What is the driving restriction for employees with less than one year of seniority?

Employees with less than one year of seniority in the Oklahoma City Fire Department face specific driving restrictions to ensure that only those with adequate experience and training operate fire apparatus. The policy mandating that they cannot drive any fire apparatus without approval from the Deputy Chief of Operations is in place to maintain safety and accountability within the ranks.

This restriction serves to protect both the employees and the public, as driving a fire apparatus requires a certain level of skill, knowledge, and understanding of operating protocols that might not yet be fully developed in those who are relatively new to the department. By requiring approval from a senior officer, the department ensures that only qualified personnel are behind the wheel, fostering a safer operational environment until the new employees gain the necessary experience and confidence to drive independently.