What does Squad 3 actually do in Chicago Fire? Roles and responsibilities, explained

If you're a Chicago Fire fan, you must have heard a lot about "Squad 3." It is a squad that always goes into action to save lives, and while doing it, its members look ridiculously cool.

But unless you've been watching very, very closely, you might have caught yourself wondering: what is Squad 3, exactly? Are they another fire truck crew? Why do they look different from Engine 51 or Truck 81? No need to worry, we've got you.

Squad 3 is the elite rescue unit of Firehouse 51, handling the toughest, riskiest situations - from building collapses to underwater rescues. Apart from just putting out fires, they are also saving lives in the most dangerous emergencies.

What does Squad 3 do in Chicago Fire?

In the world of firefighting, a “Rescue Squad” isn’t your average team. Squad 3 is a specialized unit at Firehouse 51, made up of highly trained firefighters who handle the really tricky stuff. We’re talking underwater rescues, collapsed buildings, hazardous materials, confined space entries - you name it.

When things go from bad to worse, Squad 3 is who you want showing up. They’re like the Navy SEALs of the fire department. In Chicago Fire, Squad 3 gets called in when advanced rescue tactics are needed. They’re the firefighters who also know how to rappel down a high-rise or cut someone out of an elevator shaft.

Who is on Squad 3?

The squad in Chicago Fire is led by one of the fan-favorites, Kelly Severide. He is known for his serious jawline and, most importantly, his leadership skills. He is the one who has the responsibility to make split-second decisions for the lives that are on the line, as he is the lieutenant.

Along with Severide, Squad 3 has also shown a group of tough, smart, and loyal firefighters. People like Joe Cruz, Tony Ferraris, and more are all trained in technical rescue. It means that they’re physically strong and also skilled with the tools required and life-saving techniques.

What makes Squad 3 different from Engine 51 or Truck 81?

Engine 51 focuses on putting out fires - they’re the hose handlers. Truck 81 handles search, ventilation, and forcible entry - they’re often the ones climbing ladders and breaking down doors.

Squad 3 in Chicago Fire steps in for technical rescues - the high-risk, complex scenarios. If someone is stuck inside a concrete mixer, or trapped under a train, or needs to be rescued from a frozen river, Squad 3 is the team always seen running headfirst.

Why we love them

Watching Squad 3 working is a big part of why people watch the show and what makes Chicago Fire thrilling. They are calm under pressure and have a bond that cannot be broken. Whether they’re pulling off a rescue or cracking jokes back at the firehouse, Squad 3 is what makes people keep coming back for more.

In short, Squad 3 is the top rescue team that deals with the most deadly and complex cases in Chicago Fire. They're not only combing fires, they're combing to preserve lives under the most extreme conditions possible.