Company Officers and Shift Commanders
responsible for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting require a much more diverse set of skills than that of their structural
counterparts. Many ARFF Departments have "all risk" missions, that may include, ARFF, structural, EMS, HazMat, water
rescue, mutual aid, fire prevention, safety, public education. Although ARFF is certainly a full time vocation, maintaining
all of the FAA required training, airport familiarization, safe airfield and aerodrome operations, Part 139 compliance, fuel
service vehicle inspections must be maintained in addition to the skills and certifications required for our other missions
and responsibilities. In short, ARFF company officers and shift commanders may need all of the skills that their structural
counterparts maintain, plus all of the unique requirements required for Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighters.
Selection of an officer should be based on all contractual responsibilities,
yet be capable of identifying the best of the best. The officer promoted into this position of authority makes decisions that
could mean the difference between life and death, or simply providing the least amount of disruption to the operation of the
airport and the airlines. Effectively managing an emergency while minimizing the effect of that emergency on the continuity
of operations is a critical component of emergency management. In this difficult economic climate, ARFF officer must understand
the business dynamic of the industry. An interruption of service or a delay for an airline as a result of a serious event
is simply unavoidable. An understanding of the critical element that the airport serves in the transportation infrastructure
is just another tool in the ARFF officers tool box that leads to good decisions.
ARFF promotional examinations should be developed drawing upon the Federal requirements, industry
consensus standards, and department Standard Operating Guidelines. An evaluation of these skill sets needs to be blended blended
with leadership skills, sensitivity, good judgement and an ability to lead a team.
ARFF Professional Services can develop your ARFF Promotional Exam. We
will customize it to the unique needs of the airport. Our services can be limited to the development of the test questions
and answers, or complete examination administration, including confidential scoring and appeals.
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