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Resolution No. 9360M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 OR M RESOLUTION NO. 9360 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE VERNON FIRE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER RESERVE PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Vernon Fire Department has requested the liestablishment of a volunteer reserve program to provide individuals the 11opportunity to become familiar and involved with the operational (procedures and organizational structure of the fire department outside the typical classroom environment, while enhancing the Vernon Fire Department's ability to serve the Vernon community (the "Program"); and WHEREAS, by memo dated June 19, 2007, the Fire Chief has recommended the adoption of the Program and General Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures (the "Guidelines"). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VERNON AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby finds and determines that the recitals contained hereinabove are true and correct. SECTION 2: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby approves the Vernon Fire Department Volunteer Reserve Program and Genera] Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures, in substantially the same form as the copy which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference. SECTION 3: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby authorizes the City Administrator, or his designee, to make whatever nonsubstantive, administrative and/or text changes, upon advice of counsel, to the Program and Guidelines. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 SECTION 4: The City Clerk of the City of Vernon shall certify to the passage of this resolution, and thereupon and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of July, 2007. F Name: Leonis C. Malburg AT EST: MA UELA GIRON, City Clerk Title: Mayor / - em — 2 — 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) ) ss COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) I, MANUELA GIRON, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution No. 9360, was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Vernon at a regular meeting of the City Council duly held on Monday, July 2, 2007, and thereafter was duly signed by the Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Vernon. MANUELA GIRON, City Clerk (SEAL) - 3 - EXHIBIT DRAFT, VERNON FIRE DEPARTMENT'S VOLUNTEER RESERVE PROGRAM The name of this program is the Vernon Fire Department's Volunteer Reserve Program. It has been established to provide individuals the opportunity to become familiar and involved with the operational procedures and organizational structure of the fire department outside the typical classroom environment, while enhancing the Vernon Fire Department's ability to serve community The purpose of the Reserve Program is to cooperate and assist with the sworn personnel of the Vernon Fire Department while providing an opportunity for Volunteer Reserves to gain experience in Fire Emergencies, Fire Training, Fire Prevention & Other Services. The Reserve program shall not be used in any manner that would circumvent the staffing or maintenance of the regular staffing levels. The Volunteer Reserve will never be used to replace fire department personnel that are on vacation, injured or sick. The Reserves may be used to assist with delegated tasks but shall not be assigned work, which is the responsibility of swom Fire Department personnel. Reserve may participate in Fire & Medical calls under the supervision of a Company Officer. The program shall consist of Reserves who have completed a State Accredited Fire Academy Program. The Reserve Program does contribute to the time requisite for State Firefighter I status. Reserves shall serve on the Vernon Fire Department, and to the community as non -compensated volunteers The time commitment for a Reserve member is dedicating one, twenty-four hour shift, one day a week, with a minimum three days a month. A Reserve in good standings can remain in the program up to a maximum of two years. Reserves are expected to fulfill their assignment duties. Reserve's who become unavailable to fulfill their assignment because of other obligations shall submit a memo to the Reserve Director at least two weeks prior to the affected dates. The Reserve Director, having become aware of a minor infraction of the departments Rules and Regulations, may counsel an involved Volunteer Reserve, with no further actions necessary. A Reserve who falls out of good standing may be directed to submit his/her badge and shirt. The decision on whether a Volunteer Reserve's status should be terminated shall rest with the Reserve Coordinator. RESERVE FIREFIGHTER 1. The Reserve Firefighters shall be under the immediate supervision of their company officers. 2. The Reserve Firefighters shall respond to all alarms with their respective companies unless otherwise directed by their company officers. They shall be expected at all times, while on duty, to conform to the orders of their superiors and to the Rules and Regulations of the City and the Fire Department. 3. The Reserve Firefighters shall seek to carry out the necessary measures to protect life and property in the performance of their duties. 4. The Reserve Firefighters shall acquire knowledge of the operations of all the various types of apparatus and equipment in use by the department and, under the direction of their superiors, participate in the proper maintenance of such apparatus and equipment. 5. The Reserve Firefighters shall assist the Engineers in keeping the apparatus clean, neat and in good order; shall keep the quarters in good order and condition; shall keep the hose, ladders, tools and implements carried on the apparatus in good order and ready for immediate use in case of fire or other emergency; and shall immediately report any damage or disrepair of equipment or apparatus to the Engineer and/or company officer assigned to the apparatus. 