In a move designed to increase safety, communication and oversight, the Philadelphia Fire Department is putting more chiefs in the field through the restorations of Battalions 5 & 6 and Division 3.
In the same way police operate in districts, the Fire Department divides the city into battalions. Each one is led by a Battalion Chief, who responds on emergency calls to supervise firefighters. A group of battalions is called a division, which is overseen by a Deputy Chief who responds on major incidents.
Decades ago, the PFD had 13 battalions among three divisions. Budget cuts forced the elimination of Division 3 and Battalion 6 in 1983, and Battalion 5 was deactivated in 1993, according to Fireman’s Hall Museum, which keeps the history of the PFD.
Now, thanks to additional resources from Mayor Kenney and City Council, Battalions 5 & 6 and Division 3 are back in service in new locations – adding three more chiefs to the field on every shift.