Bombeiro.png Insignia 1 Ten Bombeiro.png Insignia 2 Ten Bombeiro.png
Comandante GeralComandante segundoCoronelTenente-coronelMajorCapitãoPrimeiro tenenteSegundo tenente
NCO and enlisted grades
Rank groupSenior NCOsJunior NCOsEnlisted
Flag of Brazil.svg Military Firefighters Corps
Insignia PM O8.PNG G05-CBM Primeiro Sargento.svg G04-CBM Segundo Sargento.svg G03-CBM Terceiro Sargento.svg G02-CBM Cabo.svg G01-CBM Soldado.svg G00-CBM Soldado segunda classe.svg
SubtenentePrimeiro-sargentoSegundo-sargentoTerceiro-sargentoCaboBombeiro primeira classeBombeiro segunda classe

Canada

A chief and platoon chief coordinate activities on site of a house fire in Vaughan, Ontario Vaughan Fire officials commanding an incident.jpg
A chief and platoon chief coordinate activities on site of a house fire in Vaughan, Ontario

Ranks amongst Canadian firefighters vary across the country and ranking appears mostly with larger departments:

Toronto

RankFire chiefDeputy fire chiefDivision commanderPlatoon chiefDistrict chiefCaptainFirst class firefighterSecond class firefighterProbationary firefighter
Insignia Toronto Fire - Fire Chief.png Toronto Fire - Deputy Fire Chief.png Toronto Fire - Division Commander.png Toronto Fire - Platoon Chief.png Toronto Fire - District Chief.png Toronto Fire - Captain.png NoneNoneNone

Montreal

RankInsignia
Firefighter/firefighter instructorno insignia
Interim lieutenant1 silver stripe
Lieutenant/lieutenant instructor2 silver stripes
Captain3 silver stripes
Operations chief1 thick yellow stripe
Division chief1 thick and 1 thin yellow stripe
Assistant chief1 thick and 2 thin yellow stripes
Deputy chief1 thick and 3 thin yellow stripes
Fire chief1 thick and 4 thin yellow stripes plus star

Vancouver

Fire chiefDeputy fire chiefAssistant chiefBattalion chiefTraining officerCaptainLieutenantFirefighterProbationary firefighter
Rank epaulettes VFRS Fire Chief.png VFRS Deputy Fire Chief.png VFRS Assistant Chief.png VFRS Battalion Chief.png VFRS Training Officer.png VFRS Captain.png VFRS Lieutenant.png No insigniaNo insignia
Rank pins FIRE BUGLES - 5.1 (GOLD).png FIRE BUGLES - 4.3 (GOLD).png FIRE BUGLES - 3.1 (GOLD).png FIRE BUGLES - 2.4 (GOLD).png FIRE BUGLES - 3.2 (SILVER).png FIRE BUGLES - 2.4 (SILVER).png FIRE BUGLES - 1 (SILVER).png No insigniaNo insignia

Chile

Ranks are divided between company officers and fire department officers, which can be subdivided between active officers (field officers) and administrative officers. The active officers are the captain, and three or four lieutenants, these four active officers are distinguished by red lines on their helmets.

China

CommissionerDeputy commissionerAssistant commissionerCommandersBattalion chiefs
CHINA FIRE AND RESCUE badge (2018).svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Zong Jian .jpg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Fu Zong Jian .jpg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Zhu Li Zong Jian .jpg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Gao Ji Zhi Hui Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Yi Ji Zhi Hui Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Er Ji Zhi Hui Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang San Ji Zhi Hui Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Yi Ji Zhi Hui Yuan .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Er Ji Zhi Hui Yuan .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang San Ji Zhi Hui Yuan .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Si Ji Zhi Hui Yuan .svg
Director generalDeputy
director general
Assistant
director general
Senior commanderCommander ICommander IICommander IIIBattalion chief IBattalion chief IIBattalion chief IIIBattalion chief IV
Senior firefightersIntermediate firefightersJunior firefighters
CHINA FIRE AND RESCUE badge (2018).svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Yi Ji Xiao Fang Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Er Ji Xiao Fang Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang San Ji Xiao Fang Chang .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Yi Ji Xiao Fang Shi .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Er Ji Xiao Fang Shi .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang San Ji Xiao Fang Shi .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Si Ji Xiao Fang Shi .svg Zhong Hua Ren Min Gong He Guo Xiao Fang Jiu Yuan Xian Jian Zhang Yu Bei Xiao Fang Shi .svg
Captain ICaptain IICaptain IIIFirefighter IFirefighter IIFirefighter IIIFirefighter IVProbationary
firefighter

Czech Republic

ZnakHZS.jpg Insignia Generalporucik HZS CR.png Generalmajor HZS CR.png Brigadni general HZS CR.png Plukovnik HZS CR.png Podplukovnik HZS CR.png Major HZS CR.png Kapitan HZS CR.png Nadporucik HZS CR.png Porucik HZS CR.png Podporucik HZS CR.png Nadpraporcik HZS CR.png Praporcik HZS CR.png Podpraporcik HZS CR.png Nadstrazmistr HZS CR.png Strazmistr HZS CR.png Rotny HZS CR.png
TitleGenerál-
poručík
Generál-
major
Brigádní generálPlukovníkPodplukovníkMajorKapitánNadporučíkPoručíkPodporučíkNadpraporčíkPraporčíkPodpraporčíkNadstrážmistrStrážmistrRotný

