Vista Fire Department understands that it very tough for all of it's volunteers to meet all of the requirements for a blanket title of "FIREFIGHTER" -- Our members have other commitments such as family, jobs, and other personal issues. So, we have broken down our job classifications into five basic titles:

Interior Firefighters are the most highly trained and have the most in-service requirements. Must jump through all OSHA/PESH hoops. Interior firefighters are qualified to enter burning structures for rescue or fire knock-down.

Exterior Firefighters are fireground support personnel. At fire scenes they provide services commonly known as truck operations, including outside hosework, venting, laddering and roof operations. Often these members are either working towards, or retired from, INTERIOR status.

New York State Emergency Medical Technicians are the foundation of our Ambulance services. They are delegated with responsibility for the care and handling of all patients. They also provide invaluable services at fire scenes and during public events.

Motor Pump Operators are required to drive and pump our trucks at fire scenes as well as at, to, and from water sources. They provide the unbroken supply of water that we need to fight fires.

Fire-Police are New York State Peace Officers with specific training to assist on fire scenes. Their tasks include traffic control and scene security.

Logistics Personnel are firehouse support staff who do not respond to the fire scene, but rather assist from the firehouse in crucial areas such as Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), radio operations, or acquiring resources that are needed at the scene.

In addition, one member is assigned as the department's official SAFETY OFFICER to oversee safety conditions at scenes.   Other specialties posessed by some of our members include SCUBA Diver, and Hazardous Materials Technician.   In addition, nearly all members have training in Vehicle Extrication and Rescue Operations.

The job classifications of individuals is ever changing as members continue to train and to meet in-service requirements. Here are our current rolls with each member's job classifications: