Resolution No. 95221
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RESOLUTION NO. 9522
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
VERNON APPROVING AND ADOPTING CITY OF VERNON FIRE
DEPARTMENT REVISED RULES AND REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 7066 adopted by the City Council
of the City of Vernon on January 6, 1998, the City Council adopted the
City of Vernon Fire Department Rules. and Regulations (the "Rules and
Regulations"); and
WHEREAS, since the adoption of the Rules and Regulations, the
City has adopted revisions or amendments to the Rules and Regulations,
the latest revision being adopted on August 27, 2007, by Resolution No.
9396; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has recommended that the Fire
Department's Rules and Regulations be revised respecting grooming
standards, shift trades and acting personnel working out of rank to
ensure compliance with all City of Vernon procedures and policies and
all State and Federal laws.
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 does
hereby find and determine that the recitals contained hereinabove are
true and correct.
SECTION 2: The City Council of the City.of Vernon hereby
approves and adopts the City of Vernon Fire Department Revised Rules
and Regulations, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated byl
reference as Exhibit A.
SECTION 3: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
declares that all prior drafts of the Fire Department Rules and
1 Regulations have never been approved, authorized, or in any way
2 ratified by the City Council and, therefore, have no force or effect.
3 SECTION 4: The City Council of the City of Vernon hereby
4 declares that by approving and adopting the Fire Department Revised
5 Rules and Regulations, it does not intend to create a vested property
6 right for any City employee in any manner whatsoever, or in any manner
7 obviate the terms and conditions of the individual employment contracts
8 entered into between the City and each of its employees.
9 SECTION 5: To the extent that any provision of the Fire
10 Department Revised Rules and Regulations are deemed to be inconsistent
11 with prior City Council resolutions or ordinances regarding the at -will
12 employment relationship with its employees, the prior resolutions or
13 ordinances shall prevail.
14 SECTION 6: The City Clerk of the City -of Vernon shall
15 certify to the passage of this resolution, and thereupon and thereafter
16 the same shall be in full force and effect.
17 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of January, 2008.
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Name: Leonis C. Malburg
22 Title: Mayor /--Hay-e�' D �-
23 ATTE T:
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MANU LA GIRON, Ci y Clerk
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1 STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
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2 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
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4 I, MANUELA GIRON, City Clerk of the City of Vernon, do hereby
5 certify that the foregoing Resolution, being Resolution No. 95221 was
6 duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Vernon at a regular
7 meeting of the City Council duly held on Tuesday, January 22, 2008, and
8 thereafter was duly signed by the Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of
9 Vernon.
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ANUELA GIR N, City Clerk
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13 (SEAL)
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EXHIBIT A
CITY OF VERNON
FIRE DEPARTMENT
REVISED
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Adopted January 22, 2008
By Resolution No. 9522
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The City of Vernon Fire Department Rules and Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures
contained herein are created solely for the use of the City of Vernon Fire Department.
They are not and shall not infringe upon any other City department and are intended as
guidelines for Fire Department personnel only.
These rules and regulations and standard operating procedures shall not supersede any state or
federal law, any policy, written or oral, created by the Vernon City Council or the City
Administrator either now or in the future. Further, these rules and regulations are not in any way
intended to alter the at -will employment relationship which is intended by the City Council and
which is recognized in the City's Code, its Salary Resolution and employment contracts.
A periodic review of this document is recommended to assure compliance with all state and
federal law; all resolutions and policies created by Council and/or the City Administrator.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Statement of Purpose 1
Introduction 4
Oath of Office 5
Code of Ethics 6
The National Standard 7
Fire Department Organization 8
Article I - Duties and Responsibilities
Section
A.
Fire Chief
9-10
B.
Assistant Fire Chief (Training Officer)
10-11
C.
Battalion Chief
12-14
D.
Captain
14-18
E.
Engineer
18-19
F.
Firefighter
19-20
Article II - Staff Assignments - Battalion Chiefs
Section
A.
Communications Officer
20
B.
Apparatus and Equipment Officer
20-21
C.
Building Maintenance and Grounds Officer
21-22
D.
Personnel Supply Officer
22
E.
Safety Officer
22
F.
Emergency Medical Services Officer
22
G.
Data and Personnel Management Officer
22-23
H.
Budget Coordinator
23
I.
Administrative Captain
23-24
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Article III - General Rules & Regulations, Policies & Procedures
Section
A. Compliance and Communication - Chain of Command 24
B.
Conduct
25
C.
Residence, Telephone and Driver's License
25
D.
Property
26
E.
Vices
26-27
F.
Political Activity
27
G.
Shift Change
27-28
H.
Leaving Station or District
28
I.
Riding on Apparatus
28
J.
Transfers
29
K.
General Station Rules
29-30
L.
Uniform Regulations
30-32
M.
Gfooming Standards
32-34
N.
Shift Trades, Standbys, Etc.
34-35
O.
Shifts Off (S/O's)
35�38
P. `
Illness
38-39
Q.'
Working Out of Ranh
39
R.
Drilh and Training Manuals and Resources
39-40
S'.,
Drill Records and Reports
40
T.
Outside Training
4041
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INTRODUCTION
These Rules and Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures cannot, nor are they expected
to, provide a solution to every question or problem, which may arise in an organization designed
and established to render emergency service. It is expected, however, that they will be
sufficiently comprehensive to cover, either in a specific or general way, the privileges,
obligations and duties of the members of the Vernon Fire Department.
They are neither designed nor intended to limit any member in the exercise of judgment or
initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations such are
bound to arise in the Fire Service.
By necessity, much must be left to the loyalty, integrity and discretion of members. To the
degree which individual members demonstrate the possession of these qualities in the application
of a conscientious discharge of their duty, and to that degree alone, will the department measure
up to the high standard required and expected of the service.
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OATH OF OFFICE
TAKEN BY ALL MEMBERS
(Article XX, Section 3, California Constitution)
"I, - , do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and. defend
the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all
enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the
United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I will take this obligation
freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully
discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.
"And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any party or
organization, political or otherwise, that now advocates the overthrow of the Government of the
United States or of the State of California by force or violence or other unlawful means; that
within the five years immediately preceding the taking of this oath (or affirmation) I have not
been a member of any party or organization, political or otherwise, that advocated the overthrow
of the Government of the United States or the State of California by force or violence or other
unlawful means except as
follows:
(If no affiliations, write in the words "No Exceptions") and that during such time as I hold the
office of
(name of office)
I will not advocate nor become a member of any party or organization, political or otherwise,
that advocates the overthrow of the Government of the United States or the State of California by
force or violence or other unlawful means."
Executed on , at California.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the forgoing is true and correct.
(Signature)
(Name)
CODE OF ETHICS
My fundamental responsibility as a "Protector of Society" is the safeguarding and preservation of
human life and property against the elements of fire and disaster.
I will never allow personal feelings nor danger to self to deter my responsibilities.
I will, without provocation, recognize and uphold the responsibilities of my duties, dedicating
myself before God and to the public who have placed their faith in me and my chosen profession.
California State Firefighters Association
THE NATIONAL STANDARD
The Flag of the United States of America shall be displayed at the top of the staff at all stations
each day of the year. The Flag shall be flown at half staff on each Memorial Day until noon, at
which time it will be raised to the top of the staff. The Flag shall also be flown at half staff
anytime it is so directed by the City Council or City Administrator.
When flown at half staff, the Flag shall be hoisted to the top of the staff for an instant and then
lowered to the half staff position and so displayed. If being lowered, following this display, it
shall first be hoisted to the top of the staff.
Station officers will be responsible for the proper display of the Flag. When a Flag becomes unfit
for display, either through wear or exposure, it must be replaced with a new one and the old Flag
returned for proper disposal.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATION
The uniformed force (members) of the Vernon Fire Department shall consist of. The Fire Chief,
Assistant Fire Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Engineers and Firefighters.
The entire uniformed and civilian force shall be commanded by the Fire Chief. The uniformed
force shall be organized into platoons and companies. In addition, the Chief shall assign such
personnel to Fire Prevention and/or Training as deemed necessary.
The entire uniformed force, including members of Special Detail, shall be divided, as equally
possible, into three platoons. These three platoons shall be designated "A", "B", and "C"
respectively.
Each platoon shall work a tour of duty for forty eight (48) hours and off ninety six (96) hours. A
tour of duty is broken down into two (2) twenty four hour shifts; each shift starts at 0700 hours
and ends at 0700 the following day unless otherwise specified in the Rules and Regulations or by
special order of the Fire Chief. This includes the right of the Fire Chief to rotate the existing
schedule when one platoon is scheduled to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In such
case the shift scheduled to work on the 23`d of.December will be required to work the 241h of
December and the shift scheduled to work the 241h of December will required to work the 23`d of
December to enable personnel to spend time with their family during the Christmas holiday.
