Who may have assistants in their role during an incident?

The Public Information Officer (PIO) typically has assistants in their role during an incident because managing public messaging and communications requires significant coordination and effort, especially in a complex or expanding incident. The PIO’s responsibilities include gathering, confirming, and disseminating accurate information to the public and the media, which can encompass a range of tasks that may require additional personnel.

Having assistants allows the PIO to effectively manage and facilitate communication, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are informed and that messaging is clear and consistent. This is particularly important in major incidents where information flow can impact public safety and the overall management of the incident.

In contrast, while the Operations Section Chief, Logistics Officer, and Safety Officer play critical roles within the incident management structure, their need for assistants varies based on the size and complexity of the response. The Operations Section Chief may oversee multiple branches or divisions and can request additional resources, but they are not inherently required to have assistants in the same way the PIO does for public information functions. Similarly, the Logistics Officer focuses on acquiring resources and support, which may not always necessitate direct assistance. The Safety Officer, tasked with ensuring safety and health regulations, may work independently or with support but does not typically engage in public communications or media relations, which