Second Due
Second Due refers to the second fire company or unit that responds to an emergency incident. In firefighting, units are assigned different response orders based on their distance from the incident and availability. The "Second Due" unit has specific responsibilities and arrives after the first unit, playing a crucial support role in emergency operations. This term is commonly used in fire department operations and scheduling, and you might see it written as "2nd Due" or "Second Due Engine/Truck" in job descriptions and resumes.
Examples in Resumes
Served as Captain on Second Due Engine Company for busy metropolitan district
Led Second Due operations during major commercial structure fires
Trained new firefighters on 2nd Due responsibilities and protocols
Typical job title: "Firefighters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Firefighters
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you coordinate Second Due operations with First Due units?
Expected Answer: The candidate should explain how they manage crew assignments, communicate with first arriving units, and ensure smooth integration of resources at emergency scenes.
Q: What are your strategies for managing Second Due responsibilities during multiple simultaneous incidents?
Expected Answer: Should discuss prioritization, resource management, and decision-making processes when handling multiple emergency calls with limited resources.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the typical responsibilities of a Second Due company at a structure fire?
Expected Answer: Should describe backup water supply establishment, secondary search operations, ventilation support, or other key supporting roles depending on department protocols.
Q: How do you prepare your crew for Second Due operations during your shift?
Expected Answer: Should explain equipment checks, area familiarization, crew briefings, and maintaining readiness for immediate response.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between First Due and Second Due responsibilities?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of response order, initial vs. supporting operations, and how units work together at emergency scenes.
Q: How do you maintain radio communication as a Second Due unit?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic radio protocols, listening for updates from First Due units, and proper communication procedures with command.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic firefighting operations
- Understanding of Second Due protocols
- Equipment and apparatus knowledge
- Basic emergency response procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced firefighting techniques
- Crew leadership in Second Due operations
- Multiple unit coordination
- Emergency scene management
Senior (5+ years)
- Incident command experience
- Department policy development
- Training program management
- Multi-company operation coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of understanding of basic response protocols
- Poor communication skills
- Limited knowledge of equipment and apparatus
- Inability to work in team environments
- No experience with emergency response procedures
Related Terms
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