What is the role of the Operations Section Chief?

The role of the Operations Section Chief is pivotal in the Incident Command System, as this individual is responsible for directing all tactical operations at the incident. This includes implementing the strategies developed in the incident action plan and coordinating the resources and personnel involved in executing these tactical decisions. The Operations Section Chief ensures that the operational objectives are met efficiently and safely, managing teams to effectively address the situation at hand.

The focus of this position is on the hands-on aspects of incident response – from deploying personnel and equipment to monitoring the progress toward the incident objectives. This operational oversight is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and effective response, allowing other sections, such as finance and logistics, to function optimally without distraction from overarching operational goals.