Fire ID Cards

Safety and security are important to firefighters. The goal of a firefighter is to preserve as many lives and as much property as possible with the tools that they have. Those who are in harms way are often trapped by the situation and their abilities. Firefighters, who are experts at critical moments, are able to use their education, experience and capabilities to help and assist both with injury to people and damage to physical buildings and their contents.

Firefighters put their lives at risk each time that they put on their gear. Although the firefighter is present to assist others, the safety of the fireman is also important. Providing tools and equipment for the firefighter to combat fires, preserve life and protect themselves are important.

A tool that may not be considered a safety tool actually can provide increased safety for fire personnel and the community. That small tool is the fireman's identification card. This card will verify, either visually or by automated systems, that the personnel in place at the fire are qualified and instructed to be at the scene. A quick visual or equipment scan of the identification card as the fireman enters the situation will assist in communication and tracking for those in taking charge of the scene.

Other firefighters and emergency personnel appreciate being able to verify the name and qualifications of the person they are working next to. By displaying qualifications on the badge, the correct person can be quickly identified and moved to provide the best assistance.

Community members also appreciate id cards. When off duty, those fire personnel who provide assistance can quickly calm those which high emotions as they provide credentials and move quickly to practice their skills and knowledge or communicate with at a qualified level.

Cards can be simple with a picture, name and firefighters qualifications. Larger departments may choose to integrate access and important information stored in a database to the cards.

Some departments outsource their badge making to ID card companies. Others choose to obtain an in house system to make badges onsite.

There are various systems and professional companies available that can meet the needs of both the smallest and largest fire departments. In looking at the systems available, it is important to know what the goals of the department are in having an identification program so that the best options can be reviewed and selected.