In what scenario can an employee with less than one year of seniority drive a fire apparatus?

In the context of the Oklahoma City Fire Department policies and procedures, an employee with less than one year of seniority is permitted to drive a fire apparatus only if they receive specific approval from the Deputy Chief of Operations. This requirement ensures that there is a level of oversight and accountability for safety and operational effectiveness when less experienced personnel are behind the wheel of such critical equipment.

The approval from the Deputy Chief serves to ensure that the driver has met the necessary training criteria and that their driving of the apparatus will not compromise safety standards. This policy underscores the department’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards while allowing some flexibility for emergencies or unique scenarios.

Other situations, such as driving during community events or while accompanied by a senior firefighter, may not meet the safety and training protocols established by the department. Similarly, outright prohibiting any driving by less experienced employees aligns with safety protocols but lacks the flexibility provided by the approval system in place.