What term is used to refer to the firefighter who operated the steam engine?

The term used to refer to the firefighter who operates the steam engine is "Engineer." In the context of firefighting, the engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the apparatus, including the steam engine, ensuring that it is functioning properly and effectively supplying water during responses. This role requires a strong understanding of the equipment and its mechanics, as well as the ability to manage and coordinate the use of the apparatus during firefighting operations.

The position of engineer is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of firefighting efforts, as they control the water pressure, manage flow, and handle the intricacies of the steam engine, which can be complex to operate. This specificity of duties is what distinguishes the engineer from positions such as captain, foreman, and chief, which have different responsibilities related to team leadership and overall operational command rather than direct manipulation of the firefighting equipment.