Mission Statement

The mission of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department is to preserve life and promote health and safety through excellent pre-hospital treatment and transportation, fire prevention, fire suppression and rescue activities and homeland security awareness.

Vision Statement

The vision of the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department is to be a performance based organization in which a well-trained, multi-disciplined skilled workforce utilizes state-of the art equipment, technology and apparatus to provide the highest quality of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. To our residents and visitors the DC Fire and EMS Department strives for excellence in emergency preparedness, education and response, to enhance our customer focused innovative initiatives as industry leaders, while overcoming expanding risks.

Core Values (B.A.S.I.C.S)

• Bravery
  • We demonstrate physical and moral courage, overcoming fear through fortitude and training.
• Accountability
  • We are accountable to each other and our community through ownership of our actions. 
• Safety
  • We are uncompromising in our fundamental commitment to safety for ourselves and our community. 
• Integrity
  • We earn trust through honest, transparent, and ethical behavior
• Compassion
  • We respect and treat every person with dignity, empathy, and equity.
• Service
  • We honor our tradition of service, placing the needs of others before self.