A platoon shall consist of the entire complement of firefighting personnel on duty during any
given 24-hour shift. Each platoon shall be under the command of a Battalion Chief.
A company shall be composed of a Captain and as many members of various ranks as may be
deemed necessary to handle the equipment or appliances assigned to that company apparatus.
A Special Detail shall consist of a member or members assigned by the Fire Chief to such public
service and hours as may be fit.
ARTICLE I
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION A. FIRE CHIEF
1. The Fire Chief shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Fire Department. The
Fire Chief shall have direct control, management and direction of such public
service as deemed proper within the boundaries prescribed by the City Council
and the City Administrator.
2. The Fire Chief shall recommend to the City Administrator, from time to time, in
such matters as: changes in the location of stations and fire companies; the
building of new stations; the purchase of new apparatus, hose, equipment, etc. and
the sale of old hose, equipment, apparatus, etc. not necessary for continued use in
the operations and maintenance of the department. The Fire Chief shall provide
justifications for such actions.
3. The Fire Chief shall cause to be kept, in proper form, an accurate record of all
business transacted within the department.
4. The Fire Chief shall have the power to assign all companies to fire or other duty
and shall make all assignments, transfers and details as deemed necessary for the
best interest of the service.
5. The Fire Chief shall cause to be extinguished all fires with the least possible
danger to life and property and seek to prevent any unnecessary damage.
6. The Fire Chief shall see that all premises on which fires occur are left in such
condition that they will not rekindle, causing possible further loss to life and/or
property and that such property is left in as orderly a condition as possible.
7. The Fire Chief shall have the power to demolish buildings and/or parts of
buildings which, in his/her judgment, might endanger life and/or property or
which may be necessary to prevent the spread of fire.
8. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to dispatch apparatus and manpower to
calls for aid to other cities or fire departments when, in his/her judgment, the call
is necessary and from a responsible person.
9. The Fire Chief shall report to the City Administrator any member of the Fire
Department, who by reason of age, disease, accident, or incompetency does not or
cannot fully and promptly perform the duties required.
10. The Fire Chief may recommend the suspension or removal from the service, of
any member of the Fire Department. The City Council shall retain its absolute and
exclusive jurisdiction to discipline or terminate any member of the Fire
Department, at its sole discretion, without cause.
11. The Fire Chief shall, at frequent intervals, consult with and, where possible, issue
orders or instructions affecting the Fire Department and its members.
12. The Fire Chief shall perform such other related duties as the City Administrator
may direct.
SECTION B. ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF (Training Officer)
1. The Assistant Fire Chief shall be designated as Training Officer of the Fire
Department.
2. The Assistant Fire Chief shall serve a period of time in the position as determined
by the Fire Chief. Generally, the position shall be rotated every two years between
each of the Battalion Chief s
3. The Assistant Fire Chief shall work an assigned schedule as determined by the
Fire Chief. Generally, a ten-hour day, four -day week (40 hours per week).
4. The Assistant Fire Chief shall be the person in charge of the Fire Department
when the Fire Chief is out of town or at designated times as determined by the
Fire Chief.
5. In addition to the applicable responsibilities and regulations listed in Section C -
Battalion Chief, the Assistant Fire Chief shall be responsible for the following:
Develop and coordinate the training program and schedule for the entire
Fire Department.
Coordinate training activities for the training captains for each platoon.
Determine the annual budget requirements for the Training Division.
Prepare purchase requisitions for necessary training films, video tapes,
slide programs, supplies and materials.
Coordinate required CPR/SIDS training, First Aid training and EMT
Re -Certification Classes.
Coordinate and oversee the training program for Engineers and the Officer
Introduction and Orientation class.
Survey and establish manipulative standards as a basis for an effective
training program
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Update standard operating procedures manual as necessary as it pertains to
training related areas.
Inventory and mark all films, video tapes, slides, related materials and
supplies, etc. and maintain the Fire Department Training Library.
Inventory, mark and maintain all other training equipment and supplies.
Oversee the maintenance of classroom and training facilities and related
storage areas.
Serve as the City Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.
Serve as department Safety Officer.
Administer required Department of Motor Vehicles Driver Training
Program for all Fire Department personnel.
Coordinate the preparation and administration of periodic promotional and
entrance level exams.
Attend Fire Commission Meetings.
Address Grant issues and needs
Oversee ISO (Insurance Service Offices) Compliances and Audits.
Conduct monthly safety meetings with all Fire Department officers and
periodic meetings with all Fire Department personnel as may be
necessary. Establish and maintain appropriate records of all such
meetings.
Coordinate the publishing and distribution of pertinent safety
information to all Fire Department personnel.
Research periodical publications from federal and state agencies dealing
with pertinent safety issues and requirements for the purpose of
providing compliance as necessary.
Coordinate and oversee all necessary safety training. See that
appropriate records are kept.
Be liaison between the Fire Department and pertinent federal and state
safety agencies.
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SECTION C. BATTALION CHIEF
The Battalion Chiefs are under the general direction of the Fire Chief. They shall
be in direct charge of their respective platoons and shall be responsible for the
efficient performance of the personnel under their supervision.
2. The Battalion Chief shall have the authority to assign all subordinates under
his/her control to fire duty, make transfers, assign details and other such
assignments as may be in the best interest of the service.
3. The fire suppression on -duty Battalion Chief shall be notified of all emergencies
during the tour of duty. As necessary, the Battalion Chief shall assume command
and have full control at a scene of emergency until or unless relieved by the
Assistant Fire Chief or the Fire Chief.
4. An Acting Battalion Chief in charge of an incident shall remain in charge until
command is transferred to a regular Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief or the
Fire Chief. The Battalion Chiefs shall hold officers and company members, under
their supervision, responsible for the prompt and proper discharge of their duties,
for the condition of the companies in and out of quarters, and for any neglect in
carrying out and enforcing every order and rule governing the members of the
Fire Department. If a Battalion Chief learns of serious violations or derelictions
by any member, such incidents shall be thoroughly documented and reported to
the Fire Chief with proper and well sustained charges.
5. The Battalion Chiefs shall enforce, or cause to be enforced, all Rules and
Regulations of the Fire Department and any special orders that may be issued
from time to time.
6. The Battalion Chiefs shall work in harmony to promote teamwork among the
personnel under their supervision.
7. The Battalion Chief shall be just, dignified, firm and impartial in their dealings
with other officers and subordinates, being careful to avoid the use of abusive or
immoderate language when giving orders, and shall see that order and discipline
are maintained among the members of the Fire Department.
8. The Battalion Chiefs shall seek to equalize the workloads of their companies as
nearly as possible.
9. The Battalion Chief shall carefully read all communications coming up through
regular channels and forward them to the Fire Chief with remarks and/or
recommendations as may be appropriate.
10. The Battalion Chief may grant a member time off for death or critical illness
(where death appears imminent) of an immediate family member (father, mother,
brother, sister, spouse, children, mother in-law, father in law, grandparents or
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grandchildren) up to one (1) shift. Such leave shall not be allowed in any case
where in the preceding six (6) calendar months a leave on the grounds of critical
illness of the same family member has been granted.
11. The Battalion Chief shall make a written report to the Fire Chief of all absences
without leave, along with a recommendation for possible disciplinary action.
12. The Battalion Chief may relieve of duty any member under his/her command,
documenting in detail such suspension to the Fire Chief in writing.
13. The Battalion Chief shall direct the personnel under their command in the
extinguishment of fire with the least possible damage by water.
14. The Battalion Chief shall see that the premises on which fires occur are left in
such condition that they will not rekindle, causing possible further threat to life
and/or damage to property.
15. The Battalion Chief, shall after a fire is properly extinguished, see that water and
debris are properly cleaned up, that proper salvaging is done and, in cases of
suspected incendiarism, that all possible evidence is left undisturbed.
16. The Battalion Chief in charge, shall cause all companies not needed at incidents to
promptly be made available for response to other alarms.
17. The Battalion Chiefs shall supervise multi -company drills and assure that all
members of a platoon are adequately trained to perform efficiently in an
emergency and that the coordination of their commands are maintained to a high
standard.
18. The Battalion Chiefs shall administer a pre -incident planning program for their
respective platoons, requiring a minimum of one (1) plan per year per fire
company and be responsible to specifically assign such.
