IMH NavigatorDeputy vs. Assistants
Incident, Commander, Command Staff, Officer, Assistants, Operations Section, Chief, Planning Section, Chief, Logistics Section, Chief, Finance Section, Chief, Deputies, Branch Director, Branch Director
Deputies: May be from same agency/organization or from another assisting or cooperating agency/organization. Typically used at the command, section & branch levels, but all leadership roles can have deputies. May have similar qualifications and must be as qualified as the person for whom they work.
Assistants: May also be from same agency/organization or from another assisting or cooperating agency/organization. Typically used within the Command Staff supporting the officers. Not as qualified as the person for whom they work and are not qualified to assume those responsibilities.
| Deputy Roles & Responsibilities | Assistant Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Receive direction & balance workload with supervisor. | Receive direction & assist supervisor with assigned tasks. |
| Oversee current operational period activities while IC/Staff Officer/Section Chief/ Branch Director participates in planning process meetings and/or briefings. | Keep supervisor up to date on meeting and briefing schedule and provide periodic updates throughout the organization as directed. |
| Maintain situational awareness & communicate changes to Supervisor. | Maintain documentation for supervisor as requested. 59 |
| Handbook Pages | 121–122 (2 pages) |
| Part | B — Incident Management |
| Section | 2.5 Deputy vs. Assistants |
| Type | topic |