To provide fire safe facilities, the in-service Fire Company Inspection Program ensures that each business in Plano is inspected annually. Operations personnel primarily conduct inspections with technical assistance provided by the Fire Prevention Division when necessary. The Fire Prevention Division performs most other enforcement functions. These activities include issuing permits, counseling juvenile fire setters, fire investigation, internal affairs investigation, conducting target hazard inspections in selected occupancies and providing training to operations personnel on fire inspections, investigations and fire protection systems. Fire protection engineering is a key responsibility of the Fire Prevention Division - linking the Fire Department to the developing community.
Several services are available to builders and developers.
These include plan review, environmental site assessments, permits and new and existing life safety systems inspections. Members of the Fire Prevention Division are involved in the development of national, state, and local codes and ordinances which will ensure that fire-safe facilities will be built and maintained for years to come. Each fire officer is trained in fire scene origin and cause investigations. The Fire Prevention Division members are certified to conduct complex investigations, including the filing of arson charges when criminal acts have been committed and providing expert courtroom testimony. The Personnel Services Division, headed by Division Chief George Caldwell, is responsible for personnel administration of the Department including Civil Service administration, training, and safety.