The Marion Fire Department coordinates three functions tied to its mission of protecting life and property: rapid response, community risk reduction, and emergency preparedness. The fire chief is supported by two civilian staff and two deputy chief officers.

The administrative branch is led by the deputy chief of administration who supports department programs including fire code enforcement, public education, community development/planning, fire investigation, water supply, and finance. The branch includes a division chief of prevention, three supplemental fire inspectors, and an administrative assistant.

The operations branch is led by the deputy chief of operations who supports department programs including emergency services response, training, and safety. The branch includes a division chief of training and three battalion chiefs, one assigned to each of the three shifts who oversee three strategically located fire stations.

If a major emergency occurs, assistance is provided by the City of Cedar Rapids Fire Department through an automatic aid agreement and other regional departments through mutual aid. Additionally, the department staffs its reserve resources with the emergency call back of off-duty personnel.

Many career firefighters throughout the world have a working schedule that is unique to the fire service. The majority of the departments, as well as the Marion Fire Department, have three shifts of firefighters. Each shift works a 24-hour shift from 7 a.m.-7 a.m. for three straight days. In other words, a shift works one 24-hour day, has two days off and then repeats every three days. All shifts must have a minimum of 10 firefighters on duty each day.