A unique role for the deputy or assistant chief is the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the fire chief in his or he absence. Why is the deputy chief well suited for this role?
The deputy chief controls the expenditures and provides data to the fire chief.
The deputy chief has the same experience and years of service as the fire chief.
The deputy chief has the same number of people reporting to him or her as report to the fire chief.

The deputy chief reports directly to the fire chief and helps with budgets and operations.