Denmark

Rank epaulettes [2]
Denmark-Firefighter-Direktor.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Vicedirektor.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Afdelingschef.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Omradeleder.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Beredskabsinspektor.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Viceberedskabsinspektor.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Beredskabsmester.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Viceberedskabsmester.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Deltidsholder m. instruktor.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Deltidsholder.svg
Denmark-Firefighter-Beredskabsassistent.svg
TitleDirektørVicedirektørAfdelingschefOmrådelederBeredskabsinspektørViceberedskabsinspektørBeredskabsmesterViceberedskabsmesterDeltidsholder m. instruktørDeltidsholderBeredskabsassistent
Direct translation of Danish ranksEmergency director/
Emergency chief
Deputy emergency director/
Deputy emergency chief
Department chief/
Area chief
Area managerFire inspectorDeputy fire inspector/
Station master
Emergency master/
Fire master
Deputy emergency master/
Deputy fire master
Part-time team leader with instructor skillsPart-time team leaderFire assistant/
Emergency assistant
Equivalent in London Fire Brigade CommissionerDeputy commissionerAssistant commissionerDeputy assistant commissionerGroup managerStation managerStation officerSub-officerNo equivalentNo equivalentFirefighter

France

Rank insignia of a lieutenant of the Paris Fire Brigade FOURREAU BSPP.jpg
Rank insignia of a lieutenant of the Paris Fire Brigade

The Paris Fire Brigade belongs to the army and uses army ranks with the corps of engineers badge. The commanding officer has the rank of divisional general. The Marseille Naval Fire Battalion belongs to the navy and uses naval ranks. The commanding officer has the rank of rear admiral. Civilian fire services uses the following ranks. The chief fire officer of a departemental fire brigade can be a comptroller general, a colonel senior class or a colonel, depending on the size of the brigade.

Ministry of InteriorCivilian professional firefighters class A+Civilian professional firefighters class ACivilian professional firefighters class B
Insigne de poitrine des sapeurs-pompiers de France.jpg DGSCGC.png DGSP.png SDIS CGL1.png SDIS CGL.png SP-COL.png SP-LCL.png SP-CEN.png SP-CNE.png SP-LTN.png
Directeur Général de la sécurité civile et de la gestion des crisesDirecteur des sapeurs-pompiers
(directeur adjoint du DGSCGC)
Contrôleur général
(officiers investis de responsabilités particulières envers l'État)
Contrôleur généralColonel hors-classe
Colonel
Lieutenant-ColonelCommandantCapitaineLieutenant hors classe
Lieutenant de 1re classe
Lieutenant de 2e classe
Civilian professional firefighters class C
Insigne de poitrine des sapeurs-pompiers de France.jpg SP-ADC.png SP-ADJ.png SP-SGC.png SP-SGT.png SP-CPC.png SP-CPL.png SP-SP1.png SP-SP2.png
Adjudant-ChefAdjudantSergent-ChefSergentCaporal-ChefCaporalSapeur de 1re classeSapeur de 2e classe

Germany

In Germany every federal state has its own civil protection laws thus they have different rank systems. Additionally, in the volunteer fire departments, there is a difference between a rank and an official position. This is founded on the military traditions of the fire departments. Every firefighter can hold a high rank without having an official position. A firefighter can be promoted by years of service, training skills and qualifications. Official positions are partly elected or given by capabilities. These conditions allow that older ordinary firefighters have higher ranks than their leaders. But through this ranks are no authorities given (Brevet).

Professional fire fighters (middle technical grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz

Completed vocational training in a technical occupation suitable for the fire service. Basic firefighter training.

Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandmeister wahrend der Laufbahnausbildung.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandmeister.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Oberbrandmeister.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Hauptbrandmeister.svg
Brandmeister/-in
während der Laufbahnausbildung
BrandmeisterOberbrandmeisterHauptbrandmeister
Professional fire fighters (upper technical grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz

Bachelor of engineering and two years departmental training

Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandinspektorenanwarter.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandinspektor.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandoberinspektor.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandamtmann.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandamtsrat.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandoberamtsrat.svg
BrandinspektorenanwärterBrandinspektorBrandoberinspektorBrandamtmannBrandamtsratBrandoberamtsrat
Professional fire fighters (higher technical grades) of Rheinland-Pfalz

Master of engineering and two years of departmental training

Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandreferendar.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Brandrat.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Oberbrandrat.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Branddirektor.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Leitender Branddirektor oder Ministerialrat.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Leitender Ministerialrat.svg Berufsfeuerwehr RLP Landesfeuerwehrinspekteur.svg
BrandreferendarBrandratOberbrandratBranddirektorLeitender Branddirektor
Ministerialrat
Leitender MinisterialratLandesfeuerwehrinspekteur
Helmet insignia of Rheinland-Pfalz
Helmkennzeichnung Zugfuhrer.svg Helmkennzeichnung Kommandant.svg Helmkennzeichnung Kreisbrandmeister.svg
Company leadersUpper technical grades, battalion chiefsHigher technical grades, fire chiefs

Germany 1935-1945

The Feuerschutzpolizei was formed in 1938 as a branch of the Ordnungspolizei , formed in 1938 when the German municipal professional fire brigades were transferred to the national police. The previously red fire vehicles, blue uniforms and fire service ranks were replaced by green fire vehicles, green uniforms and police ranks.

Professional fire departments
in Prussia
1935–1938
Feuerschutzpolizei
1938–1941
Feuerschutzpolizei
1941–1945
Insignia
Generalleutnant
Oberbranddirektor [lower-alpha 1] GeneralmajorGeneralmajor
Oberbranddirektor
Branddirektor
OberstOberst
OberbauratOberstleutnantOberstleutnant
BauratMajorMajor
Brandingenieur
Brandoberingenieur
Baurat [lower-alpha 2]
HauptmannHauptmann FSP-Hauptmann h.svg
Bezirkshauptmann
InspektorBezirksoberleutnant FSP-Oberleutnant h.svg
OberbrandmeisterObermeisterLeutnant FSP-Leutnant h.svg
Bezirksleutnant
BrandmeisterMeisterMeister
LöschmeisterHauptwachtmeisterHauptwachtmeister FSP-Hauptwachtmeister h.svg
OberfeuerwehrmannBezirksoberwachtmeisterBezirksoberwachtmeister FSP-Bezirksoberwachtmeister h.svg
OberwachtmeisterOberwachtmeister FSP-Oberwachtmeister h.svg
FeuerwehrmannWachtmeisterWachtmeister FSP-Wachtmeister h.svg
Rottwachtmeister
Unterwachtmeister [lower-alpha 3] FSP-Unterwachtmeister h.svg
Anwärter [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] No insignia
Anwärter [lower-alpha 3]
  1. The fire chief of Berlin.
  2. With less than three years in the rank
  3. 1 2 3 Only in the field units
  4. With more than six months in the rank.