19. The Battalion Chiefs shall conduct regular meetings with officers under their
command (preferably, at least once a month) for such purpose as: dissemination
of staff meeting information; policy changes and/or updates; current directives;
procedural changes; exchange of ideas; etc. They shall also conduct monthly
safety meetings for their respective platoons in the absence of the Training Officer,
maintaining all necessary documentation of such. They shall see that any of their
officers absent from such meetings are updated as soon as is practicable and are
provided with all pertinent handout material.
20. The Battalion Chiefs shall make regular visits to the various fire stations to
ascertain the manner in which personnel are being administered and the manner in
which the station, apparatus and equipment are being maintained.
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21. The Battalion Chiefs shall be responsible for all department property in their
charge and shall see that it is in proper condition for immediate use at all times.
22. The Battalion Chiefs shall prepare periodic written evaluations of Captains/
Acting Captains under their command, at such times as determined by City and/or
Fire Department policy. Personnel eligible for a salary step increase shall be
evaluated at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of such increase.
23. The Battalion Chiefs shall perform such other duties as may be required by the
Fire Chief and the Rules and Regulations of the Vernon Fire Department.
24. The duty Battalion Chief shall be responsible to investigate all fire department
related vehicle/property damage and such other fire department accidents as
determined by the Fire Chief.
SECTION D. CAPTAIN
The Captains, under the supervision and direction of their respective Battalion
Chiefs, shall have full command and control of the members of their respective
companies while on duty. They shall respond to all alarms as directed and, when
first in, take command of the incident until properly relieved by a superior
officer.
2. The Captains shall be just, dignified and firm in their dealings with subordinates,
being careful to abstain from abusive and immoderate language in giving orders.
They shall see that all orders and Rules and Regulations are strictly adhered to by
all members under their command and are expected to set the example for such.
The Captains shall see that the members of their companies become familiar with
all Rules and Regulations and Special Orders of the Fire Department.
4. The Captains shall conduct monthly Safety Meetings with their company crews to
disseminate information received at officer's safety meetings and shall distribute
all appropriate handout material to each member.
5. The Captains shall conduct other such meetings with their personnel, as may be
necessary, to ensure that such personnel are kept up to date on information or any
matters affecting them.
6. The Captains shall preserve order and discipline in and about company quarters
and at all types of emergency incidents.
7. The Captain acting in the absence of the Battalion Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and
Fire Chief may temporarily relieve from assigned duty, any member of an
assigned company, for cause as determined by Fire Department Rules and
Regulations. Such action shall be documented in detail and in writing, and
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brought to the attention of the duty Battalion Chief as soon as possible after such
occurrence. The relieved member shall remain at an assigned station until
instructed otherwise under the authority of an appropriate Chief Officer.
The Captain shall make a full report, in writing, of any meritorious or courageous
act performed by any member of his/her company and forward same to the Fire
Chief through proper channels.
9. The Captains shall promptly report members absent without proper notice or
authorization to their respective Battalion Chiefs, followed by a written report
through proper channels.
10. The Captain shall promptly report any member who, because of sickness, age,
fear, etc., cannot properly perform the duty to which the member is assigned.
11. The Captain shall, in the event of accident, injury or illness of any member under
his/her charge, see that such injured or ill member receives prompt and proper
medical treatment as may be necessary. As soon thereafter as possible, the duty
Battalion Chief shall be notified, by telephone, and the proper reports and forms
completed. Completed forms shall be forwarded to the Fire Administrative Office
as soon after completion as possible.
12. The Captain shall keep the Company Journal in such a manner that it will be, in
itself, an accurate and complete history of the activities and operations of each
company for each day. Everything in any manner pertaining to the administration
of the company or to the interest of the Fire Department shall be carefully noted.
These journals shall be kept in the company quarters until such time as their
removal is authorized by the Fire Chief.
13. The Captains shall, until their purposes have been served, preserve all orders,
notices, communications and records pertaining to the operation of their
respective companies. They shall be responsible for the completeness, accuracy
and dispatch of all reports with which they are concerned. No reports or
communications shall be intercepted or unnecessarily delayed in transit.
14. It shall normally be the duty of the district (first in) engine Captain, responding to
an incident, to obtain the necessary information to complete an accurate report. In
the event that the normal district engine company is unavailable for response, the
next scheduled arriving engine Captain shall assume this responsibility and
prepare the report.
