During a 40 ft ladder raise, which firefighter secures the halyard with a clove hitch?

In a 40 ft ladder raise, the procedure dictates that securing the halyard with a clove hitch is typically the responsibility of the butt person. This is because the butt person is directly involved in stabilizing the base of the ladder, allowing them to focus on securing the halyard effectively once the ladder is in position. By using a clove hitch, which is a reliable knot that ensures the halyard stays taut, the butt person plays a critical role in maintaining ladder stability and safety during operations.

The officer is generally responsible for overseeing the operation, coordinating actions, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed rather than physically securing the halyard. The lead person is focused on aligning and raising the ladder, while the safety officer is tasked with overall safety during the operation but might not be directly engaged in the technical aspects of securing the ladder halyard. Thus, it is the butt person's responsibility to perform this specific task, ensuring a secure and effective setup for the ladder raise.