Greece

TitleLieutenant generalMajor generalBrigadierColonelLieutenant colonelFire majorFire captainFire lieutenantFire second lieutenant
Greek titleΑντιστράτηγος
Antistrátigos
Υποστράτηγος
Ypostrátigos
Αρχιπύραρχος
Archipýrarchos
Πύραρχος
Pýrarchos
Αντιπύραρχος
Antipýrarchos
Επιπυραγός
Epipyragós
Πυραγός
Pyragós
Υποπυραγός
Ypopyragós
Ανθυποπυραγός
Anthypopyragós
Insignia
GR-Fireservice-OF8.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF7.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF6.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF5.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF4.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF3.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF2.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF1b.svg
GR-Fireservice-OF1.svg
TitleWarrant officer (NCO)Master sergeantSergeantSenior firefighterFirefighter
Greek titleΠυρονόμος
Pyronómos
Αρχιπυροσβέστης Παραγωγικής Σχολής
Archipyrosvéstis Paragogikís Scholís
Αρχιπυροσβέστης Μη Παραγωγικής Σχολής
Archipyrosvéstis Mi Paragogikís Scholís
Υπαρχιπυροσβέστης
Yparchipyrosvéstis
Πυροσβέστης
Pyrosvéstis
Insignia
GR-Fireservice-WO1.svg
GR-Fireservice-OR9.svg
GR-Fireservice-OR8.svg
GR-Fireservice-OR7.svg
GR-Fireservice-OR5.svg

Hungary

Officers

Rank groupGeneral / flag officersSenior officersJunior officersOfficer cadet
Flag of Hungary.svg National Directorate General for Disaster Management Rank Fire Department Hungary COL.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary LTC.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary MAJ.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary CPT.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary 1LT.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary 2LT.svg
Tűzoltó ezredesTűzoltó alezredesTűzoltó őrnagyTűzoltó századosTűzoltó főhadnagyTűzoltó hadnagy

NCO and enlisted grades

Rank groupSenior NCOsJunior NCOsEnlisted
Flag of Hungary.svg National Directorate General for Disaster Management Rank Fire Department Hungary WO-3.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary WO-2.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary WO-1.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary SFC.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary SSGT.svg Rank Fire Department Hungary SGT.svg
Tűzoltó főtörzszászlósTűzoltó törzszászlósTűzoltó zászlósTűzoltó főtörzsőrmesterTűzoltó törzsőrmesterTűzoltó őrmester


India

In the Indian fire services, the ranks and hierarchy may vary slightly across different states and organizations. The specific rank names and their corresponding responsibilities may vary across different states and organizations in India. The following ranks are commonly found in indian fire departments. [3]

Indonesia

Firefighters in Indonesia form part of the civil service of local governments and wear variant forms of uniforms worn by civil servants and employees.

Rank categoryRank category numberRank in IndonesianEquivalent rank
(with US general schedule and UK civil service paygrade)
Rank in English
(Provincial/city/municipal/regency/district fire service personnel only)
Directors and commissionersIV/ePembina UtamaDirector general
senior executive service level V,
pay band 3 A7
Director
IV/dPembina Utama MadyaDirector
senior executive service level V
pay band 2 A7
Chief commissioner
IV/cPembina Utama MudaDeputy director
GS-15,
pay band 2 A6
Commander
Subaltern and field ranked officersIV/bPembina Tingkat IAssistant director
GS-14,
grade 6 A5
Senior commissioner
IV/aPembinaSenior executive officer 1st class
GS-14, grade 7 A4
Commissioner
III/dPenata Tingkat ISenior executive officer 2nd class
GS-13, grade 7 A3
Battalion chief
III/cPenataHigher executive officer 1st class
GS-12, grade 7 A2
Captain
LieutenantsIII/bPenata Muda Tingkat IHigher executive officer
GS-11, A2
First lieutenant
III/aPenata MudaExecutive officer 1st class
GS-10, A2/B6
Second lieutenant
Senior NCOsII/dPengatur Tingkat IExecutive officer 2nd class
GS-9, A1/B6
Station sub-officer
II/cPengaturExecutive officer
GS-8, A1/B5
Brigadier major
Junior NCOsII/bPengatur Muda Tingkat IAdministrative officer class 1
GS-7, B4
Brigadier 1st class
II/aPengatur MudaAdministrative officer class 2
GS-6, B4
Senior brigader
Basic levelI/dJuru Tingkat IHigher clerical officer 1st class
GS-5, B3
Brigadier
I/cJuruHigher clerical officer
GS-4/GS-3, B3
Junior brigadier
I/bJuru Muda Tingkat IClerical officer
GS-2, B2
Senior firefighter
I/aJuru MudaAdministrative assistant
GS-1, B1
Firefighter

Iran

Iranian insignia Iran fire department daraje.jpg
Iranian insignia

In Iran, every city has its own fire department, but ranks are the same in the whole country, and are as follows:

RankPersianCollar/epaulette markingsCollar/epaulette markings (in Persian)
Volunteer firefighter IIIآتش نشان داوطلب سومOne golden barیک خط طلایی
Volunteer firefighter IIآتش نشان داوطلب دومTwo golden barsدو خط طلایی
Volunteer firefighterآتش نشان داوطلبThree golden barsسه خط طلایی
Firefighter IIIآتش نشان سومOne silver barیک خط نقره ای
Firefighter IIآتش نشان دومTwo silver barsدو خط نقره ای
Firefighterآتش نشانThree silver barsسه خط نقره ای
Head firefighter IIIسرآتش نشان سومOne flame with a thin silver bar below it and one golden barیک شعله با زیر پایه ی نقره ای نازک و یک خط طلایی
Head firefighter IIسرآتش نشان دومOne flame with a thin silver bar below it and two golden barsیک شعله با زیر پایه ی نقره ای نازک و دو خط طلایی
Head firefighterسرآتش نشانOne flame with a thin silver bar below it and three golden barsیک شعله با زیر پایه ی نقره ای نازک و سه خط طلایی
Master firefighter IIIآتش یار سومOne flame with golden border and silver bar below flameیک شعله با حاشیه ی طلایی و زیر پایه ی نقره ای حجیم زیر شعله
Master firefighter IIآتش یار دومTwo flames with golden border and silver bar below each flameدو شعله با حاشیه ی طلایی و زیر پایه ی نقره ای حجیم زیر هر شعله
Master firefighterآتش یارThree flames with golden border and silver bar below each flameسه شعله با حاشیه ی طلایی و زیر پایه ی نقره ای حجیم زیر هر شعله
Head master firefighterسر آتش یارFour flames with golden border and silver bar below each flameچهار شعله با حاشیه ی طلایی و زیر پایه ی نقره ای حجیم زیر هر شعله
Chief firefighter IIIآتش پاد سومOne empty golden wreathیک حلقه گل طلایی خالی
Chief firefighter IIآتش پاد دومOne golden wreath with a flame inside itیک حلقه گل طلایی با یک شعله درونش
Chief firefighterآتش پادOne golden wreath with a flame inside it and a silver bar below themیک حلقه گل طلایی با یک شعله درونش و یک خط نقره ای زیر آنها
Chief master firefighter IIIفرآتش پاد سومOne golden wreath with a flame inside it and two silver bars below themیک حلقه گل طلایی با یک شعله درونش و دو خط نقره ای زیر آنها
Chief master firefighter IIفرآتش پاد دومOne golden wreath with a flame inside it and three silver bars below themیک حلقه گل طلایی با یک شعله درونش و سه خط نقره ای زیر آنها
Chief master firefighterفرآتش پادOne golden wreath with a flame inside it and four silver bars below themیک حلقه گل طلایی با یک شعله درونش و چهار خط نقره ای زیر آنها

Ireland

In Ireland, the traditional British and Commonwealth brigade rank structure is used, across the 26 counties.

Fire and rescue services are provided by 26 County Councils to the 26 counties of Ireland, and by three city councils with unitary authority status (those of Dublin, Cork, and Galway) within their respective cities. By agreement, the Dublin Fire Brigade provides cover to both the city and the county. Similarly, Galway City Council and Galway County Council have an agreement for the provision of a single fire and rescue service. Only Cork has separate services - Cork City Fire Brigade in the City of Cork, and Cork County Fire Service in the wider County of Cork. In each of the other 23 counties of Ireland a single fire and rescue service covers the whole county, including all large towns and cities, as those 23 county councils are unitary authorities for the entire county jurisdiction.

StructureCounty brigadesDublin Fire Brigade [4]
RankInsigniaHelmetInsigniaHelmet
Firefighter London Fire Brigade - Firefighter rank insignia.svg Yellow London Fire Brigade - Firefighter rank insignia.svg Yellow
Leading firefighter
or driver mechanic
London Fire Brigade - Leading Firefighter rank insignia.svg Yellow, one 12 mm horizontal black stripeThis rank is not used in Dublin
Sub officer London Fire Brigade - Sub-Officer rank insignia.svg Yellow, two 12 mm horizontal black stripes London Fire Brigade - Sub-Officer rank insignia.svg Yellow, two 12 mm horizontal black stripes
Station officer London Fire Brigade - Station Officer rank insignia.svg White, one 19 mm horizontal black stripe London Fire Brigade - Station Officer rank insignia.svg White, one 12 mm horizontal black stripe
District officer (operations)
or district FPO
These ranks are not used in counties London Fire Brigade - Group Commander rank insignia.svg White, one 19 mm horizontal black stripe
Third officer (operations)
or executive FPO
London Fire Brigade - Assistant Commissioner rank insignia.svg White, two horizontal black stripes (one 19 mm, one 12 mm)
Senior assistant chief fire officer London Fire Brigade - Deputy Commissioner rank insignia.svg White, one 38 mm horizontal broad black stripeThis rank is not used in Dublin
Chief fire officer London Fire Brigade - Commissioner rank insignia.svg White, two 38 mm horizontal broad black stripes London Fire Brigade - Commissioner rank insignia.svg White, one 38 mm horizontal broad black stripe
Key:
FPO = fire prevention officer

Israel

Officers
FireDepIsrael.svg Rav-tafsar.jpg Tafsar-Major general firefighter-Israel FRS Ranks.jpg Tat-tafsar-Brigadier general firefighter-Israel FRS Ranks.jpg Tafsar-Mishne-Colonel firefighter-Israel FRS Ranks.jpg Sgan-Tafsar.jpg Rav-Reshef-Major firefighter-Israel FRS Ranks.jpg Reshef-Captain firefighter-Israel FRS Ranks.jpg Lahav.jpg Lahav-mishne.jpg
Rav tafsar
(רב טפסר)
Tafsar
(טפסר)
Tat tafsar
(תת טפסר)
Tafsar mishne
(טפסר משנה)
Segan tafsar
(סגן טפסר)
Ráv Reshef
(רב רשף)
Reshef
(רשף)
Lahav
(להב)
Lahav mishne
(להב משנה)
EnglishLieutenant general
firefighter
Major general
firefighter
Brigadier general
firefighter
Colonel
firefighter
Lieutenant colonel
firefighter
Major
firefighter
Captain
firefighter
First lieutenant
firefighter
Second lieutenant
firefighter
Other Ranks
FireDepIsrael.svg Kabaut-7.png Kabaut-6.png Kabaut-5.png Kabaut-4.png Kabaut-3.png Kabaut-2.png Kabaut-1.png
Rav semel bakhir kabai
(רב-סמל בכיר-כבאי)
Rav semel rishon kabai
(רב-סמל ראשון-כבאי)
Rav semel kabai
(רב-סמל-כבאי)
Semel kabai
(סמל כבאי)
Rav kabai
(רב כבאי)
Lokhem esh rishon
(לוחם אש ראשון)
Lokhem esh
(לוחם אש)
EnglishSergeant major
firefighter
Master sergeant
firefighter
Sergeant 1st class
firefighter
Sergeant
firefighter
Corporal
firefighter
Senior firefighterFirefighter