15. The Captains shall have full control of company quarters and be responsible for
their orderliness and cleanliness. They shall see that attention is paid to the front
of each station, keeping buildings, sidewalks, gutters and street frontage clean and
free from all encumbrances.
16. The Captains shall be responsible for seeing that station security is maintained in
a proper manner at all times.
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17. The Captains shall see that all emergency apparatus remains parked inside the
station, at all times it is in quarters, when not in use or outside for maintenance
purposes.
18. The Captains shall attempt, as nearly as possible, to equalize the work to be
performed in quarters.
19. The Captains shall be responsible to confer with their reliefs regarding matters
affecting the operation of the station such as: repairs, supplies, upkeep of quarters,
apparatus condition, etc. and to seek to maintain harmonious relations with one
another and subordinates.
20. When two Captains are working in the same quarters, they shall confer with each
other on all matters related to the operation of the station. In the event of
disagreements between these two Captains, the decision of the Captain with
seniority in rank shall take precedence until the matter can be resolved at a higher
level.
21. No Captain, whether regular or acting, shall permit any social, fraternal or
political gatherings to assemble in any fire station unless such permission is
granted by the Fire Chief.
22. The Captains shall not permit any member of the company to go off duty until
such member has been properly relieved. If a member of the on -coming shift fails
to report for duty, the Captain shall select a member of the off --going shift to
remain on duty until other arrangements have been made. The Battalion Chief
shall be notified immediately of any deviation from scheduled staffing strength.
23. The Captains shall see that all company members remain in uniform until they
have been properly relieved. They are expected to set the example for such.
Relieving members must also be in uniform.
24. If the off -going platoon is at an incident at normal relief time, the on -coming
Captain shall notify the on -coming Battalion Chief of the company's readiness to
relieve the off -going platoon.
25. The Captain shall notify the Battalion Chief and the dispatcher if the company is
not ready for full service following an incident.
26. The Captain shall, upon returning to quarters following an incident, see that all
apparatus and equipment is promptly made ready for immediate response to
another alarm, water tanks filled, dirty hose replaced, SCBAs refilled, etc.
27. The Captain shall be responsible to see that all apparatus and equipment is
properly cleaned before returning to quarters from an alarm. After 1630 hours, it
is permissible to allow routine cleaning, etc. to remain for the on -coming platoon.
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Should the apparatus return wet, muddy or in an excessively dirty condition, it
shall be washed and wiped dry immediately regardless of the hour.
28. The Captain shall see that apparatus is completely inspected for response
readiness returning from any shop work. The Administrative Captain shall
coordinate the service and repair work for assigned apparatus with the City garage
and be responsible for the completion of all necessary forms for such.
29. The Captain shall see that reserve or relief apparatus is returned in a clean
condition with all tools, implements, etc. in their proper place.
30. The Captain shall be held jointly responsible with the company Engineer for the
safe response and return from all emergency and non -emergency trips and for any
traffic accident or violation.
31. The Captain shall see that the premises on which fires occur are left in such
condition that they will not rekindle to possibly cause further threat to life and
property.
32. The Captains shall train and instruct the members of their companies and, through
regularly conducted drills (at least two (2) hours per shift), determine that the
efficiency and coordination of their commands are maintained at a high standard.
33. The Captains shall familiarize themselves with all public buildings,
manufacturing plants, chemical use and storage facilities, lumber yards, schools
and other important buildings and the contents thereof for the purpose of adequate
pre -incident planning and proper suppression operations.
34. The Captain shall perform fire prevention duties as part of the on -going inspection
program and shall be required to complete all assigned occupancies in his/her
assigned district within the calendar year in which they are assigned.
35. Acting Captains shall be accorded all the privileges and responsibilities of regular
Captains. They are to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
36. No Acting Captain shall alter or annul the standing orders of the regular Captain
without specific authority of a superior officer.
37. When two Captains are working in the same quarters with one a regular Captain
and one an Acting Captain, the Acting Captain shall defer to the orders of the
regular Captain at all times while on duty.
38. Captains shall be required to periodically prepare written evaluations of personnel
under their supervision at such times as may be determined by City and/or Fire
Department policy. Personnel eligible for salary step increase shall be evaluated at
least thirty (30) days prior to such increase.
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39. The Captains assigned to outlying stations shall report daily to Station #1, by
telephone, their station staffing status. This is to be done daily at or before 0700
hours.
