Clark County Fire & Rescue strives to provide the most realistic, applicable training possible. Realizing that the driver/operator (also known as the engineer) is arguably one of the most important positions on the department, CCF&R has high expectations for the training of these firefighters. The lives of fellow firefighters, other drivers, and pedestrians are in the hands of the engineer. We do not take this responsibility lightly. The decisions, attitude, alertness, and skill level all play an important part in the ability to safely perform the job of engineer. In addition to the Washington State mandated Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention Program (EVAP), our personnel train on hydraulics, friction loss, strategy & tactics, radio usage, and other miscellaneous related subjects. While in training, our engineers go through a comprehensive task book that ensures their competency on fire engines, water tenders, brush rigs, and other miscellaneous Clark County Fire & Rescue vehicles.

Our engineers are required to meet the responsibilities and requirement listed below.

• Serve as the driver, operator, engineer, firefighter and/or company officer (in the absence of the company officer or when the company is split).
• Responsible for daily vehicle inspection, equipment inspection, and supply inventory (rig check).
• Responsible for weekly equipment checks
• Maintaining the apparatus in a clean and ready to respond state.
• Non-emergency response responsibilities:
  • Safely driving and parking the vehicle
  • Ensuring the security of the apparatus
  • Placing traffic control devices (cones) out if necessary
  • Secure the vehicle (chocking the wheels)
• Emergency response responsibilities:
  • Coordinate & identify with the officer the most appropriate response route
  • Safely drive and operate the vehicle when responding while ensuring the safety of civilian traffic and pedestrians
  • Identify the closest water supply and obtain if directed
  • Position apparatus as directed considering size-up, supply, attack, potential truck response, and safety
  • Secure the vehicle and place cones for traffic control
  • Obtain water supply and operate pump
  • Maintain communications with crew and other adjacent forces
  • Assess and anticipate equipment needs. Establish a tool assembly area.
  • Provide scene lighting
  • Supply and operate fixed systems
  • Maintains equipment accountability
• Ensures equipment is cleaned, reloaded, and is returned to service
• Does minor maintenance and submits repair requests as necessary.

• NFPA 1002 "Standards on Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications".
• NFPA 1001 "Standards for Firefighter1".
• Must be able to safely transport personnel, equipment, and apparatus to the emergency scene.
• Maintain required licensure and operate all apparatus legally.
• Ensure that the apparatus and equipment are ready at all times.
• Be mature, responsible, and safety conscious.
• Be aware of all responsibilities and remain calm under stress.
• Be ready to pass drug and sobriety tests.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of Department policies and SOG's. Be able to read, interpret and follow maps, prefire plans and computer dispatch/MDT information.
• Capable of completely and accurately filling out fire reports, maintenance reports, repair requests and other written/computer generated reports.
• Must be capable of basic mathematical calculations to include: hydraulics calculations, fire flow calculations and friction loss calculations.
• Comprehension of basic mechanics and physics.
• Ability to operate all tools and equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot, service, and perform minor maintenance on apparatus and equipment.
• Meet NFPA 1582 "Standard Medical Requirements" to include: vision corrected to 20/30, excellent night vision, and not be colorblind.
• Must not have more than a 25-decibel hearing loss over three to four frequencies. Must be able to differentiate and distinguish sounds of engines, sirens, horns, radio traffic, and verbal commands. Must be able to distinguish other apparatus sirens.
• Must be able to recognize engine trouble.
• Must be able to hear, comprehend, and monitor radio traffic.