6. The Reserve Firefighters shall spend time becoming thoroughly familiar with the streets and addresses in the City of Vernon and such other areas as may be deemed appropriate for their position. 7. The Reserve Firefighters shall perform such other duties as may be required by their superiors and/or the Rules and Regulations of the City and/or the Fire Department. 8. Cell Phone use is prohibited while driving Fire Apparatus and City Vehicles. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SECTION A. COMPLIANCE AND COMMUNICATION - CHAIN OF COMMAND 1. Reserve shall devote their time, energy and attention to the service, and shall prepare their equipment and themselves, both mentally and physically, to perform their sworn duty under any and all circumstances, to the utmost of their abilities and to the highest professional standards. 2. Reserves shall read and sign the Oath Of Office provided by the Fire Department Administration. 3. Reserves shall read and become familiar with City ordinances, Rules and Regulations and orders relating to the Fire Department. They shall be expected to promptly obey such orders as well as the Rules and Regulations of the Fire Department. 4. Reserves refusing to obey the orders of an officer shall be relieved of duty and reported immediately, both verbally and in writing, to the Reserve Coordinator, through proper channels. 5. Under no circumstances shall any member make derogatory statements or adversely criticize Fire Department policy or the departmental activities of officers except first in an official written communication, through proper channels, addressed to the personal attention of the Fire Chief or personally by oral report to the Chief if so arranged by proper request. 6. All official communications shall be made through proper channels, which are defined, to be in the following order. Company Commander (Captain), Battalion Chief and Fire Chief. Official communications from a superior to a subordinate shall pass in reverse order. No intervening officer shall suppress any such communication. All communications directed to the City Council shall be made or approved by the Fire Chief and then forwarded to the City Administrator. NOTE: Nothing in these rules is intended to circumvent, in anyway, the Chain of Command process for all official Fire Department matters. In SECTION B. CONDUCT When speaking to an officer, members shall address the officer by title, such as: "Chief", "Captain", Sir, etc., while on duty. 2. Acting officers shall have the authority and shall be required to enforce the regulations and orders of the position and will be charged with the knowledge of and be accountable for the proper execution of the duties of such rank. 3. Members shall not be guilty of conduct in any way unbecoming their profession or conduct themselves in any manner prejudicial to the good reputation, order or discipline of the Fire Department. 4. It shall be the duty of all personnel, when strangers enter quarters, to approach them and courteously inquire their business. In case such persons desire information concerning the Fire Department, members shall call their company officer. 5. Members shall see that visitors are politely escorted through quarters and that proper explanations are made but shall not allow habitual lounging or visiting in or about company quarters and shall not normally permit small children to enter quarters unless accompanied by an adult attendant. 6. No information relative to the business of the Fire Department shall be furnished to persons not connected therewith except as authorized by a Chief Officer. SECTION C. RESIDENCE, TELEPHONE AND DRIVERS LICENSE 1. All members must possess a valid driver's license of an appropriate class, issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles prior to driving any Fire Department automotive equipment. 2. All members are required to have an operational telephone in their residence with the number on file with the Fire Department. Any change in that telephone number must be reported as soon as possible, through channels, to the Fire Department Administration Office/Department Secretary. 3. Members shall report any change in residence address as soon as possible, through channels, to the Fire Department Administration Office / Department Secretary. SECTION D. PROPERTY 1. The loss of any tools or equipment must be reported in writing, through proper channels, to the duty Battalion Chief, stating by whom lost and approximates location, if known. If, after investigation, the loss is found to be due to negligence, the person(s) responsible shall be charged up to the purchase price of the replacement(s). 2. No one will loan, give away, sell, nor in any way, dispose of any Fire Department property except as authorized by the Fire Chief. 3. Members shall carefully protect all public property from abuse or misuse and shall particularly see that gas, water, electricity, vehicle fuel, oil and miscellaneous supplies are not wasted. 4. Any member terminating reserve membership with the department, for any reason, must return through the duty Battalion Chief or designee, all department property that has been issued to the members. 5. Members shall carefully preserve the security of all department buildings, apparatus and equipment to protect against unauthorized entry, vandalism and/or theft of department and personal property. In the event of such loss, if after investigation, it is determined that negligence was a contributing factor, the responsible person(s) may be held liable for such loss. SECTION E. VICES 1. All members shall be required to pay their just debts when due. 2. Shaking dice, card playing or gambling with any instrument or device, for money, while on duty, is strictly prohibited. 3. Members shall not enter any place, in uniform, where intoxicating liquors are sold except in the strict discharge of duty. No member in uniform shall drink any alcoholic beverage nor shall any member have, or cause to have, any intoxicating liquors brought onto Fire Department premises. 4. The use of illegal substances by any member at any time, is strictly prohibited. 5. Absence by any member from duty because of drink or substance abuse or reporting for duty under the influence of such, is strictly prohibited. 6. Members are strictly prohibited from engaging in verbal altercations or fist fighting under any circumstances. 7. The open display of obscene or pornographic materials, or materials of an explicit sexual nature, or materials which have the affect of harassing any person because of their sex, on city owned property, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, written materials, photographs, cartoons, videotapes, audiotapes and films. Members are also prohibited from watching movies or other programs, which are broadcast on cable television, pay -per - view television, or any other sources, which are sexually explicit or have a strong sexual content, at any time while they are on duty. 8. The use of immoderate or abusive language in dealing with subordinates, fellow members or the public shall be considered improper and shall be avoided at all times. SECTION F. POLITICAL ACTIVITY 1. Members are prohibited, while on duty, from taking part in any type of political activity except as may be provided for under State or Federal law. 2. Reserve Members shall not belong to any organization, association, society, etc. which will violate the Oath Of Office. The Fire Department shall appoint only those people who will serve the City, State and National Government faithfully without allowing them to be influenced by any organization, association, society, etc. SECTION G. SHIFT CHANGE - 1. All members shall report for duty sufficiently early to allow time to be in proper uniform and to confer with the person they are relieving, no later than shift change time of 0700 hours. 2. In the event that a member is unable to reach an assigned duty station on time because of an unavoidable occurrence, the member shall make every effort to contact the ranking officer on duty at Station #1 and report the circumstances responsible for such occurrence. If no officer can be contacted, report should be made to the dispatcher who shall be responsible to notify the appropriate officer. If report is given to the dispatcher, the member shall be responsible to make follow-up calls, if necessary, to verify that the information has been properly forwarded to the ranking officer at Station #1. 3. Any member who is unable to report for duty because of illness shall notify the ranking officer at Station #1 at 0600 hours of the absence day. In the event an officer cannot be reached, the report should be made to the dispatcher who shall be responsible to notify any other officer. If the dispatcher is the only person to receive the information, the affected member shall be responsible to make follow-up calls to verify that the duty Battalion Chief has been notified. 4. In the event that the apparatus the member is assigned to, is not in quarters at shift change, the member shall report, in proper uniform, to the member's company officer and await further orders. If no officer is in quarters, the member shall notify the dispatcher, and the dispatcher, in turn shall notify the company officer. The member shall then await further orders by remaining in close proximity to a station telephone and/or radio. SECTION H. LEAVING STATION OR DISTRICT 1. No member, while on duty, shall leave the premises of the assigned station on any type of business, without first receiving permission from the member's immediate superior officer. SECTION 1. RIDING ON APPARATUS 1. All members shall ride the apparatus seated in their designated positions with seat belts properly fastened. 2. The Company Officer may, when returning from alarms or during driving drills, allow any personnel other than Firefighters during evaluation year to drive the apparatus in order that such personnel may gain experience. Such personnel must possess a valid California Class B operator's license. 0 3. Members shall not permit persons not connected with the Fire Department to ride on any apparatus unless otherwise directed by a Chief Officer. 4. Fire Department apparatus must never be backed without a spotter to the rear, except for extreme emergency. 5. Helmets shall be wom by all personnel riding in apparatus positions for which there is no overhead roof protection and also at the tiller position on truck companies. SECTION J. GENERAL STATION RULES 1. Members shall maintain personal lockers in a clean and neat condition at all times and shall coordinate locker assignments with the station Captains. No locker changes shall be permitted without prior arrangement. 2. Fire Department telephones shall be used for Fire Department business only. 3. Members shall restrict personal calls made or received as much as possible during the hours of 0700 to 1700 hours. Members -should remind friends and family of this and also that they should not call after 2200 hours except for emergencies. 4. Members shall not place long distance telephone calls through department phones except for approved City business and then only with the approval of a superior officer. Company Officers shall be held strictly responsible for the enforcement of this rule. Also, local calls shall be held to a minimum and shall be for City business only. 5. Members shall not be permitted to work on any personal vehicles on Fire Department property except to make emergency repairs and only then with the permission of a superior officer. 6. Private vehicles shall not be stored at any fire station for any extended period without approval of the Fire Chief. 7. Pets shall not be allowed to live at the fire stations under any circumstances. 8. All members hired after 12/31/86 are prohibited from smoking while H on or off duty. Members hired prior to that date may smoke in designated areas only. No smoking areas include any interior portion of the fire station except the apparatus room. Members are prohibited from smoking on apparatus at all times and shall not smoke at fires or other calls except when permission to do so is granted by the officer in charge of the incident. 9. Beds may be occupied by members only between the hours of 1730 and 0600, and no lounging or reclining in a position to indicate sleep shall be permitted at any other time; provided that in case of illness or in case of fatigue resulting from exertion from an immediately preceding duty -related incident and only then with the specific permission of the member's immediate superior officer a period of rest may be granted. 10. The station Captain(s) shall be responsible to see that members remaining up after 2200 hours conduct themselves .in a quiet manner so as not to disturb members who are sleeping. 11. Station dormitories are off limits to Non -Fire Department personnel unless otherwise specifically approved by a Chief Officer. SECTION K. UNIFORM REGULATIONS 1. Each regularly appointed member of the Fire Department shall be provided an initial issue of line uniforms from the date of such appointment. Subsequent purchases of fatigues shall be the responsibility of the member. 2. The following shall be considered the regulation uniforms of the Vernon Fire Department Reserve. a. LINE UNIFORM (Reserve Firefighter): The uniforms shall consist of. light -blue Nomex (or approved equivalent) short sleeve shirt with the Vernon patch sewn on left shoulder 3/4 inch below the shoulder seam; Fire Department issue badge worn above the left shirt pocket; embroidered name above the right shirt pocket; and appropriate insignia, if any, worn on the shirt collar. Trousers shall be navy-blue Nomex (or approved equivalent) with 1 1/2 or 2 inch wide leather belt and approved Fire Department belt buckle. If white T-shirt is worn, it must be of the V-neck type and not show at the fatigue collar. The approved dark blue T-shirt may be worn under the fatigue shirt if desired. OSHA approved safety steel toe boots shall be worn between the hours of 0700 and 1700 hours or later if so required. The jacket shall be the approved line jacket for all ranks. 3. Members may wear approved athletic clothing after 1700 hours, on weekdays and after 1200 hours, on weekends and holidays at Company Officers' discretion. Clothing must be clean, free of tears and in generally good condition (not faded, stained, etc.). 4. The approved dark -blue T-shirt may be wom in lieu of the regulation fatigue shirt during apparatus and station maintenance work and under turnouts during the course of an alarm or drill. Regulation fatigues (shirt and trousers) shall be wom at all other times when leaving the station while on duty. 5. A Fire Department approved baseball type cap may be wom at any time as part of the line uniform. (Refer to Uniform Policy, 1-8) 6. No jewelry, other than finger rings, wristwatch and/or tiepin or clip, shall be wom with the uniform while on duty. 7. Helmets, turnout coats, and bunker boots with turnout pants shall be wom on all emergency responses; except that in the case of medical calls in office buildings, schools, medical facilities, eating establishments, etc., regulation fatigue uniforms with safety boots may be wom. In such cases, members not in regulation fatigues shall wear either turnout pants with bunker boots and line shirt or full turnout clothing. For alarms requiring full turnout clothing, removal of such shall be only at the discretion of the officer in charge of the incident. 8. No member of the department shall use the Fire Department badge or any part of the departmental uniform or shall associate a relationship with the Fire Department in an effort to seek any reward or personal concession nor shall a member accept any reward for performance of normal departmental duties. 9. No member shall wear on a uniform any emblem, insignia or other device connected with any secret, social or beneficial order other than that approved by and connected with the Fire Department. 10. All members of the Fire Department shall wear the departmental badge over the left breast pocket while in uniform. They shall, under no circumstance, loan a badge to any other person 11. The loss of a badge and/or I.D. card shall be reported immediately to the duty Battalion Chief who shall, in turn, notify the Fire Chief, in writing. 12. The Fire Chief may, at his/her discretion, change the uniform regulations of the department consistent with changing times and conditions. Uniforms specifications will be on file in the Fire Administration office. SECTION L. HAIR REGULATIONS 1. All emergency personnel shall maintain their hair in such a manner that it will appear well groomed and not present a safety hazard or interfere with the seal of the breathing apparatus face piece. 2. A neat and well-groomed appearance of all Fire Department members contributes to building the pride essential to an effective fire department. It is the responsibility of each member to be properly groomed while on duty. Individual officers shall see that members under their supervision maintain proper grooming. 3. Many different hairstyles are acceptable in the Fire Department. So long as the style does not lessen the protection of required -safety equipment or expose the member to added personal injury, the acceptability of the style shall be judged by the criteria described below. 4. The length and/or bulk of the hair shall not present a ragged or unkempt appearance and must be maintained so as to look neat when wearing the uniform cap. 5. Male: Hair must not cover more than one third of the ear or touch the uniform collar in the back nor in any way interfere with the proper breathing apparatus face piece or in any way compromise the safety of the individual in the performance any fire department activity. Hairstyles of any type, which may be considered extreme, are specifically prohibited. 6. Female: Hair must be kept short enough and styled in such a manner so as to not interfere with the proper seal of the breathing apparatus face piece or in any way compromise the safety of the individual in the performance of any fire department activity. Hairstyles of any type, which may be considered extreme, are specifically prohibited. M 7. Sideburns shall be well groomed, neatly trimmed and shall not extend beyond the inner seal of a properly worn breathing apparatus face piece. Sideburns shall not extend below a horizontal line level with the bottom of the ear lobe when the head is erect. 