The department's staff consists of Fire Chief Steve Rega, Assistant Chief Jim Wheeler, three Fire Lieutenants, a Fire Prevention Lieutenant, three shifts of six fire fighters each, an administrative assistant, and up to ten part-time firefighters filling in as needed to maintain staffing. All shifts are under the command of a Fire Lieutenant and are divided into three working groups (shifts). Mini
mum staffing on all companies consists of one officer in charge and four additional fire fighters per shift. The work schedule (tour of duty) changes each morning at 8:00 am. The fire fighting force is housed at one central location in the City of Independence. This station houses 3 squads, 2 engines, a ladder truck, a brush truck, a rescue vehicle, and a staff vehicle.
