Who typically serves as the Incident Commander (IC) during an incident?

The Incident Commander (IC) is typically the highest-ranking officer present at an incident. This is because the IC holds the overall responsibility for the scene and decision-making processes that occur during an emergency situation. Their leadership is crucial to ensure a coordinated and effective response while maintaining safety and order.

While experience, specific training, or unit affiliation may play roles in incident management, the structure of emergency response often dictates that command is held by rank. This hierarchy helps streamline command and control, reducing confusion and enhancing communication among responding units. The natural authority that comes with rank enables the IC to mobilize resources, delegate tasks, and make critical decisions in real time, which is essential in high-pressure situations where cohesive operations are necessary for success.