The assistant fire chief shall rank next to the fire chief and shall, in the absence of said fire chief, perform his duties. In the presence of the chief, it shall be the duty of the assistant to aid the chief in every possible manner to maintain strict discipline and ensure efficient operation of the department, and he shall assist in training all members of the department to become thoroughly familiar with their duties and well drilled and skilled in their line of work in fighting fires and responding to fire alarms. (1987 Code)