Final answer:
The Officer in charge is responsible for notifying the next of kin before any details of a death are released to the news, preserving professionalism in the wake of an emergency.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a tragedy such as a fatal incident occurs, proper protocol and sensitivity are paramount. It is essential that the next of kin is notified before any details are made public, including releases to the media. In most cases, the Officer in charge is responsible for ensuring that the family of the deceased is informed before any public announcements are made. This includes death notifications due to fires, accidents, or any other emergency events.
Firefighters, like the Fire Captain or the Fire Chief, play critical roles in controlling and extinguishing fires, protecting lives and property, and carrying out rescue operations. Yet, they are generally not responsible for notifying next of kin. That duty falls within the jurisdiction of the Officer in charge, who has the authority to manage the scene and oversee all the necessary tasks that follow an emergency, including communications with families and the public.