Who must approve emergency trades in shift scheduling?

The approval of emergency trades in shift scheduling typically falls under the authority of a Chief Officer. This role is generally responsible for overseeing the operations of the fire department and maintaining the staffing levels necessary for effective emergency response. Chief Officers have the broader perspective needed to manage schedules and can ensure that any trade does not adversely affect department operations or safety standards.

In contrast, other individuals, such as Company Officers or fellow firefighters, might not possess the authority or complete knowledge of the operational implications of a shift change. While Company Officers manage their own crews, they usually need to follow departmental procedures and guidelines that require additional approval from higher-ranking officials, such as a Chief Officer, to authorize changes that may impact overall staffing.