Command Structure and Organization

The SJFD senior command structure consists of a Fire Chief, an Assistant Fire Chief, three Deputy Chiefs, and three Deputy Directors. A Battalion Chief serves as the Department Safety Officer with 24-hour response to all major incidents.  A Captain works for the Fire Chief as the Public Information Officer.   Civilian analytical and administrative staff provide support department wide.

There are six Bureaus in the San Jose Fire Department: Bureau of Field Operations, Bureau of EMS Training and Special Operations, Bureau of Fire Prevention, Bureau of Administrative Services, Bureau of Support Services, and the Office of Emergency Services. 

Bureau of Field Operations, (BFO)
The Bureau of Field Operations (BFO) is the largest Bureau in the Department.  The Assistant Chief oversees the Deputy Chief who is responsible for three shifts A, B, and C and all associated personnel.  The 33 stations are divided into 5 battalions.  Each Battalion is supervised by 1 Battalion Chief per shift.  The BFOworks directly with EMS and Training to coordinate yearly calander events.

Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, (EMS) and Training
The Bureau of EMS and Training is led by one Deputy Chief with overall responsibility for both EMS and Training divisions.  There is a Battalion Chief assigned to each division as the Manager.  The EMS Division has the responsibility for assuring quality control of the department’s paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) operations.  Staff includes 3 Fire Captains, 1 registered Nurse, 1 part time Physician as the medical director and 1 analyst for budget and oversight.  The Training Division has the responsibility to assure department compliance with all mandated training related to fire suppression and special operations including; hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, airport crash fire rescue, distribution and tracking of City mandated training, as well as conducting all aspects of the departments 18 week Firefighter Recruit Academies.  There are 2 Captains and 2 Training Specialists assigned to coordinate various training programs.  Additional civilian staff provide clerical support for the Bureau.

Bureau of Fire Prevention
The Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) is led by one Deputy Chief, who serves as Fire Marshal.  Areas of responsibility include Arson, Code Enforcement, Engineering and Hazardous Materials.  The Fire Marshal is supported by a Battalion Chief and a Division Manager as Assistant Fire Marshals.  One Captain oversees the 9 Fire Prevention Inspectors and another Captain oversees the Arson Unit and its staff of 3 Arson Investigators.  Additional personnel include 7 civilian Hazardous Materials personnel, 9 Fire Protection Engineers and several support staff members. 

Bureau of Administrative Services
The Bureau of Administrative Services (BAS) oversees the Department budget, human resources, accounting, payroll, professional standards and internal affairs.  A civilian Deputy Director oversees the non-sworn staff of 12 personnel including an Administrative Officer (budget, accounts payable, grants management), Internal Affairs Manager (investigations and workers compensation), and a Human resource/Employee Analyst (recruiting, background, entrance and promotional examinations).

Bureau of Support Services
The Bureau of Support Services (BSS) is responsible for Fire Communications, Fire Protection, Information Systems, Facilities, Infrastructure and Supplies.  A civilian Deputy Director oversees a Battalion Chief and a Captain who focus on Infrastructure and Supplies.  A Battalion Chief oversees Fire Communications with more than 44 dispatchers.  Fire Protection and Information Systems have 12 civilian personnel. 

Office of Emergency Services
A civilian Deputy Director oversees The Office of Emergency Services (OES) which,provides services to the City organization and to the community to prepare an effective response to natural, technological, and human-caused disasters.  Development of emergency plans and maintenance of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) are primary missions for OES.  One of the most visible City-sponsored OES programs is San Jose Prepared! This community emergency response training (CERT) program instructs the community and City employees in disaster preparation response and recovery skills.  OES sponsors San Jose R.A.C.E.S. with more than 100 volunteer amateur radio operators. Four other civilian employees are assigned to this office..

Please see our Department's Organizational Chart (.pdf 23kb).