40. All Captains shall perform such other duties as may be required of them and shall
promptly obey all orders of their superiors and the Rules and Regulations of the
City and the Fire Department.
SECTION E. ENGINEER
The Engineers shall, under the supervision of the company officer, be responsible
for the care and management of the apparatus to which they have been assigned
and are to see to the proper condition of same. They shall see that it is clean, in
good order and ready for immediate service at all times.
2. The Engineers shall notify their company officer when apparatus requires material
or repairs, specifying the problem or work to be done.
3. The Engineers shall carefully instruct other members of their company in the
proper use of the apparatus and its equipment as required by the company officer.
4. The Engineers shall see that the apparatus is clean and ready for inspection at all
times except during or following an incident which may have caused it to be dirty.
This includes the engine and underside of the apparatus.
5. The off -going Engineers must deliver their apparatus to the on -coming Engineers
in good order and report to them anything that has occurred during the previous
shift which may pertain to the operation and care of the apparatus.
6. The Engineer shall be responsible for duties such as: receiving the location of the
alarm; getting the apparatus safely to the scene of the incident; having knowledge
of hydrant locations, and properly spotting the apparatus for its designed
operation.
7. The Engineers shall, at all times, drive and operate the apparatus in compliance
with the California State Vehicle Code. Due regard for the welfare of the public
as well as the members of their company shall govern the operation of all
apparatus. They shall utilize all warning devices available to them during
emergency response conditions.
8. The Engineers shall familiarize themselves with the practices and procedures
relative to water supply, fire streams, pump capacities, motor, pump and other
operations which will enable them to efficiently perform their related duties.
9. The Engineers shall remain with their apparatus at the scene of alarms unless it is
necessary for them to assist with laying lines, raising ladders, etc. and then under
orders from a superior. If it is determined that the use of their apparatus is
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unnecessary, they shall report to the company officer as soon as possible for
assignment of other duties.
10. The Engineers shall at all times, when standing by or operating a pump or aerial
device, watch and listen carefully for signals and radio transmissions from the
incident location.
11. The Engineers shall not engage in any unnecessary conversation while operating
any apparatus.
12. The Engineers or any person driving any apparatus shall not back the apparatus
without the assistance of a spotter. Failure to do so, except in an extreme
emergency, shall be considered cause for disciplinary action up to and including
suspension.
13. The Acting Engineers will be charged with the knowledge of and be accountable
for the proper execution of the duties of such rank.
14. The Engineers shall perform such other duties as may be required by their
superiors and/or the Rules and Regulations of the City and the Fire Department.
15. Cell Phone use is prohibited while driving Fire Apparatus and City Vehicles.
SECTION F. FIREFIGHTER
1. The Firefighters shall be under the immediate supervision of their company
officers.
2. The 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 Firefighters shall seek to carry out the necessary measures to protect life and
property in the performance of their duties.
4. The 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 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.
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6. The 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 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.
Cell Phone use is prohibited while driving Fire Apparatus and City Vehicles.
ARTICLE II
STAFF ASSIGNMENTS - BATTALION CHIEFS
In addition to the responsibilities listed in Article I, Section B, the following assignments will be
distributed among the Battalion Chiefs at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
SECTION A. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
1. Act as liaison between the Fire Department and the Communications Center.
Oversee the operation of the dispatchers as it relates to the Fire Department. Hold
regular meetings with the Police Department Dispatch Supervisor to assure
compliance with dispatching and other related procedures.
2. Submit budget and purchase requests for communications equipment necessary to
the on -going related operations of the Fire Department and See to the records and
maintenance for all such equipment.
3. Oversee the maintenance of all phone equipment, alarm systems, night lights, etc.
and the keeping of records related to such.
4. Establish formal communications procedures and guidelines in accordance with
the current Area E Incident Command System and provide a plan for the training
of personnel in their use.
5. Oversee the development of a plan for the training of all personnel in the proper
use and procedures of Fire Department communications equipment.
SECTION B. APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT OFFICER
1. Submit budget and purchase requests for and coordinate the preparation of
specifications and the purchase of all Fire Department apparatus including
vehicles.
2. Establish and maintain a history and replacement program for all Fire Department
vehicles.
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3. Oversee the maintenance and repair of all Fire Department apparatus and
maintain appropriate records of same.
4. Periodically inspect all apparatus for paint and general overall condition. Prepare
budget requests for necessary reconditioning/rehabilitation, etc.
