Head-to-head · Fire Department Software
First Due vs Operative IQ
First Due leads on 0 checks, Operative IQ on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
Our editors rank First Due at #1 and Operative IQ at #6 for fire department software; First Due and Operative IQ have no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
First Due is the better fit for departments wanting a broad, mobile fire/EMS suite. Operative IQ is the better fit for departments focused on fleet, inventory, and credentialing.
- First Due fits best
Departments wanting a broad, mobile fire/EMS suite
- Operative IQ fits best
Departments focused on fleet, inventory, and credentialing
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Side by side
| Feature | First Due —/10 Visit ↗ | Operative IQ —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | — |
| Ranking | #1 in Fire Department Software | #6 in Fire Department Software |
| Best for | Departments wanting a broad, mobile fire/EMS suite | Departments focused on fleet, inventory, and credentialing |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | Not published | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Android |
| Support | Phone | Phone |
| Compliance | SOC 2 | SOC 2 |
| Integrations | 8 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features First Due 0/6 · Operative IQ 0/6 | ||
| Incident reporting | Not published | Not published |
| Inspections management | Not published | Not published |
| Training records | Not published | Not published |
| Scheduling and roster | Not published | Not published |
| Apparatus tracking | Not published | Not published |
| Mobile app | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | First Due is a cloud-based operations platform for fire and EMS agencies, with web and native iOS and Android access. It is aimed at departments that want incident documentation and response workflows alongside prevention and day-to-day… Read the review → |
Operative IQ is an operations and compliance platform for fire departments and other public safety agencies. Its focus is agency readiness: managing equipment, fleet, workforce credentials, inspections, and service requests rather than… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
First Due — where it wins
- Combines incident reporting, ePCR, CAD workflows, and mobile routing
- Covers prevention, personnel, assets, training, and incident command
- Web, iOS, and Android access with integrations including CAD and Esri
Where it doesn't
- Pricing is contact-sales rather than published in plans
- Its wide module scope may exceed the needs of departments seeking one focused tool
- Cloud deployment may not suit departments requiring on-premises software
Operative IQ — where it wins
- Tracks inventory and assets across stations, vehicles, and crews
- Combines fleet maintenance with vehicle location and diagnostics
- Supports credentialing, scheduling, and mobile inspections
Where it doesn't
- Does not list ePCR support
- Does not list billing or claims features
- Public pricing is not provided
- First Due—/10 · Pricing on request
A broad cloud suite for fire and EMS records, response workflows, prevention, and operations.
Visit First DueFull verdict → - Operative IQ—/10 · Pricing on request
A modular operations platform for fleet, inventory, and workforce readiness.
Visit Operative IQFull verdict →
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- ESO Fire vs Operative IQ
- FirePrograms vs Operative IQ
- ImageTrend vs Operative IQ
All fire department software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026




