Charlotte Fire’s Field Tech Pilot Boosts Safety and Incident Response

By Kevin Campbell, Charlotte Fire 

Charlotte Fire has launched a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing safety through the introduction of the Field Technician (FT) role. Implemented at the start of the year, the Field Technician program provides vital support to Division Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs, relieving the pressure of managing large-scale incidents and daily operations. This innovative role is already demonstrating its value in emergency response across Charlotte, offering enhanced safety and streamlined operations for the city’s residents. 

Evolving with Charlotte’s Growth 

As Charlotte continues to expand, so do the demands on its fire department. Charlotte Fire serves nearly one million residents across more than 325 square miles. Division Chiefs oversee roughly 1,100 personnel across 43 stations, while Battalion Chiefs manage around 50 firefighters each. With a significant increase in responsibilities, task saturation has become a challenge, particularly in high-stakes emergencies where effective management is critical. 

Emergency personnel gather at the Oaklawn Ave vehicle fire incident, where Field Technicians played a critical role in resource management. The support provided by Field Technicians is crucial during high-risk operations. 

Recognizing the need for enhanced support, Charlotte Fire launched the Field Technician program to assist Chiefs on the fireground. These specially trained technicians handle critical tasks, allowing Chiefs to focus on strategic decision-making. This innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also enhances the department's ability to manage complex emergency responses. 

The Legacy Behind the Field Technician Role 

The concept of Field Technicians builds on historical practices in Charlotte Fire. Decades ago, “chief aides” provided similar support, but these positions were eventually absorbed into operations. However, the need for such a role never faded, and the department saw an opportunity to reintroduce it in a modernized form. 

Field Technician Captain Drew Lazarus (right) and Division Chief Dave Farnum discuss strategic planning in the office. The Field Technician role is essential in preparing and supporting Chiefs, allowing for smoother and safer operations during emergency responses. 

Captain Drew Lazarus, one of the current Field Technicians, noted how the role evolved from practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, where an “executive officer” approach was used to manage high volumes of information across the department. “The introduction of a Field Technician gives that Incident Commander an ability to focus on the strategies and tactics of an incident and manage fewer people. It’s about filtering communication and reducing task saturation so the commander can keep a big-picture perspective.” 

A Day in the Life of a Field Technician 

Field Technician Captain Cory Schellhase in the field, ready to assist with incident coordination. His role as a Field Technician allows for efficient management of on-scene resources, improving overall firefighter safety. 

Field Technicians at Charlotte Fire perform a variety of tasks, from operational support during emergencies to handling complex logistics. They coordinate communication, track resources, and ensure Chiefs have the information they need to make fast, effective decisions. By maintaining real-time oversight of fireground activities through tools like Tablet Command, Field Technicians add a critical layer of accountability and safety to the operation. 

Division Chief Brandon Caputo (left) and Field Technician Captain Cory Schellhase (right) engage in critical planning, demonstrating the teamwork that enhances Charlotte Fire’s response capabilities. The Field Technician role brings added layers of organization and safety to each incident, allowing Chiefs to focus on overall strategy. 

“When we’re en route to a scene, I’m driving so the Chief can fully concentrate on the upcoming incident,” said Lazarus. “Having someone to handle the setup and logistics lets the Chief arrive prepared to act right away, which speeds up our response and helps keep our firefighters safe.” 

Success in the Field 

Since the program’s launch, Field Technicians have played a crucial role in more than 380 working fires and 349 motor vehicle accidents with entrapments. With Battalion Chiefs responding to over 4,999 incidents this year alone—an average of 16 calls per day—Field Technicians have proven indispensable in supporting incident command. 

Charlotte Fire personnel conduct a rescue operation on Wallace Road, where multiple occupants were saved from an apartment fire. The Field Technician’s role was crucial in supporting the coordination and management of resources, allowing firefighters to focus on life-saving efforts. 

