Head of Operations (DCFO – OPS)
The Head of Operations is the 2IC to the Chief Fire Officer and is responsible for all matters relating to Operations within the Service. Responsibilities include:
- Responsible to the Chief Fire Officer for all matters relating to Operations within the Service
- Advise on policy issues
- Coordinate activities of Staff and Personnel branches under him, liaising with the Head of Human Resource/Training for proper training and re-training
- Maintain accurate records on operations, submit Quarterly and Annual Reports, and the Department’s Yearly Plan of Action
- Ensure effective rescue and evacuation services for those trapped by fire or in other emergencies
- Advise on equipment and ensure efficient functioning of all Appliances in the Service
- Liaise with Head of Technical Services for provision and maintenance of communication equipment
- Ensure timely submission of returns on operations
- Prepare and maintain contingency plans for important buildings, regularly exposing fire-fighters to these plans
- Advise the Chief Fire Officer on simulation exercises and maintain relationships with other fire fighting agencies
- Liaise with the Head (DCFO) – Safety Department to ensure adequate fire fighting facilities in building plans
- Ensure the Department is equipped to handle mining fires, hazardous materials, and assist in marine and aviation fires
Divisions Under Operations Department (National Headquarters Level)
i) Investigations Division – OIC
- Responsible to the Head of Operations for all matters concerning fire-investigations in the Service
- Ensure prompt action and accurate report submission on fire-investigations
- Advise on policy concerning fire-investigations
- Ensure proper training of personnel in investigation
- Ensure prompt action on investigation reports, with copies to clients where necessary
- Ensure effective use of Central Laboratory for investigation and research
ii) Incident Response Division – OIC
- Responsible for all matters relating to fire-fighting, rescue and evacuation operations, and hazardous materials
- Ensure updated Standard Operations Procedures are available and applied
- Advise on policy guidelines regarding fire fighting, rescue, and evacuation
- Assist in keeping accurate records on fire outbreaks and emergencies
iii) Fire Master Control (FMC) – OIC
- Serves as the central communications Centre for the GNFS
- First contact point for public emergency calls
- Prompt dispatch of field units, personnel, and equipment
- Monitor progress of agencies/personnel/equipment en route to emergencies
- Provide timely assistance and accurate records
- Monitor emergencies to conclusion and exchange standing orders
- Reliable dispatch and information flow between field units and other agencies
- Training and development of staff
- Managing staff performance and feedback
iv) Medical Directorate
- Formulate policy guidelines regarding health needs of personnel and their relations
- Ensure implementation of policies and directives
- Liaise with Human Resource/Training for training and recruitment
- Supervise all sections and units under the Directorate
- Send Quarterly and Annual Reports, and Yearly Plan of Action to Head of Operations
- Apply management and administrative practices for an efficient Medical Centre
- Advise on Medical Boards for personnel
- Arrange annual medical examination of personnel
- Liaise with MOH and other Health Providers for National Health Policies