What is considered the fundamental duty of firefighters in the Oklahoma City Fire Department?

The fundamental duty of firefighters in the Oklahoma City Fire Department is to serve the community and safeguard life and property. This central responsibility reflects the primary mission of fire departments, which is to protect people and property from fire hazards and other emergencies. Firefighters are trained to respond to a variety of incidents, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials situations, and natural disasters, ensuring public safety and minimizing harm.

While providing training to new recruits, engaging with the community, and reducing response times are important aspects of a fire department's operations, they all support the overarching duty of protecting life and property. Training ensures that firefighters are well-prepared for their roles, community engagement fosters trust and cooperation between firefighters and the community, and swift response times are crucial for effectively managing emergencies. However, these activities are means to an end, with the protection of the community being the core goal.