Fire Service Rank Structure

Like any disciplined organisation, the Fire Service has a rank structure that denotes the hierarchy of its' operational management. The ranks are shown on the protective helmets that the firefighters wear and on the collars of their firefighting jackets. The rank markings, if applicable, are also worn on epaulettes when the individuals are on station. The rank structure is shown as follows:

Firefighter	Firefighter
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Carries out day-to-day fire fighting and fire safety work.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	Yellow helmet with no markings

Leading Firefighter	Crew Manager
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In charge of the crew of a fire appliance at many stations. Carries out day-to-day fire fighting and fire safety work but can take charge of incidents involving up to 3 pumping appliances.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	Yellow helmet with one 12.5mm black band

Sub Officer	Watch Manager A
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In charge of the watch at smaller fire stations or the crew of a fire appliance. Carries out day-to-day fire fighting and fire safety work. Will attend incidents as officer in charge of an appliance and will also take command of incidents involving up to 3 pumping appliances. Will also undertake specialist duties such as training or fire safety.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	White helmet with yellow cover and two 12.5mm black bands

Station Officer	Watch Manager B
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In charge of the watch at larger fire stations. Carries out day-to-day fire fighting and fire safety work or junior work in policy areas. Can also undertake specialist duties. Will take charge of an incident of up to 6 pumps or undertake specialist tasks as support at an incident.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with one 12.5mm black band

Assistant Divisional Officer	Station Manager
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Responsible for management of a fire station or day-to-day work in a specific policy area. Will take charge of an incident of up to 6 pumps or undertake specialist tasks as support at an incident.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with one 19mm black band

Divisional Officer	Group Manager
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Responsible for management of a group of fire stations or day-to-day work in a specific policy area. A Will take charge of an incident of up to 9 pumps or undertake specialist tasks as support at an incident.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with one 12.5mm and one 19mm black band

Senior Divisional Officer	Area Manager
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Responsible for day-to-day management of an area of fire brigade operations or policy. Will take charge of an incident of up to 9 pumps or undertake specialist tasks as support at an incident.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with one 12.5mm and one 19mm black band

Assistant Chief Fire Officer	Brigade Manager
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An ACFO has strategic responsibility for directorates. Will take charge of incidents of 10 pumps or more. Essex County Fire & Rescue Service has three ACFOs; Adam Eckley, Stewart Thomson and Gordon Hunter.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with two 19mm black bands

Deputy Chief Fire Officer	Brigade Manager
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A DCFO deputises for the Chief Fire Officer during their absence. Has strategic responsibility for directorates. Will take charge of incidents of 10 pumps or more. The current DCFO of Essex County Fire & Rescue Service is Mark Jones.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with two 19mm black bands

Chief Fire Officer	Brigade Manager
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The CFO is the head of the organisation. Will take charge of incidents of 10 pumps or more. The current CFO of Essex County Fire & Rescue Service is David Johnson.
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Rank Collar Markings	Helmet
	i White helmet with one 38mm black band