In a recent fire at Wallace Road on October 16, Field Technician Captain Drew Lazarus helped orchestrate a challenging operation involving multiple rescues. The incident began as reports of an apartment fire, but it quickly escalated as dispatch received numerous 911 calls from bystanders. As companies arrived, Battalion Chief 4 assumed command and struck a second alarm to request more units. 

Captain Drew Lazarus and Division Chief Dave Farnum prepare together, highlighting the collaborative strength of Charlotte Fire's Field Technician program in supporting effective and safe operations. 

The scene was chaotic, with flames consuming balconies and spreading to upper floors, while victims were reported trapped inside. As Lazarus worked alongside the Chief, he utilized the command software to organize and track incoming units, manage rescues, and ensure critical communication flowed smoothly. Ladder 23 and Engine 65 successfully rescued multiple victims from upper-floor windows, thanks to the swift organization enabled by the Field Technician’s presence. 

“Without a Field Technician in place to manage these tasks, the Battalion Chief would have been overwhelmed coordinating rescues and fire suppression,” explained Lazarus. “In this situation, I was able to ensure all teams knew their assignments and that resources were properly staged, which ultimately saved lives.” 

Firefighters work through the night to contain a blaze, assisted by the oversight and coordination provided by Field Technicians. The Field Technician program enhances safety, allowing firefighters to focus on their tasks. 

Another recent example highlights the Field Technician role in a large restaurant fire on West Sugar Creek Road. Captain Cory Schellhase was on scene as Field Technician, working with the Battalion Chief to manage a rapidly expanding fire. With multiple ladder companies on the roof conducting ventilation and numerous engine companies inside tackling the fire, Schellhase used the Tablet Command system to track each unit’s location, their assigned tasks, and communication flow, ensuring that critical safety protocols were upheld. 

Firefighters conduct a debrief after a multi-unit fire response. Field Technicians are instrumental in coordinating these efforts, ensuring that teams are fully accounted for and equipped during critical operations. 

“At that fire, I was able to sit with the Battalion Chief and organize the companies and firefighters, what they were doing, where they were,” said Schellhase. “It made decision-making faster and more efficient, and ultimately, it kept everyone safer.” 

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency 

The Field Technician role has introduced a new standard for safety and efficiency on the fireground. By tracking personnel movement and monitoring radio communications, Field Technicians ensure no critical information is missed, particularly in high-risk environments. This layer of accountability aligns with national best practices and reduces the risk of task saturation. 

Field Technician Captain Robert Hutchison speaks with Division Chief Eric Withers inside the bay at Firehouse 1. Their collaboration underscores how the Field Technician program enhances on-the-ground coordination, ensuring that each incident is managed with precision from the outset. 

Field Technicians also handle coordination with external agencies, such as the Red Cross and local utilities, allowing Chiefs to focus on command and control. “In a complex fireground, having someone to handle logistics while the Chief focuses on strategy can make the difference between a contained incident and one that spirals out of control,” said Captain Lazarus. 

A Valuable Asset for the Future 

As the pilot program continues, Charlotte Fire is evaluating the full impact of the Field Technician role, and early data shows it to be highly successful. The increased focus and efficiency it brings to fireground operations have gained significant support within the department, with strong consideration for making the role permanent. 

Deputy Chief Pete Skeris is briefed by Field Technician and Division Chief, highlighting the essential role of the Field Technician program in providing Chief Officers with up-to-date information and logistical support during critical operations. 

“Field Technicians have proven to be an invaluable asset to Charlotte Fire,” said Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “Their presence allows our Chiefs to make faster, more informed decisions, which improves response times and enhances the safety of our firefighters and the community. This program is setting new benchmarks for how we protect our city.” 

A New Era in Fire Service Management 

The Field Technician program represents a bold step into the future of fire service management. As Charlotte Fire continues to grow and evolve, this role will be essential in supporting the department’s leadership in managing increasingly complex challenges. 

By reducing task overload, enhancing communication, and improving overall safety, Charlotte Fire is setting a new standard for fire departments across the country. As the department moves toward making this role permanent, it reaffirms its commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in service to the Charlotte community.