Italy

Chief fire officers
Coat of Arms of the Vigili del Fuoco.svg Dir gen capo corpo.png Dir gen vvf.png Dir sup C vvf.png Dir sup vvf.png 1degdir E vvf.png 1degdir F vvf.png
Dirigente generale
Capo di corpo
Dirigente generaleDirigente superiore
di livello C
Dirigente superiore
di livello D
Dirigente superiore
di livello E
Dirigente superiore
di livello F
Fire officers
Coat of Arms of the Vigili del Fuoco.svg Dir vicedirE vvf.png Dir vicedir vvf.png Direttore vvf.png Vice direttore vvf.png
Direttore vice dirigente
con funzioni dei vicario dei dirigente di livello E
Direttore vice dirigenteDirettoreVice direttore
Station commanders
Coat of Arms of the Vigili del Fuoco.svg Sost dir ant cap 2012vvf.png Sost dir ant cap2012vvf.png Sost dir ant2012vvf.png Isp ant esp2012vvf.png Isp ant 2012vvf.png V Isp ant 2012vvf.png
Sostituto direttore antincendi capo espertoSostituto direttore antincendi capoSostituto direttore antincendiIspettore antincendi coordinatoreIspettore antincendi espertoIspettore antincendi
Crew commanders
Coat of Arms of the Vigili del Fuoco.svg Capo rep 2012vvf.png Capo sq esp 2012vvf.png Capo sq 2012vvf.png
CaporepartoCaposquadra espertoCaposquadra
Firefighters
Coat of Arms of the Vigili del Fuoco.svg Vigile coord 2012vvf.png Vigile esp 2012vvf.png Vigile 2012vvf.png
Vigile del fuoco coordinatoreVigile del fuoco espertoVigile del fuoco
Volunteer firefighters
Coat of Arms of the Vigili del Fuoco.svg Sost dir ant cap2012vvf volontario.png Capo rep 2012vvf volontario.png Capo sq 2012vvf volontario.png Vigile 2012vvf volontario.png
Funzionario tecnico antincendi volontarioCaporeparto volontarioCaposquadra volontarioVigile del fuoco volontario

Japan

Firefighters at a community event in Tokyo, 2017

The Japanese fire department's rank insignias are place on a small badge and pinned above the right pocket. Rank is told by stripes and hexagram stars. The design of the insignias came from older Japanese style military insignias. Officers and team leaders could wear an arm band on the arm of fire jacket to show status as command leader. Sometimes rank can be shown as different a color fire jacket for command staff. The color whites and gray are reserved for EMS. Orange is reserved for rescuers.

Professional fire departments

Fire fighterAssistant fire sergeantFire sergeant
Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Fire Fighter.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Assistant Fire Sergeant.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Fire Sergeant.svg
Fire lieutenantFire captainBattalion chief
Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Fire Lieutenant.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Fire Captain.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Battalion Chief.svg
Assistant chiefFirst assistant chiefDeputy chief
Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Assistant Chief.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - First Assistant Chief.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Deputy Chief.svg
Fire chief
Rank Insignia of Janpan Fire Department - Fire Chief.svg

Volunteer fire departments

Volunteer fire fighterVolunteer crew chief
Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Volunteer Firefighter.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Volunteer Crew Chief.svg
Volunteer company chiefVolunteer assistant battalion chiefVolunteer battalion chief
Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Volunteer Company Chief.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Assistant Volunteer Squad Chief.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Volunteer Squad Chief.svg
Volunteer assistant chiefVolunteer fire chief
Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief.svg Rank Insignia of Janpan Volunteer Fire Department - Volunteer Fire Chief.svg

Luxembourg

Higher cadre of professional and volunteer fire fighters [5]
Cadre supérieur des pompiers volontaires et professionnels
Insignia Directeur general CGDIS.jpg Colonel CGDIS.svg Lieutenant-colonel CGDIS.svg Major CGDIS.svg Capitaine CGDIS.svg Lieutenant 1ere classe CGDIS.svg Lieutenant CGDIS.svg Lieutenant-aspirant CGDIS.svg
FrenchDirecteur généralColonelLieutenant-colonelMajorCapitaineLieutenant 1ère classeLieutenantLieutenant-aspirant
EnglishDirector generalColonelLieutenant colonelMajorCaptainLieutenant 1st classLieutenantAspirant lieutenant
Middle cadre of professional and volunteer fire fighters [5]
Cadre moyen des pompiers volontaires et professionnels
Insignia Adjudant-major CGDIS.svg Adjudant-chef CGDIS.svg Adjudant CGDIS.svg Adjudant-aspirant CGDIS.svg
FrenchAdjudant-majorAdjudant-chefAdjudantAdjudant-aspirant
EnglishAdjutant majorChief adjutantAdjutantAspirant adjutant
Basic cadre of professional and volunteer fire fighters [5]
Cadre de base des pompiers volontaires et professionnels
Insignia Sergent-major CGDIS.svg Sergent-chef CGDIS.svg Sergent CGDIS.svg Caporal-chef 1ere classe CGDIS.jpg Caporal-chef CGDIS.svg Caporal CGDIS.svg Brigadier CGDIS.svg Brigadier-aspirant CGDIS.svg
FrenchSergent-majorSergent-chefSergentCaporal-chef 1ère classeCaporal-chefCaporalBrigadierBrigadier-aspirant
EnglishSergeant majorChief sergeantSergeantChief corporal 1st classChief corporalCorporalBrigadierAspirant brigadier

