Firefighters are critical first responders with a variety of distinct roles and responsibilities that are both preventative and circumstantial. Firefighter's duties involve protecting society by extinguishing and preventing fires and acting as emergency medical technicians (EMT).  
    
Firefighters work to provide the community with educational and emergency services. They are on call 24 hours a day and act as the first responders to fires and other emergencies such as vehicle accidents or aquatic rescue. Firefighters operate in any environment, including some that are extremely dangerous. Firefighters must complete extensive training that includes a lot of physical work, which is an integral part of their role.   
  
Firefighters have different rankings that help dictate what they do. For example, the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Chief will vary from that of a Lieutenant. Firefighters undergo special training to work in distinct environments. To give an example, wildland Firefighters work in an environment that only fights forest fires with duties that focus more on how to contain the fires while also working with helicopters and different machinery than other Firefighters.  
  
Firefighters perform the usual, standard tasks, but many involve the emergencies called in by dispatch. Firefighters act on behalf of the community, and their roles and responsibilities will vary depending on the situation.   
 
Roles and responsibilities of a Firefighter

• Extinguishing fires in buildings, homes, forests, and wherever necessary 
• Responding in a timely matter to all emergency calls  
• Carrying out specific tasks according to the situation and the ranking of the Firefighter 
• Performing search and rescue operations on land and in water 
• Educating the public about fire safety and prevention 
• Inspecting buildings and homes to ensure that all safety measures are met, varying from location to location 
• Ventilating building to prevent any hazards, including smoke, gas, or water damage 
• Maintaining fire department equipment to guarantee everything is up to par 
• Driving and operating firetrucks as well as other emergency vehicles 
• Operating heavy machinery and equipment, which involves maintaining a standard level of physical fitness 
• Applying first aid and keeping all necessary certifications up to date, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 
• Working alongside other emergency workers such as Paramedics and Police Officers  
• Conducting fire drills to ensure that civilians know how to react appropriately in the event of an emergency 
• Working with hazardous material  
• Know the rules and regulations of the fire service as per their location and local laws