A chief fire officer plays an essential role in the administrative structure of his or her department in the Caribbean, the UK, Europe and other countries. Unlike firefighters, whose duties consist of combating fires and helping evacuees to safety, chief officers have additional duties within the department and beyond. A chief fire officer works with his or her department’s human resources staff to help manage staffing-related needs. A chief fire officer is also responsible for upholding a fire department’s relationship with the community.