Malaysia

No.RankAbbreviationRank (English)GradeEpaulet
Shoulder boardCollar badge
Penguasa Bomba (fire superintendent)
1Ketua Pesuruhjaya BombaKPjBChief fire commissionerJUSA A
2Pesuruhjaya BombaPjBFire commissionerJUSA B
3Timbalan Pesuruhjaya BombaTPjBDeputy fire commissionerJUSA C
4Penolong Kanan Pesuruhjaya BombaPKPjBSenior assistant fire commissionerKB 54
5Penolong Pesuruhjaya BombaPPjBAssistant fire commissionerKB 52
6Penguasa Kanan Bomba IPgKB ISenior fire superintendent IKB 48
7Penguasa Kanan Bomba IIPgKB IISenior fire superintendent IIKB 44
8Penguasa BombaPgBFire superintendentKB 41
Penolong Penguasa Bomba (assistant fire superintendent)
9Timbalan Penguasa BombaTPgBDeputy fire superintendentKB 38
10Penolong Kanan Penguasa BombaPKPgBSenior assistant fire superintendentKB 32
11Penolong Penguasa BombaPPgBAssistant fire superintendentKB 29
Pegawai Bomba (fire officer)
12Pegawai Bomba TinggiPBTLeading fire officerKB 26
13Pegawai Bomba Kanan IPBK ISenior fire officer IKB 24
14Pegawai Bomba Kanan IIPBK IISenior fire officer IIKB 22
15Pegawai BombaPBFire officerKB 17 / 19No insignia

Netherlands

Hoofdcommandeur.svg HoofdcommandeurFire chief
Adjunct hoofdcommandeur.svg Adjunct-HoofdcommandeurDeputy fire chief
Commandeur.svg CommandeurDivision chief
Hoofdbrandmeester.svg HoofdbrandmeesterBattalion chief
Brandmeester.svg BrandmeesterCaptain
Hoofdbrandwacht.svg HoofdbrandwachtEngineer
Brandwacht 1e klas.svg BrandwachtFire fighter
Brandweer Aspirant Insigne.svg Algemene / AspirantfunctiesTrainee

New Zealand

In New Zealand, rank is shown on epaulettes on firefighters' station uniform, and through colors and stripes on firefighter helmets. As the nation only has a single fire department, the New Zealand Fire Service, ranks are consistent through the country.

RankEpaulette [6] Helmet [6]
Recruit firefighter (RFF)RecruitFluro-green
Firefighter (FF)One hollow barYellow, one white stripe
Qualified firefighter (QFF)One solid barYellow, one red stripe
Senior firefighter (SFF)Two solid barsYellow, two red stripes
Station officer (SO)One impellerRed, one blue stripe
Senior station officer (SSO)Two impellersRed, two blue stripes
Deputy chief fire officer (DCFO)Impeller between two ferns below one impellerWhite, one blue stripe
Chief fire officer (CFO)Impeller between two ferns below two impellersWhite, two blue stripes
Assistant area commander (AAC)Three impellersSilver
Area commander (AC)One impeller below a crownSilver, one blue stripe
Assistant national commander (ANC)Three impellers trefoil below a crownSilver, two blue stripes
Deputy national commander (DNC)Silver crossed sword and baton below an impellerBlack
National commander (NC)Silver crossed sword and baton below a crownBlack

Philippines

Commissioned officers

Non-commissioned officers

Poland

Strazak m.svg Starszystrazak m.svg Sekcyjny m.svg Starszysekcyjny m.svg
Strażak
Firefighter
Private
Starszy strażak
Senior firefighter
Private
Sekcyjny
Section leader
Private 1st class
Starszy sekcyjny
Senior section leader
Specialist
Mlodszyogniomistrz m.svg Ogniomistrz.svg Starszyogniomistrz m.svg
Młodszy ogniomistrz
Junior firemaster
Corporal
Ogniomistrz
Firemaster
Sergeant
Starszy ogniomistrz
Senior firemaster
Staff sergeant
Mlodszyaspirant m.svg Aspirant m.svg Starszyaspirant m.svg Aspirantsztabowy m.svg
Młodszy aspirant
Junior aspirant
Sergeant 1st class
Aspirant
Aspirant
Master sergeant
Starszy aspirant
Senior aspirant
Sergeant major
Aspirant sztabowy
Staff aspirant
Command sergeant major
Ml kapitan m.svg Kapitan strazy m.svg Stkapitan m.svg Ml brygadier m.svg
Młodszy kapitan
Junior captain
Second lieutenant
Kapitan
Captain
First lieutenant
Starszy kapitan
Senior captain
Captain
Młodszy brygadier
Junior brigadier
Major
Brygadier m.svg St brygadier m.svg Nadbrygadier m.svg Gen brygadier m.svg
Brygadier
Brigadier
Lieutenant colonel
Starszy brygadier
Senior brigadier
Colonel
Nadbrygadier
Chief brigadier
Brigadier general
Generał brygadier
General brigadier
Major general

Romania

Officer ranks
Flag of Romania.svg Corpului Pompierilor RO-Gendarmerie-OF9.png RO-Gendarmerie-OF8.png RO-Gendarmerie-OF7.png RO-Gendarmerie-OF6.png RO-ISU-Col.jpg RO-ISU-LtCol.jpg RO-ISU-Maior.jpg ISU-3.jpg RO-Firefighters-OF1b.jpg ISU sublocotenent.jpg
Mareșal GeneralGeneral-locotenentGeneral-maiorGeneral de brigadăColonelLocotenent-colonelMaiorCăpitanLocotenentSublocotenent
Other ranks
Flag of Romania.svg Corpului Pompierilor RO-Firefighters-OR9.jpg RO-ISU-PltAdj.jpg RO-Firefighters-OR7.jpg RO-Firefighters-OR6.jpg RO-ISU-SgtMj.jpg RO-ISU-Sgt.jpg
Plutonier adjutant șefPlutonier adjutantPlutonier-majorPlutonierSergent-majorSergent

Russian Federation

A Russian firefighter with a head of duty shift fire station helmet. Russian Firefighters.jpg
A Russian firefighter with a head of duty shift fire station helmet.

