Fire Engines Photos

Hi
I can't help but notice that some places in the US have dropped the traditional 'Fire Dept' title and adopted 'Fire and Rescue Service'. Do you know why this is?
Thanks

Added by David jones on 04 June 2010.

In our case, Cobb County, we did so much more than just run fire calls. EMS probably had more to do with it when we started in EMS so heavy. Then add HazMat, tactical rescues, and all the other stuff that gets poured into the bucket. Personally, I think "Fire-Rescue" sounds better. It's something the public can understand. When we changed our name, it was told to us that better described all the jobs we did. Does that make sense?

Added by TheFireman on 04 June 2010.

I would assume that it is in similar reflection to brigades in the UK changing from e.g. Central Scotland Fire Brigade to Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, to reflect the changing work of the fire service as they are attending more rescues now than they did before

Added by Andy on 04 June 2010.

This is because many of the fire departments in this country also provide ambulance services as well as Every Other service under the sun: Trench rescue, high angle rescue, confined space rescue, water rescue, haz mat. It is easier to say rescue than list everything we are being required to do, without any additional funding from the gov. of course. Hope this helps.

Added by Todd on 05 June 2010.

Fire and Rescue is a more accurate description of the services they provide. Many departments, wholetime, combination, and volunteer, provide co-responder service in addition to fire fighting and extrication. Co-responder service ranges from first responder to advance life support.Many departments also transport in all situations, others only in an emergency, others have a separate organization that transports the victims.

Added by David L on 05 June 2010.

I belived that the service became independent from the government and therefore not so much a 'department'.
Is this also a reason why?

Added by David jones on 06 June 2010.

Many fire-rescue services in the US are departments of municipal, county, state and regional governments, including the Federal government, despite the appearance of being a separate entity. The chief hired by that government has a certain amount of autonomy to run their department as they feel fit. Then again, I do know of other fire-rescue services/fire departments that formed and function independently of their local governments.


Added by David L on 06 June 2010.

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