Station One houses approximately 30 firefighters. (10 per shift) between an engine company and a ladder company. We also house 3 battalion chiefs, as well as, the Charlotte Fire Department Communications Division which employs over 20 telecommunicators.
How we got our name, "The Doghouse"
Serving as the Charlotte Fire Departments' headquarters station for
much of our existence, our station shared quarters with administrative staff
and chief officers. Needless to say, those who are assigned to the station were
considered to be under the watchful eye of those administrators many try to
evade. In some circumstances, firefighters who were reprimanded for disciplinary
actions were often transferred to our station because of the large call volume
the station responds to on a daily basis and special assignments often requested
of our personnel by administrators. . Therefore, those being sent to us
were considered being sent to " The doghouse" until their time was up or their
discipline had been revoked.
Response History:
Call Statistics:
Run totals are from July 1 to June 30.Engine 1 Ladder 1 Totals
FY 06 2,776 2,193 4,969
*FY 05 2,571 2,387 4,958
FY 04 2,783 2,353 5,136
FY 03 3,360 2,534 5,894
FY 02 3,391 2,388 5,779
FY 01 3,631 2,321 5,952
FY 00 3,647 2,243 5,890
FY 99 3,618 2,136 5,754
FY 98 3,269 1,954 5,223
FY 97 3,088 1,932 5,020* Reflects the implementation of AVL and Auto CAD tracking system dispatching
Our Work Shifts:
Our shifts consist of a 182 hr. work schedule over a 24 day cycle.
This arrangement of work days follows:24 hrs. on duty
24 hrs. off-duty
24 hrs. on duty
48 hrs. off-duty (2 days off)
24 hrs. on duty
24 hrs. off duty
24 hrs. on duty
96 hrs. off duty (4 days off)
Want a copy of our 2006 shift schedules?
Click on the photos below to download the Adobe or Excel file.
Our Rank Structure:
Each engine, ladder company at station 1 is comprised of the following ranks per shift:
1 Fire Captain (Company Officer)
1 Firefighter Engineer (Driver)
3 Firefighters (FF I or FF II)Job Descriptions:
Battalion Chief: Shift supervisor of one of seven fire districts, composed of approximately five stations staffed by 30 – 40 personnel per shift. This is supervisory firefighting work directing and coordinating the activities of all fire stations in an assigned battalion. Employees assigned to this class are responsible for exercised command over all firefighting and first responder operations in a designated battalion or direction of a major management function, including responsibility for the effective and efficient use of apparatus equipment, and personnel in extinguishing fires and performing other emergency work. Work is subject to general administrative review by superior officers through conferences, inspections and appraisal of the operations of assigned units. Work requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and initiative. Work requires extensive public contact.
Fire Captain: This is skilled and supervisory work in a major functional assignment area in the fire department. Work involves responsibility for the supervision, discipline and training of a fire company, the total operation of a fire station on an assigned shift, the management of a segment of the fire department central office staff, the instruction of recruit and in – service training courses, or work of comparable departmental rules and regulations, and under the general supervision of a superior officer. Employees of this class are expected to use resourcefulness and initiative in meeting and resolving emergencies without immediate, on – site supervision. Work is reviewed by observation of work in progress and of results obtained as well as by inspection of quarters, apparatus, equipment, and records.
Firefighter/ Engineer: Drives and operates a pumper or ladder fire truck and related equipment for assigned company; serves as first responder Emergency Medical Technician. Occasionally performs the duties of Fire Captain. Employees of this class are responsible for driving assigned fire apparatus to and from the scene of fires and other emergencies and for operating pumps, aerial ladders, and other mechanical equipment as required. Incumbents may assist in training firefighters in the use of various firefighting apparatus and equipment. Work is performed under the direction of a superior officer and is reviewed by observation and conformity with proper safety practices and established guidelines.
Firefighter II: Drives and operates fire truck on a relief basis and performs fire suppression work; serves as first responder Emergency Medical Technician. Occasionally services as officer in charge of truck. This is advanced firefighting work in combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires; in rendering medical assistance at emergency scenes; and in the operation of department apparatus. Work is performed under the direction of a superior officer and is reviewed by observation and conformity with proper safety practices and established procedures.
Firefighter I: Performs general duty firefighting work in fire suppression and rescue activities, including responsibility for serving as first responder Emergency Medical Technician for calls within the City; may occasionally drive fire apparatus. Work involves responsibility for the protection of life and property through firefighting, rescue, first responder and related duties. Assignments are given by a superior officer at both emergency scenes and the station.
About our Response Area:
Located in the Center City of Charlotte at 221 North Myers Street. We have proudly served the citizens of First thru Fourth Wards of Uptown, Belmont, Dilworth, Myers Park, Plaza-Midwood, No-Da, and the South End districts since 1887. We serve as the battalion headquarters for stations 1,4,6,7, 8,& 11.
The socio-economic climate for our response area has dramatically changed during the past 15 years. During the mid 1970's, efforts by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission developed long range planning for the four-wards surrounding the inner city loop of I-277. During the 1980's, low income housing constructed during the second world war were demolished to make way for more mixed use development.
Today, due to partnerships between public and private entities, uptown Charlotte now is home to the National football League's Carolina Panthers Bank of America stadium and a recently constructed arena for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats. The new arena also serves as the home of the East Coast Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers. Among these new buildings we also have several other high-rise occupancies worthy of noting:
Bank of America: Hearst Tower One Wachovia BOA Plaza
63 Stories 48 Stories 42 Stories 40 Stories
Three Wachovia Two Wachovia IJL Building Charlotte Plaza
29 Stories 32 Stories 30 Stories 27 Stories
Want to see all of the high-rises in Charlotte? Click on the photo below.
