Who is responsible for operating the elevator during high-rise operations if the fourth person is absent from the first due engine company?

In high-rise fire operations, efficient coordination and clear roles are critical for maintaining safety and effectiveness. When the fourth member of the first due engine company is absent, the responsibility for managing the elevator shifts to the Tiller/4 person from the first ladder company. This is because the Tiller/4 person is specifically trained and positioned within the incident command structure to handle such responsibilities.

The first ladder company’s Tiller/4 person typically has knowledge of elevator operations, safety protocols, and can assist in managing entries and exits, thereby facilitating effective communication and coordination with the engine crew. Elevators in high-rise situations can pose significant risks due to smoke and fire, so having someone who is well-versed in operating them is crucial to the safety of both the firefighters and civilians.

In this context, other roles, like the Driver of the first engine company or the 1st Lieutenant on the first engine, may not specifically focus on elevator management or may have different primary responsibilities during an operation. The Safety officer is responsible for overall operational safety and may not be specialized in elevator operations. Thus, assigning the task to the Tiller/4 person ensures that the role is filled by someone who is adequately prepared and trained for the specific challenges of high-rise