The basic tactical unit of a fire department, consisting of a specific apparatus, its assigned personnel, and an officer in charge. A company operates as a cohesive team to perform a specific function on the fireground, such as pumping water or performing search and rescue. Multiple companies are housed in a single station and form a battalion.
Heard on the job
Engine Company 4 and Truck Company 9 are responding to the commercial alarm on Broad Street.
Do not mix it up with
- Fire department: A fire company is a single crew and rig, while a fire department is the entire municipal organization comprising many companies.