Incident Commanders may have one or more of which position supporting them?

The role of a deputy is specifically recognized within the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, where a deputy may be assigned to assist the Incident Commander in their duties. This position is designed to share the responsibilities and can serve in a variety of capacities, including taking over in the absence of the Incident Commander, helping with decision-making, and managing specific tasks as needed.

Additionally, the deputy's responsibilities can vary based on the incident and can be defined by the Incident Commander depending on the incident's nature and complexity. This allows for a more effective and efficient command structure, particularly in expanding incidents where the workload may increase significantly. The deputy acts as a crucial support system that enhances operational effectiveness and ensures continuity in leadership.

Other roles, while supportive in different manners, do not have the formal recognition within the ICS structure that a deputy possesses. For example, assistants may provide logistical support or administrative aid but are not usually tasked with sharing command responsibilities. Advisors, while knowledgeable, generally do not have formal authority in the command structure, and volunteers do not usually hold specific roles within the command hierarchy unless assigned to a certain task.