In the Russian Federation, the decals are applied symmetrically on both sides of the helmet (front and rear). The location of the decals on the special clothing and SCBA is established for each fire department of the same type within the administrative entity. The following ranks are used by State Fire Service civilian personnel worn on all forms of dress, while military personnel use ranks similar to those of the Police of Russia, due to their pre-2001 history as the fire service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation before all firefighting services were transferred to the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Federal Fire Service of EMERCOM helmet insignia Insignia Emercom.gif
Federal Fire Service of EMERCOM helmet insignia
RankHelmet colour/markings
FirefighterThe all color helmet with the applied number, indicating the fire station
Head of fire brigadeThe all color helmet with the applied number, indicating the fire station, underlined by line 50 mm wide and 5 mm thick
Head of duty shift fire stationThe all color helmet with the applied a circle, inside which the applied number is indicating the fire station
Deputy head of the fire stationThe all color helmet with the applied a triangle, inside which the applied number is indicating the fire station
Head of the fire stationThe all color helmet with the applied a square, inside which the applied number is indicating the fire station
Commanding staff of the fire departmentThe all color helmet with the applied a circle, inside which the applied a rhombus

Singapore

Officers
Rank groupGeneral / flag officersSenior officersJunior officersOfficer cadet
Singapore Civil Defence Force [7] Blank.svg Blank.svg Blank.svg Blank.svg SCDF COL.png SCDF LTC.png SCDF MAJ.png Blank.svg Blank.svg Blank.svg SCDF OCT-S.png SCDF OCT-J.png
Commissioner Deputy commissioner Senior assistant commissioner Assistant commissioner Colonel Lieutenant colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second lieutenant
Officer cadet
Warrant officers
Equivalent
NATO rank
WO-5WO-4WO-3WO-2WO-1
Singapore Civil Defence Force [7] SCDF WO2.png SCDF WO1.png
Warrant officer 2 Warrant officer 1
Other ranks
Rank groupSenior NCOsJunior NCOsEnlisted
Singapore Civil Defence Force [7] SCDF Sgt.png SCDF Sgt.png SCDF Sgt.png SCDF Cpl.png SCDF LCp.png SCDF Pte.png SCDF Pte.png
Sergeant 3 Sergeant 2 Sergeant 1 Corporal Lance corporal Private Recruit

Switzerland

Officer grades
Rank epaulettes Fw-oberst.svg Fw-oberstleutnant.svg Fw-major.svg Fw-hauptmann.svg Fw-oberleutnant.svg Fw-leutnant.svg
Rank nameGermanOberstOberstleutnantMajorHauptmannOberleutnantLeutnant
FrenchColonelLieutenant colonelMajorCapitainePremier lieutenantLieutenant
ItalianColonnelloTenente colonnelloMaggioreCapitanoPrimo tenenteTenente
RomanshColonelLitinent colonelMaiorChapitaniPrimlitenantLitenet
Other grades
Rank epaulettes Fw-adjuntantunteroffizier.svg Fw-feldweibel.svg Fw-fourier.svg Fw-wachtmeister.svg Fw-korporal.svg Fw-gefreiter.svg FwCHsoldat2.jpg Fw-soldat.svg
Rank nameGermanAdjutant UnteroffizierFeldweibelFourierWachtmeisterKorporalGefreiterSoldatRekrut / Aspirant
FrenchAdjudant sous-officierSergent-majorFourrierSergentCaporalAppointéSoldatRecrue / Aspirant
ItalianAiutante sottufficialeSergente maggioreFuriereSergenteCaporaleAppuntatoSoldatoRecluta / Aspirante
RomanshAdjutant sutuffizierPrimsergentFurierSergentCaporalAppuntàSchuldàRecruit

Taiwan

Level1234567891011
Republic of China Fire Services Logo.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 01.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 02.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 03.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 04.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 05.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 06.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 07.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 08.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 09.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 10.svg TW-Firefighter-Rank 11.svg
Director generalDeputy
director general
*
Fire chief of
metropolitan city
Level 3 positionsLevel 4 positionsLevel 5 positionsLevel 6 positionsLevel 7 positionsLevel 8 positionsTeam leaderTeam memberBasic level

Tunisia

Tunisian firefighter's ranks are the same as the army, police and national guard.

United Kingdom, Crown dependencies, British Overseas Territories

Other fire service title Chief fire officer Deputy chief fire officerAssistant chief fire officerArea managerGroup managerStation managerWatch managerCrew managerFirefighter
London titleCommissionerDeputy commissionerAssistant commissionerDeputy assistant commissionerGroup commander
(borough commander)
Station commanderStation officerSub-officerLeading firefighterFirefighter
Scottish titleChief fire officerDeputy chief fire officerAssistant chief fire officerDeputy assistant chief fire officerArea managerGroup managerStation managerWatch managerCrew managerFirefighter
Isle of Man titleChief fire officerDeputy chief fire officerDivisional officerAssistant divisional officerStation officerSub officerLeading firefighterFirefighter
Gibraltar titleChief fire officerDeputy chief fire officerDivisional officerStation officerSub officerLeading firefighterFirefighter
Insignia London Fire Brigade - Commissioner rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Deputy Commissioner rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Assistant Commissioner rank insignia.svg Scottish FRS - Deputy Assistant Chief Officer.png London Fire Brigade - Deputy Assistant Commissioner rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Group Commander rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Station Commander rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Station Officer rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Sub-Officer rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Leading Firefighter rank insignia.svg London Fire Brigade - Firefighter rank insignia.svg

