Fire Department-Lieutenant

DEPARTMENT: Cleveland Fire Department
POSITION: Lieutenant
Revision Date: 2026

The Fire Lieutenant (Shift) serves as a first-line supervisor responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight to personnel engaged in fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and related emergency activities of varying magnitude and complexity.

This position is responsible for protecting life and property through emergency response and adherence to departmental policies and procedures. The Fire Lieutenant plans and conducts station-based Fire/EMS training, supervises daily station operations, administers policies, completes required documentation, and ensures personnel readiness. At emergency scenes, the Lieutenant functions within the Incident Command System (ICS), supervises assigned personnel, and administers appropriate emergency medical treatment as needed.

The following duties are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned personnel; addresses employee concerns; counsels and disciplines as necessary; and completes employee performance evaluations.
• Develops and administers station-level policies, procedures, plans, and activities; monitors subordinate performance against established goals.
• Responds to fire, rescue, hazardous conditions, and emergency medical incidents.
• Renders emergency and life‑saving medical assistance.
• Supervises assigned shift personnel and ensures vehicles, apparatus, and equipment are maintained in proper operating condition.
• Supervises Firefighters, Firefighter/EMTs, and Firefighter/Paramedics at emergency incidents, training evolutions, and during station activities.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of departmental operations, fire suppression practices, emergency medical protocols, and applicable policies and procedures.
• Utilizes knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to fire and emergency services.
• Communicates effectively with subordinates, city officials, management, employees, and members of the public.
• Prepares clear, concise, and accurate reports and documentation, including fire and EMS reports.
• Formulates, organizes, and oversees completion of station training programs.
• Ensures onboarding and training requirements for new personnel are completed.
• Notifies the Fire Chief of any unusual problems, operational concerns, or significant incidents occurring within the assigned station or shift.
• Ensures stations and grounds are properly maintained.
• Conducts regular inspections and operational checks of fire and medical equipment.
• Assists personnel with routine station duties.
• Maintains all required state certifications through continuing education.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of emergency medical and life-sustaining techniques, including cardiac care, trauma management, ventilation, and CPR.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of state and City of Cleveland fire suppression and rescue procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City of Cleveland and surrounding response areas.
• Knowledge of City personnel policies and departmental procedures.
• Skill in supervision and leadership.
• Skill in emergency and non-emergency vehicle operation.
• Skill in emergency medical care and patient assessment.
• Skill in operating fire suppression, rescue, and specialized medical equipment.
• Skill in mechanical maintenance of apparatus and equipment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to function effectively in high-stress emergency environments.

The Fire Lieutenant works under the direct supervision of the Fire Chief. Work is performed with a significant degree of independence requiring sound judgment in emergency and medical situations based on training, experience, established protocols, and departmental guidelines.

Guidelines include state laws pertaining to emergency medical treatment, established medical protocols, state and local fire procedures, IFSTA standards, city codes and ordinances, personnel policies, and written…