In incident command, what is the role that oversees the incident and develops a response plan?

In the context of incident command, the Incident Commander plays a crucial role in overseeing the entire incident and developing a strategic response plan. This individual is responsible for assessing the situation, establishing objectives, and directing all operations to ensure an effective and coordinated response. The Incident Commander has the authority to allocate resources, prioritize incidents, and make decisions that affect the overall management of the situation, ensuring that all team members and units work towards a common goal.

While other roles like the Operations Chief and Logistics Officer are essential in their respective functions—focusing on the operational aspects and resource management—the Incident Commander is ultimately the leader who integrates these efforts into a cohesive plan. Additionally, the Safety Officer’s role centers around ensuring safety protocols during operations, which although vital, does not encompass overall incident oversight or response planning. Thus, the responsibilities of the Incident Commander firmly align with both the oversight and strategic planning aspects of incident management.