8. Moustaches shall not cover the upper lip, shall be well groomed, neatly trimmed, and shall not extend beyond the natural facial "smile"' crease nor extend below the comer of the mouth. Extreme styling of moustaches is not permitted. 9. ` Beards and goatees of any style are specifically prohibited. 10. With the exception of the facial hair growth permitted above, all members shall be clean-shaven prior to 0700 hours, when reporting for duty or at any other time when representing the Fire Department in any way. "j 41, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 1 Memo To: Eric Fresch City Administrator From: Mark C. Whitworth, Fire Chief Date: June 19, 2007 Re: Vernon Volunteer Reserve Program APPROVED JUL 0 2 '07 CITY COUNCIL "CGS . 1560 Request permission to initiate a Vernon Volunteer Reserve Program and be put in service as directed by Fire Chief of the department. A copy of the program guidelines was presented to Willard Yamaguchi in Risk Management for his review and comments. He has contacted Fire Chief (via e-mail) and sees no problem with program. At this time I feel that a resolution be approved to implement said program. c: Jeff Harrison, City Attorney Willard Yamaguchi, Risk Manager MCW:Iam :efresch_reservepromgramemo 0 Page 1 SW= VERNON FIRE DEPARTMENT'S VOLUNTEER RESERVE PROGRAM The name of this program is the Vernon Fire Department's Volunteer Reserve Program. It has been established to provide individuals the opportunity to become familiar and involved with the operational procedures and organizational structure of the fire department outside the typical classroom environment, while enhancing the Vernon Fire Department's ability to serve community The purpose of the Reserve Program is to cooperate and assist with the sworn personnel of the Vernon Fire Department while providing an opportunity for Volunteer Reserves to gain experience in Fire Emergencies, Fire Training, Fire Prevention & Other Services. The Reserve program shall not be used in any manner that would circumvent the staffing or maintenance of the regular staffing levels. The Volunteer Reserve will never be used to replace fire department personnel that are on vacation, injured or sick. The Reserves may be used to assist with delegated tasks but shall not be assigned work, which is the responsibility of sworn Fire Department personnel. Reserve may participate in Fire & Medical calls under the supervision of a Company Officer. The program shall consist of Reserves who have completed a State Accredited Fire Academy Program. The Reserve Program does contribute to the time requisite for State Firefighter I status. Reserves shall serve on the Vernon Fire Department, and to the community as non -compensated volunteers The time commitment for a Reserve member is dedicating one, twenty-four hour shift, one day a week, with a minimum three days a month. A Reserve in good standings can remain in the program up to a maximum of two years. Reserves are expected to fulfill their assignment duties. Reserve's who become unavailable to fulfill their assignment because of other obligations shall submit a memo to the Reserve Director at least two weeks prior to the affected dates. The Reserve Director, having become aware of a minor infraction of the departments Rules and Regulations, may counsel an involved Volunteer Reserve, with no further actions necessary. A Reserve who falls out of good standing may be directed to submit his/her badge and shirt. The decision on whether a Volunteer Reserve's status should be terminated shall rest with the Reserve Coordinator. RESERVE FIREFIGHTER The Reserve Firefighters shall be under the immediate supervision of their company officers. 2. The Reserve Firefighters shall respond to all alarms with their respective companies unless otherwise directed by their company officers. They shall be expected at all times, while on duty, to conform to the orders of their superiors and to the Rules and Regulations of the City and the Fire Department. 3. The Reserve Firefighters shall seek to cant' out the necessary measures to protect life and property in the performance of their duties. 4. The Reserve Firefighters shall acquire knowledge of the operations of all the various types of apparatus and equipment in use by the department and, under the direction of their superiors, participate in the proper maintenance of such apparatus and equipment. 5. The Reserve Firefighters shall assist the Engineers in keeping the apparatus clean, neat and in good order; shall keep the quarters in good order and condition; shall keep the hose, ladders, tools and implements carried on the apparatus in good order and ready for immediate use in case of fire or other emergency; and shall immediately report any damage or disrepair of equipment or apparatus to the Engineer and/or company officer assigned to the apparatus. 6. The Reserve Firefighters shall spend time becoming thoroughly familiar with the streets and addresses in the City of Vernon and such other areas as may be deemed appropriate for their position. 7. The Reserve Firefighters shall perform such other duties as may be required by their superiors and/or the Rules and Regulations of the City and/or the Fire Department. 8. Cell Phone use is prohibited while driving Fire Apparatus and City Vehicles. t. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SECTION A. COMPLIANCE AND COMMUNICATION - CHAIN OF COMMAND 1. Reserve shall devote their time, energy and attention to the service, and shall prepare their equipment and themselves, both mentally and physically, to perform their sworn duty under any and all circumstances, to the utmost of their abilities and to the highest professional standards. 2. Reserves shall read and sign the Oath Of Office provided by the Fire Department Administration. 3. Reserves shall read and become familiar with City ordinances, Rules and Regulations and orders relating to the Fire Department. They shall be expected to promptly obey such orders as well as the Rules and Regulations of the Fire Department. 