United States

An American firefighter with a lieutenant's helmet FF Helmet.JPG
An American firefighter with a lieutenant's helmet
Typical rank insignia for an American fire department Fire Department Rank Insignia.gif
Typical rank insignia for an American fire department

In the United States, helmet colors often denote a fire fighter's rank or position. In general, white helmets denote chief officers, such as battalion chiefs, division chiefs, etc. while red helmets may denote company officers, such as captains, lieutenants, etc. but the specific meaning of a helmet's color or style varies from region to region and department to department. The rank of an officer in an American fire department is most commonly denoted by a number of speaking trumpets, a reference to a megaphone-like device used in the early days of the fire service, although typically called "bugle" in today's parlance. Ranks proceed from one (lieutenant) to five (fire chief) bugles. Traditional ranks in American fire departments that exist but may not always be utilized in all cities or towns include:

RankInsignia
FirefighterNo bugles
Engineer/technician/apparatus operator3 chevrons
Lieutenant
FIRE BUGLES - 1 (SILVER).png
Captain
FIRE BUGLES - 2 (SILVER).svg

or less usually:
FIRE BUGLES - 2.4 (SILVER).png
Battalion chief/district chief
FIRE BUGLES - 2.4 (GOLD).png

or less usually side by side
Division chief or assistant chief/deputy assistant chief/deputy assistant commissioner/assistant deputy commissioner
FIRE BUGLES - 3.1 (GOLD).png
Deputy firechief/Deputy fire commissioner
FIRE BUGLES - 4.3 (GOLD).png
Fire chief/Fire commissioner
FIRE BUGLES - 5.1 (GOLD).png

In many fire departments in the U.S., the captain is commonly the commander of a company and a lieutenant is the supervisor of the company's firefighters on shift. There is no state or federal rank structure for firefighters and each municipality or volunteer fire department creates and uses their own unique structure.

Some other American fire departments such as the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) use military rank insignia in addition to or instead of the traditional bugles. Additionally, officers on truck companies have been known to use rank insignias shaped like axes for lieutenants (one) and captains (two).

Vatican City

Chief officersOfficersSNCOsNCOsFirefightersStudents
Vigili del fuoco vaticano shield.JPG
Corps of Firefighters of the Vatican City State
1degdir F-pett.png Direttore pett.png Isp ant esp2012pett.png V Isp ant 2012pett.png VVFF1a SCV pett.png VVFF2a SCV pett.png
Primo Dirigente coordinatoreCapo squadra espertoCapo Squadra di prima classeCapo Squadra di seconda classeVigile del fuoco prima classeVigile del fuoco seconda classeAllievo vigile del fuoco

Related Research Articles

Sergeant (Sgt) is a rank in use by the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services. The alternative spelling, serjeant, is used in The Rifles and other units that draw their heritage from the British light infantry. Its origin is the Latin serviens, 'one who serves', through the Old French term serjant.

Staff sergeant is a rank of non-commissioned officer used in the armed forces of many countries. It is also a police rank in some police services.

The chart below shows the current enlisted rank insignia of the United States Army, with seniority, and pay grade, increasing from right to left. The enlisted ranks of corporal (E-4) and higher are considered non-commissioned officers (NCOs). The rank of specialist is also in pay grade E-4, but does not hold non-commissioned officer status; it is common that a soldier may never hold the rank of corporal, and instead be promoted from specialist to sergeant, attaining junior NCO status at that time.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fire services in France</span>

The fire service in France is organised into local fire services which mostly cover the Departments of France, with a few exceptions. There are two types of fire service:

The South African National Defence Force's rank system is largely based on the British system, with the Air Force sharing the Army rank titles. Rank titles changed over time as did the insignia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel Defense Forces ranks</span> Ranking system within the IDF

The military ranks of Israel are the military insignia used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Because the IDF is an integrated force, ranks are the same in all services The ranks are derived from those in the paramilitary Haganah, which operated during the Mandate period in order to protect the Yishuv.

Station officer is a supervisory rank in a number of Commonwealth and other fire services, including those in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the New Zealand Fire Service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Firefighter's helmet</span> Safety helmet worn by firefighters to protect them from heat, cinders, and falling objects

For centuries, firefighters have worn helmets to protect them from heat, cinders and falling objects. Although the shape of most fire helmets has changed little over the years, their composition has evolved from traditional leather to metals, to composite helmets constructed of lightweight polymers and other plastics.

Chief fire officer (CFO), formerly often just chief officer, is the highest rank in the fire and rescue services of the United Kingdom. There are currently 50 chief fire officers serving in the United Kingdom in charge of the local authority fire services. There is also a chief fire officer responsible for the Ministry of Defence Fire Services, which includes the Defence Fire and Rescue Service and the RAF Fire Service. Some UK airport fire services also designate their seniors officers as CFOs, though these officers rarely wear the same rank insignia as a local authority chief fire officer.

Sub-officer, or the equivalent in other languages, is a term used in many armed forces used to indicate ranks below commissioned officers. Sub-officer is equivalent to the term warrant officer in the British Commonwealth and the United States. Historically armed forces using the term sub-officer have used it to refer to more senior non-commissioned ranks, typically from sergeant upwards, but the term often covers all ranks that other forces designate non-commissioned. In navies the term is comparable to petty officer.

Leading firefighter is a rank in the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, London Fire Brigade and the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service. It used to be in all British fire services, ranking between firefighter and sub-officer. A leading firefighter was usually in charge of a single fire appliance. The badge of rank was one white or silver bar on the epaulettes. The helmet was yellow with one 12.5 mm (0.49 in) black stripe on it.

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Captain is a rank in various fire services.

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The police in Canada's ranks differ according to the different police forces and depend on different laws at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

References

  1. "Manuel belge de régulation pompier" [Belgian manual for fire regulation](PDF). Directorate-General Civil Security (in French) (2.1 ed.). May 2020. p. 113. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  2. "Distinktionsoversigt" [Distinction summary]. Danske Beredskaber (in Danish). Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  3. "About Us – Tamil Nadu Fire & Rescue Services".
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