Code 10??

What is Code 10?

Back in the day, all the stations were manned by 1 person. They were augmented on fires by a reserve program (part-time firefighters would respond from home on an as needed basis) and off duty full-time firefighters that were available to respond. Fulltimers were paid double time for off-duty responses.

Since each station had two trucks and 1 firefighter, and two of the stations also handled the dispatch (at least in Pima County), it was important to announce the current manpower when responding, so other off duty folks knew whether or not help was needed.

If an engine responded ("902 - Code 10") - That meant the firefighter was alone and no one was left in the station (for the 2nd truck or to back up dispatch).

Other response variations might be:

• Code 20 - 2 on the engine, none in the station
• Code 201 - 2 on the engine, none in the station, and 1 standing by with or about to respond in the 2nd truck
• Code 211 - or 111 - 1 or 2 on the engine, 1 in the station for dispatch back up, and 1 available for the 2nd truck

The web master's favorite night was for a house fire during a drill - we responded "Code 401" (yep, Shop 62, 2 in the cab, 2 on the tailboard, and one still in the station with the new FMC). We even had a standpipe at the beginning of the cul-de-sac, a working fire, and yes, we layed line.

The Live-In Program

If station had space available, a single full-time firefighter, or a reserve firefighter could move in and live-in the station rent free. the only requirement was that the live-in, if available, had to respond on calls (or standby with the 2nd truck, or act as the back-up dispatcher if needed). Of course, live-ins were paid during call times.

One full-time live-in at Pima Station 41 would be told each morning how many hours he got paid during the night (even while asleep) just to be the back up dispatcher as the on-duty firefighter ha to dispatch for Station 40, and needed a backup in case 41 got a call.

Code 10 response was usually a crap shoot depending on where the call ways in comparison to where the reserves or off-duty full-timers lived. It was roughly 50/50 for fires on whether the engine would arrive 1 man alone, or arrive 1 man with off duty folks already on the scene.

Code 10 almost was always a little scarey. Especially as EMS calls increased over time and off duty folks avoided all the frequent, short-lived medical responses.

What is 902?

10 Codes - coming soon!!!