Kent County Chiefs Association

Standard Operating Guidelines &

Standard Operating Procedures

Subject: Fire Line Officer Qualification

SOG # 1-1-13

Approved

June 2000

Approved by: President James L. Price, Jr.

Revised

April 2025

I.   Purpose

To establish a standard guideline for minimum qualifications to be a Fire Line Officer.

II. Definition

1. MFRI – Maryland Fire Rescue Institute.

2. MFSPQB – Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board.

3. DWI – Driving While Intoxicated.

4. DUI – Driving Under the Influence.

5. S.O.G.’s – Standard Operating Guidelines

6. S.O.P.’s – Standard Operating Procedures

III. Chief & Deputy Chief

A.    The qualifications for Chief & Deputy Chief are as follows:

   1.   Shall be at least 21 years of age.

2.      Shall have 5 years of experience in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Fire Officer I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent

2.      MFRI Firefighter II or equivalent

3.      MFRI Fire Officer I or equivalent

4.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent

                 5.  Shall have success fully completed the following NIMS training.

                       a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

                       b.  FEMS IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

                       c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

                       d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

                       e.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent

                       f.  ICS-400: Advanced ICS or equivalent

IV. Assistant Chief(s) & Battalion Chief(s)

   A.  The qualifications for Assistant Chief are as follows:

1.      Must be at least 20 years of age.

2.      Shall have 4 years of experience in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter II or equivalent

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent

2.      MFRI Firefighter II or equivalent

3.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent

5.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

e.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent

         6. The following NIMS training is recommended

               a. ICS-400: Advance ICS or equivalent

V. Captain(s)

    A.  The qualifications for Captain(s) are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 19 years of age.

2.      Shall have 3 years of experience in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

5.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

          6. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                   a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

VI. Rescue Captain

   A.  The qualifications for Rescue Captain(s) are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 19 years of age.

2.      Shall have 3 years of experience in fire suppression and rescue operations.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Rescue Technician – Vehicle & Machinery Rescue or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed MFRI Rescue Technician or equivalent.

5.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

6.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

         7. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                 a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

VII. Truck Captain

1. The Truck Captain shall assume duties assigned to him/her by the Fire Chief.

   B.  The qualifications for Truck Captain are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 19 years of age.

2.      Shall have 3 years of experience in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB or Pro Board or IFSAC Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

5.      Successfully complete MFRI Truck Company Operation Course or MFRI Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Course.

6.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

        7. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                   a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

VIII. Boat Captain

A.    The Fire Boat Captain shall assume duties assigned to him/her by the Fire Chief.

B.     The qualifications for Fire Boat Captain are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 21 years of age.

2.      Shall have 5 years of experience as a boat operator.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall have successfully completed Maryland Basic Boating Course or equivalent.

5.      Shall have successfully completed the Maryland Natural Resources Police Level 3 Boat Operator Verification Program or equivalent.

a.  Successful completion of US Coast Guard approved Captains course

  maybe substituted for the Level 3 Boat Operator Verification

  Program.

6.      Shall have successfully completed MFRI Hazardous Material Operations or equivalent.

7.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d. ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

                   8. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                            a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

IX.  Lieutenant(s) & Sergeant(s)

    A.  The qualifications for Lieutenant(s) & Sergeant(s) are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 18 years of age.

2.      Shall have 2 years of experiences in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Fighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

5.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

           6. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                    a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

X. Rescue Lieutenant & Rescue Sergeant

     A.  The qualifications for Rescue Lieutenant(s) & Rescue Sergeant(s) are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 18 years of age.

2.      Shall have 2 years of experiences in fire suppression and rescue operations.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Rescue Technician – Vehicle & Machinery Rescue or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed MFRI Rescue Technician or equivalent.

5.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent

          6. Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

                   a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

                   b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction

                c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

                d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

           7. The following NIMS training is recommended

                   a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

XI. Truck Lieutenant & Truck Sergeant

   A.  The qualifications for Truck Lieutenant & Truck Sergeant are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 18 years of age.

2.      Shall have 2 years of experience in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB or Pro Board or IFSAC Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or have successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

5.      Successfully complete MFRI Truck Company Operation Course or MFRI Aerial Apparatus Driver Operator Course.

6.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

        7. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                   a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

XII. Boat Lieutenant & Boat Sergeant

A.    The qualifications for Boat Captain & Boat Sergeant are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 21 years of age.

2.      Shall have 5 years of experience as a boat operator.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license or equivalent, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall have successfully completed Maryland Basic Boating Course or equivalent.

5.      Shall have successfully completed the Maryland Natural Resources Police Level 3 Boat Operator Verification Program or equivalent

a.  Successful completion of US Coast Guard approved Captains course

  maybe substituted for the Level 3 Boat Operator Verification

  Program.

6.      Shall have successfully completed MFRI Hazardous Material Operations or equivalent.

7.      Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a. FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c. ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d. ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

                   8. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                            a.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent.

XIII. Chief Engineer & Assistant Chief Engineer(s)

   A.  The qualifications for Chief Engineer and Assistant Chief Engineer(s) are as

        follows:

6. 1. Shall be at least 21 years of age

   2. Shall have 2 years of experience in fire suppression.

   3. Shall have a valid Maryland Class “B” driver’s license, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

   4. Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.  Or successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

6. 5. Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Fire Apparatus Driver Operator – Pump or equivalent.

a.  Or successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Emergency Vehicle Operator Course or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Pump Operator Course or equivalent.

3.      MFRI Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Course or equivalent.

4.  Or successful completion the Company/Department Driver Operator Training Program.

6. 6. Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

b.  FEMS IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

XIV. Safety Officer

    A.  The qualifications for Safety Officer are as follows:

1.      Shall be at least 21 years of age.

2.      Shall have 4 years of experience in fire suppression.

3.      Shall have a valid Maryland driver’s license, with no record for DWI or DUI within the last two years.

4.      Shall have successfully completed MFRI Incident Safety Officer.

5.      Shall be a minimum certified MFSPQB Firefighter I or equivalent.

a.       Or successfully completed the following classes:

1.      MFRI Firefighter I or equivalent.

2.      MFRI Hazardous Materials Operations or equivalent.

3.      MFRI Incident Command Systems or equivalent.

          6. Shall have successfully completed the following NIMS training.

                  a.  FEMA IS-700: NIMS, An Introduction.

                  b.  FEMA IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction.

               c.  ICS-100: Introduction to ICS or equivalent.

               d.  ICS-200: Basic ICS or equivalent.

               e.  ICS-300: Intermediate ICS or equivalent

          7. The following NIMS training is recommended.

                  a.  ICS-400: Advance ICS or equivalent.

Betterton Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief Renny Grapes

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief John Darling

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Community Volunteer Fire Company of Millington, Inc.

Chief Charles Boyles

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Galena Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief Albert (Bert) Piasecki, Jr.

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Chief James L. Price, Jr.

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Kent & Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad, Inc.

Chief Jason Lobley

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief Mike Pinder

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Kent County Emergency Service Board

Chair Lynn Sutton

Submitted for Emergency Service Board Approval on __June 2nd, 2025_________________

Compliance Date __________January 1st, 2027______________________________________

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