What Does a Firefighter Heavy Equipment Operator Do?
As well as being a fully trained and qualified firefighter, a heavy equipment operator is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing specialized equipment and vehicles utilized by the fire service.
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Types
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Examples of heavy firefighting equipment may include large commercial vehicles such as trucks, bulldozers and tractors, as well as ladders, breaking machinery and cutting equipment. These tools can smash through walls, move heavy objects, cut through wreckage and clear the way of debris.
Requirements
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As a qualified firefighter, the heavy equipment operator must have mechanical aptitude as well as strength and agility to work with the heavy equipment. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, endurance and skill are essential to sustain working for potentially long periods in extreme temperatures. All firefighters require courage, quick thinking and the ability to work under stress in dangerous circumstances.
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Training
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Firefighting heavy equipment operators require specialized skills and train regularly to maintain, repair and operate the equipment they work with. An operator may need a heavy commercial vehicle driving license, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. A heavy equipment operator assists the firefighting team to work effectively and safely.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit fire & rescue image by Jim Parkin from Fotolia.com
