Which position is usually a lieutenant or captain in charge of leading a fire company?

The company officer is typically the lieutenant or captain responsible for leading a fire company. This role involves various duties such as overseeing the crew, ensuring readiness for operations, directing activities during incidents, and being accountable for the safety and effectiveness of their team. The company officer serves as the primary point of contact for the personnel under their command and plays a vital role in both the administrative and operational aspects of the fire service.

In contrast, the other roles listed have different responsibilities. The fire apparatus driver/operator focuses primarily on the operation of fire vehicles and equipment, ensuring they are in working order and responding to emergencies. The training officer is charged with developing and implementing training programs to maintain skill proficiency but does not typically lead a fire company in operations. The incident commander is responsible for managing the entire incident scene but is not limited to overseeing just one fire company; rather, they coordinate efforts among multiple units and resources during larger operations. Therefore, the distinct leadership and operational accountability of the company officer make it the correct answer in this context.