4. Reserves refusing to obey the orders of an officer shall be relieved of duty and reported immediately, both verbally and in writing, to the Reserve Coordinator, through proper channels. 5. Under no circumstances shall any member make derogatory statements or adversely criticize Fire Department policy or the departmental activities of officers except first in an official written communication, through proper channels, addressed to the personal attention of the Fire Chief or personally by oral report to the Chief if so arranged by proper request. 6. All official communications shall be made through proper channels, which are defined, to be in the following order: Company Commander (Captain), Battalion Chief and Fire Chief. Official communications from a superior to a subordinate shall pass in reverse order. No intervening officer shall suppress any such communication. All communications directed to the City Council shall be made or approved by the Fire Chief and then forwarded to the City Administrator. NOTE: Nothing in these rules is intended to circumvent, in any way, the Chain of Command process for all official Fire Department matters. t SECTION B. CONDUCT 1. When speaking to an officer, members shall address the officer by title, such as: "Chief", "Captain", Sir, etc., while on duty. 2. Acting officers shall have the authority and shall be required to enforce the regulations and orders of the position and will be charged with the knowledge of and be accountable for the proper execution of the duties of such rank. 3. Members shall not be guilty of conduct in any way unbecoming their profession or conduct themselves in any manner prejudicial to the good reputation, order or discipline of the Fire Department. 4. It shall be the duty of all personnel, when strangers enter quarters, to approach them and courteously inquire their business. In case such persons desire information concerning the Fire Department, members shall call their company officer. 5. Members shall see that visitors are politely escorted through quarters and that proper explanations are made but shall not allow habitual lounging or visiting in or about company quarters and shall not normally permit small children to enter quarters unless accompanied by an adult attendant. 6. No information relative to the business of the Fire Department shall be furnished to persons not connected therewith except as authorized by a Chief Officer. SECTION C. RESIDENCE, TELEPHONE AND DRIVERS LICENSE 1. All members must possess a valid driver's license of an appropriate class, issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles prior to driving any Fire Department automotive equipment. 2. All members are required to have an operational telephone in their residence with the number on file with the Fire Department. Any change in that telephone number must be reported as soon as possible, through channels, to the Fire Department Administration Office/Department Secretary. 3. Members shall report any change in residence address as soon as possible, through channels, to the Fire Department Administration Office / Department Secretary. SECTION D. PROPERTY 1. The loss of any tools or equipment must be reported in writing, through proper channels, to the duty Battalion Chief, stating by whom lost and approximates location, if known. If, after investigation, the loss is found to be due to negligence, the person(s) responsible shall be charged up to the purchase price of the replacement(s). 2. No one will loan, give away, sell, nor in any way, dispose of any Fire Department property except as authorized by the Fire Chief. 3. Members shall carefully protect all public property from abuse or misuse and shall particularly see that gas, water, electricity, vehicle fuel, oil and miscellaneous supplies are not wasted. 4. Any member terminating reserve membership with the department, for any reason, must return through the duty Battalion Chief or designee, all department property that has been issued to the members. 5. Members shall carefully preserve the security of all department buildings, apparatus and equipment to protect against unauthorized entry, vandalism and/or theft of department and personal property. In the event of such loss, if after investigation, it is determined that negligence was a contributing factor, the responsible person(s) may be held liable for such loss. SECTION E. VICES 1. All members shall be required to pay their just debts when due. 2. Shaking dice, card playing or gambling with any instrument or device, for money, while on duty, is strictly prohibited. 3. Members shall not enter any place, in uniform, where intoxicating liquors are sold except in the strict discharge of duty. No member in uniform shall drink any alcoholic beverage nor shall any member have, or cause to have, any intoxicating liquors brought onto Fire Department premises. 4. The use of illegal substances by any member at any time, is strictly prohibited. 5. Absence by any member from duty because of drink or substance abuse or reporting for duty under the influence of such, is strictly prohibited. 6. Members are strictly prohibited from engaging in verbal altercations or fist fighting under any circumstances. 7. The open display of obscene or pornographic materials, or materials of an explicit sexual nature, or materials which have the affect of harassing any person because of their sex, on city owned property, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, written materials, photographs, cartoons, videotapes, audiotapes and films. Members are also prohibited from watching movies or other programs, which are broadcast on cable television, pay -per - view television, or any other sources, which are sexually explicit or have a strong sexual content, at any time while they are on duty. 8. The use of immoderate or abusive language in dealing with subordinates, fellow members or the public shall be considered improper and shall be avoided at all times. SECTION F. POLITICAL ACTIVITY 1. Members are prohibited, while on duty, from taking part in any type of political activity except as may be provided for under State or Federal law. 2. Reserve Members shall not belong to any organization, association, society, etc. which will violate the Oath Of Office. The Fire Department shall appoint only those people who will serve the City, State and National Government faithfully without allowing them to be influenced by any organization, association, society, etc. SECTION G. SHIFT CHANGE - 1. All members shall report for duty sufficiently early to allow time to be in proper uniform and to confer with the person they are relieving, no later than shift change time of 0700 hours. 2. In the event that a member is unable to reach an assigned duty station on time because of an unavoidable occurrence, the member shall make every effort to contact the ranking officer on duty at Station #1 and report the circumstances responsible for such occurrence. If no officer can be contacted, report should be made to the dispatcher who shall be responsible to notify the appropriate officer. If report is given to the dispatcher, the member shall be responsible to make follow-up calls, if necessary, to verify that the information has been properly forwarded to the ranking officer at Station #1. 3. Any member who is unable to report for duty because of illness shall notify the ranking officer at Station #1 at 0600 hours of the absence day. In the event an officer cannot be reached, the report should be made to the dispatcher who shall be responsible to notify any other officer. If the dispatcher is the only person to receive the information, the affected member shall be responsible to make follow-up calls to verify that the duty Battalion Chief has been notified. 4. In the event that the apparatus the member is assigned to, is not in quarters at shift change, the member shall report, in proper uniform, to the member's company officer and await further orders. If no officer is in quarters, the member shall notify the dispatcher, and the dispatcher, in turn shall notify the company officer. The member shall then await further orders by remaining in close proximity to a station telephone and/or radio. SECTION H. LEAVING STATION OR DISTRICT No member, while on duty, shall leave the premises of the assigned station on any type of business, without first receiving permission from the member's immediate superior officer. SECTION I. RIDING ON APPARATUS All members shall ride the apparatus seated in their designated positions with seat belts properly fastened. 2. The Company Officer may, when returning from alarms or during driving drills, allow any personnel other than Firefighters during evaluation year to drive the apparatus in order that such personnel may gain experience. Such personnel must possess a valid California Class B operator's license. 3. Members shall not permit persons not connected with the Fire Department to ride on any apparatus unless otherwise directed by a Chief Officer. 4. Fire Department apparatus must never be backed without a spotter to the rear, except for extreme emergency. 5. Helmets shall be wom by all personnel riding in apparatus positions for which there is no overhead roof protection and also at the tiller position on truck companies. SECTION J. GENERAL STATION RULES Members shall maintain personal lockers in a clean and neat condition at all times and shall coordinate locker assignments with the station Captains. No locker changes shall be permitted without prior arrangement. 2. Fire Department telephones shall be used for Fire Department business only. 3. Members shall restrict personal calls made or received as much as possible during the hours of 0700 to 1700 hours. Members should remind friends and family of this and also that they should not call after 2200 hours except for emergencies. 4. Members shall not place long distance telephone calls through department phones except for approved City business and then only with the approval of a superior officer. Company Officers shall be held strictly responsible for the enforcement of this rule. Also, local calls shall be held to a minimum and shall be for City business only. 5. Members shall not be permitted to work on any personal vehicles on Fire Department property except to make emergency repairs and only then with the permission of a superior officer. 6. Private vehicles shall not be stored at any fire station for any extended period without approval of the Fire Chief. 7. Pets shall not be allowed to live at the fire stations under any circumstances. 8. All members hired after 12/31/86 are prohibited from smoking while on or off duty. Members hired prior to that date may smoke in designated areas only. No smoking areas include any interior portion of the fire station except the apparatus room. Members are prohibited from smoking on apparatus at all times and shall not smoke at fires or other calls except when permission to do so is granted by the officer in charge of the incident. 9. Beds may be occupied by members only between the hours of 1730 and 0600, and no lounging or reclining in a position to indicate sleep shall be permitted at any other time; provided that in case of illness or in case of fatigue resulting from exertion from an immediately preceding duty -related incident and only then with the specific permission of the member's immediate superior officer a period of rest may be granted. 10. The station Captain(s) shall be responsible to see that members remaining up after 2200 hours conduct themselves .in a quiet manner so as not to disturb members who are sleeping. 11. Station dormitories are off limits to Non -Fire Department personnel unless otherwise specifically approved by a Chief Officer. SECTION K. UNIFORM REGULATIONS 1. Each regularly appointed member of the Fire Department shall be provided an initial issue of line uniforms from the date of such appointment. Subsequent purchases of fatigues shall be the responsibility of the member. 