I have been a professional Fire Officer and Volunteer Fire Officer for over 50 years. 30 of those years with the F.DN.Y. mostly during the FDNY "war years" If the officer drove the rig the officer would have to stay with rig in many cases. If he took the nozzle, he would be just another firefighter and not an officer keeping his company safe from the danger around them. The minute, during the attack phase of the fire the officer touches a tool or a nozzle he is being diverted from the most important job of an officer, keeping his people safe.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired