10.2190/4LRM-TTE4-RRY5-LJ9V 4LRMTTE4RRY5LJ9V 0 SUPERVISOR UNIONIZATION AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FIRE DEPARTMENTS 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=4LRMTTE4RRY5LJ9V 3 HOYT N. WHEELER This paper examines the effects of the unionization of fire department officers upon the effectiveness of municipal fire departments. It develops a measure of departmental effectiveness and applies it to a national sample of departments. It finds no observable effects on departmental effectiveness of having officers unionized, or having them in the same bargaining unit with rank-and-file fire fighters. Identified as more likely influences upon departmental effectiveness are competence of rank-and-file fire fighters, respectful behavior of officers, coordination among jobs, support from municipal authorities and constructiveness and moderation on the part of the union.