2. The following shall be considered the regulation uniforms of the Vernon Fire Department Reserve. a. LINE UNIFORM (Reserve Firefighter): The uniforms shall consist of: light -blue Nomex (or approved equivalent) short sleeve shirt with the Vernon patch sewn on left shoulder 3/4 inch below the shoulder seam; Fire Department issue badge worn above the left shirt pocket; embroidered name above the right shirt pocket; and appropriate insignia, if any, worn on the shirt collar. Trousers shall be navy-blue Nomex (or approved equivalent) with 1 1/2 or 2 inch wide leather belt and approved Fire Department belt buckle. If white T-shirt is worn, it must be of the V-neck type and not show at the fatigue collar. The approved dark blue T-shirt may be worn under the fatigue shirt if desired. OSHA approved safety steel toe boots shall be worn between the hours of 0700 and 1700 hours or later if so required. The jacket shall be the approved line jacket for all ranks. 3. Members may wear approved athletic clothing after 1700 hours, on weekdays and after 1200 hours, on weekends and holidays at Company Officers' discretion. Clothing must be clean, free of tears and in generally good condition (not faded, stained, etc.). 4. The approved dark -blue T-shirt may be worn in lieu of the regulation fatigue shirt during apparatus and station maintenance work and under turnouts during the course of an alarm or drill. Regulation fatigues (shirt and trousers) shall be worn at all other times when leaving the station while on duty. 5. A Fire Department approved baseball type cap may be worn at any time as part of the line uniform. (Refer to Uniform Policy, 1-8) 6. No jewelry, other than finger rings, wristwatch and/or tiepin or clip, shall be worn with the uniform while on duty. 7. Helmets, turnout coats, and bunker boots with turnout pants shall be worn on all emergency responses; except that in the case of medical calls in office buildings, schools, medical facilities, eating establishments, etc., regulation fatigue uniforms with safety boots may be worn. In such cases, members not in regulation fatigues shall wear either turnout pants with bunker boots and line shirt or full turnout clothing. For alarms requiring full turnout clothing, removal of such shall be only at the discretion of the officer in charge of the incident. 8. No member of the department shall use the Fire Department badge or any part of the departmental uniform or shall associate a relationship with the Fire Department in an effort to seek any reward or personal concession nor shall a member accept any reward for performance of normal departmental duties. 9. No member shall wear on a uniform any emblem, insignia or other device connected with any secret, social or beneficial order other than that approved by and connected with the Fire Department. 10. All members of the Fire Department shall wear the departmental badge over the left breast pocket while in uniform. They shall, under no circumstance, loan a badge to any other person 11. The loss of a badge and/or I.D. card shall be reported immediately to the duty Battalion Chief who shall, in turn, notify the Fire Chief, in writing. 12. The Fire Chief may, at his/her discretion, change the uniform regulations of the department consistent with changing times and conditions. Uniforms specifications will be on file in the Fire Administration office. SECTION L. HAIR REGULATIONS 1. All emergency personnel shall maintain their hair in such a manner that it will appear well groomed and not present a safety hazard or interfere with the seal of the breathing apparatus face piece. 2. A neat and well-groomed appearance of all Fire Department members contributes to building the pride essential to an effective fire department. It is the responsibility of each member to be properly groomed while on duty. Individual officers shall see that members under their supervision maintain proper grooming. 3. Many different hairstyles are acceptable in the Fire Department. So long as the style does not lessen the protection of required safety equipment or expose the member to added personal injury, the acceptability of the style shall be judged by the criteria described below. 4. The length and/or bulk of the hair shall not present a ragged or unkempt appearance and must be maintained so as to look neat when wearing the uniform cap. 5. Male: Hair must not cover more than one third of the ear or touch the uniform collar in the back nor in any way interfere with the proper breathing apparatus face piece or in any way compromise the safety of the individual in the performance any fire department activity. Hairstyles of any type, which may be considered extreme, are specifically prohibited. 6. Female: Hair must be kept short enough and styled in such a manner so as to not interfere with the proper seal of the breathing apparatus face piece or in any way compromise the safety of the individual in the performance of any fire department activity. Hairstyles of any type, which may be considered extreme, are specifically prohibited. 7. Sideburns shall be well groomed, neatly trimmed and shall not extend beyond the inner seal of a properly worn breathing apparatus face piece. Sideburns shall not extend below a horizontal line level with the bottom of the ear lobe when the head is erect. 8. Moustaches shall not cover the upper lip, shall be well groomed, neatly trimmed, and shall not extend beyond the natural facial "smile"' crease nor extend below the comer of the mouth. Extreme styling of moustaches is not permitted. 9. -` Beards and goatees of any style are specifically prohibited. 10. With the exception of the facial hair growth permitted above, all members shall be clean-shaven prior to 0700 hours, when reporting for duty or at any other time when representing the Fire Department in any way. CITY CLERK'S OFFICE INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: July 18, 2007 TO: Mark Whitworth, Fire Chief FROM: Nelly Giron, City Clerk RE: Resolution No. 9360 - A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting the Vernon Fire Department Volunteer Reserve Program Transmitted herewith is a copy of Resolution No. 9360 referenced above, which was approved by City Council on July 2, 2007. Thank you. NG:dr c: Resolution File No. 9360