Divisions of the Fire Department
Emergency Operations
This division, also called EOD, is responsible for all of the people and equipment that respond to 911 calls. There are over 20,000 calls each year which need Fire Department response. Most of these calls are for someone needing medical help. Yet, our crews also respond to fires, auto accidents, downed power lines, fire alarms, and other types of public service calls.
Emergency Operations also provides the following specialized services:
- Swift water rescue
- Trench, rope and high angle rescue
- Hazardous materials response
- Salem Police SWAT medics
Fire and Life Safety Services
The Fire and Life Safety Services Division, often called Prevention, is responsible for the following primary areas:
- Inspecting commercial and apartment buildings to make sure they comply with fire safety rules
- Investigating fire incidents to determine origin and cause of the fire
- Emergency management and disaster preparedness for the City
- Reviewing new construction plans to make sure all new buildings comply with fire building safety rules
- Educating the public in fire safety and emergency preparedness
Training and Emergency Medical Services
This division oversees the department's training programs to ensure that the department is prepared for any emergency. It is also responsible for managing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provided by the Fire Department.
The Training and EMS division has responsibility for the following:
- Firefighter recruitment, hiring, and promotional testing
- New recruit training academy
- Ongoing training and certification of firefighters and paramedics
- Medical supplies ordering and tracking
- Marion and Polk county Ambulance Service Area (ASA) management
- Private ambulance contract management
