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Operations Division
The Operations Division provides the actual emergency response service and some non-emergency service to the citizens and visitors of the City of Monroe. The Operations Division provides fire suppression, rescue and extrication, hazardous material mitigation, and emergency medical services.
In addition to the emergency response provided by the Operations Division, the firefighters provide non-emergency services to our citizens as well. Working with the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, firefighters deliver food to the elderly. Firefighters also install smoke detectors, check the fire hydrants in their response area, perform pre-fire plans of commercial and high-risk structures, and collect donations for charitable organizations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Firefighters attend regular continuing education and recertification classes, officer's training, driver's training, and other classes designed to reinforce and add to the firefighters’ knowledge.
The Operations Division is staffed by three rotating shifts, each working 24 hours on duty followed by 48 hours off duty. Each shift is commanded by a Deputy Chief, who reports to the Fire Chief. Each shift has three District Chiefs, all reporting to the Deputy Chief and each commanding three fire stations grouped by their geographical area. Each firefighting apparatus and service vehicle is commanded by a Fire Captain, who supervises the work of a Fire Driver at the rank of Lieutenant, and up to two firefighters at the rank of Private.
The Operations Division response is currently comprised of eight engine companies / fire pumpers, two "quints", two ladder companies, one aerial platform, one heavy-rescue vehicle, and an EMS / Safety Officer. In the event of a structure fire, the initial response of two to three engine companies are dispatched, along with one ladder or "quint" company, the heavy rescue vehicle, the EMS / Safety Officer, and the appropriate District Chief.
Firefighters report for duty on their shift before 0800 each morning. At 0800 hours, the shift officially begins with each crew evaluating the readiness of the apparatus to which they are assigned. This includes testing the apparatus radio and the hand-held radio and operating equipment such as chain saws and positive-pressure ventilation fans. The emergency warning lights, siren, and horn are evaluated as well.
After the apparatus is confirmed to be in a state of readiness, it is washed and cleaned both inside and outside. The grounds of the fire station are inspected for cleanliness. In permissible weather, the American Flag is raised.
After the apparatuses have been checked for readiness, cleaned, and prepared for the coming shift, the firefighters return to the inside of the station and complete their designated cleaning duties inside the station. Each firefighter is assigned a detail or an area for which he or she is responsible.
After the cleaning detail is completed, firefighters participate in training and education classes, both formal and informal, that may be conducted by the Training Division or the Company Officer at the station. Each firefighter is required to complete a certain number of training hours each month. Formal drills are required as well, where actual hands-on firefighting operations such as supplying water to a ladder company or connecting to a hydrant are practiced.
If there are no training events to attend or if there aren’t any non-emergency service details scheduled, the firefighters are free to pursue more individual, less-formal pursuits while waiting and maintaining readiness for an emergency incident. After 2000, firefighters can retire to their dormitories to rest for any emergencies that may occur during the night. Before 0700 the next morning, firefighters arise to be relieved by the next oncoming shift. At relief time, the oncoming firefighter is advised of any unusual circumstances related to the station or apparatus that occurred or was noted during the previous shift. At this point, the oncoming crew relieves the off-going crew and begins the same schedule of work and training details.
Chief David Ponthieux
Deputy Chief, A-Shift
EMT-Basic
Chief Tracy Douglas
Deputy Chief, B-Shift
Chief Larry Maxey
Deputy Chief, C-Shift
Paramedic