It varies among countries as to whether it is the norm or not for fire chiefs to be former frontline firefighters. This is the case in the United States.Fire Chief: Description, Duties and Requirements It is also the norm in the United Kingdom, though in recent years there have been exceptions. By contrast, in France, fire officers and frontline firefighters are recruited separately in a similar way to the military.https://www.wafa.asn.au/wh/6807/images/Churchill-Report-Version-2-April-17.docx