5. Coordinate the required periodic testing of pumpers, aerial ladders, and aerial
platforms, etc.
6. Submit budget requests for and oversee the purchase of all apparatus related
equipment and materials as necessary, including fire hose.
7. Establish and oversee an equipment maintenance and repair program. Maintain all
appropriate records of same.
8. Establish and maintain a history and replacement program for all apparatus
related equipment.
9. Oversee the inventories and proper marking of all apparatus related equipment.
10. Coordinate the breathing apparatus maintenance and repair program. See that all
required periodic inspections and safety related retrofits are performed in a timely
manner.
11. Coordinate the maintenance and repair program of the breathing apparatus air
compressor.
12. Research and oversee the development of improved techniques and procedures for
the proper operation and use of Fire Department tools and equipment. Coordinate
training for personnel in same with the Training Officer.
13. Submit budget and purchase requests for and see to the maintenance of all mobile
and portable radios. See to the maintenance and records for such.
SECTION C. BUILDING MAINTENANCE & GROUNDS OFFICER
l . Submit budget requests for and coordinate the maintenance and repairs related to
all Fire Department stations, buildings, and grounds.
Coordinate and arrange for outside contractors to provide quotes for major repairs
and/or replacements which cannot be handled by City personnel.
2. Submit appropriate budget requests for and establish and maintain a history and
replacement program for building related attachments, equipment, appliances, etc.
as necessary. Maintain records of model and serial numbers; dates and amounts
of purchase; etc.
3. Oversee the maintenance of building related equipment and appliance inventories
and the updating of same as necessary.
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4. Coordinate annual budget requests for station related items by station Captains.
5. Periodically inspect all Fire Department buildings and grounds. Submit written
report of condition to the Fire Chief.
SECTION D. PERSONNEL SUPPLY OFFICER
1. Coordinate and oversee the purchase of all required protective clothing and
accessories such as: turnout coats and pants; boots (all types); gloves; helmets,
personal alarm devices; etc. See that records of same are prepared, maintained and
updated as necessary. Submit annual budget requests for same.
2. Oversee the maintenance of the personal City Property Retrieval form for all Fire
Department shift assigned personnel.
SECTION E. SAFETY OFFICER
1. The Assistant Fire Chief — Training Officer serves as the Fire Department Safety
Officer. See A/C Training duties.
SECTION F. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OFFICER
l . Act as liaison between the private company with which the City has contracted to
provide Paramedic services, the Fire Department and the Los Angeles County
Health Services Agency.
2. Establish and maintain standard operating procedures under which such privately
provided paramedics shall operate in both emergency and non emergency
situations, as such operations relate to the Fire Department.
3. Oversee the maintenance of Fire Department inventories of emergency medical
supplies and related materials.
4. Prepare annual budget requests for emergency medical services equipment and
supplies.
SECTION G. DATA AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT OFFICER
1. Oversee the maintenance of Fire Department records and reports and the keeping
of same for periods as may be prescribed by law or common practice.
2. See to the preparation and regular updating of personnel rosters, recall lists,
organizational chart, etc.
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3. Make recommendations to the Fire Chief regarding personnel assignments and
transfers as necessary and prepare postings for such. See to the preparation of
postings related to promotional exams.
4. Oversee the preparation of Fire Department forms and maintain a master form
file. Make recommendations for form revisions as may be necessary from time to
time.
5. Serve as liaison between the Fire Department and Personnel Department in
matters of overall Fire Department interest.
6. See to the preparation of annual shifts off schedules and related materials. Update
S/O Procedure as necessary.
7. Prepare or update other personnel related procedures as may be requested by the
Fire Chief or required by necessity.
SECTION H. BUDGET COORDINATOR
1. Oversee the preparation of the annual Fire Department budget.
2. Serve as liaison between the Fire Department and City Clerk's office in budget
matters.
SECTION I. — ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN
1. Serves as the Fire Department representative on the City Safety Committee and
attends meetings as necessary.
2. Coordinates the engine company fire prevention inspection program at the staff
level. Assists companies with follow up inspections as needed. Coordinates
program with all other city departments as needed.
3. Assists administratively with the Fire Department recruitment, hiring and
promotional process.
4. Assists Battalion Chiefs, Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Chief in the research,
development preparation and implementation of the Fire Department budget.
5. Coordinate all public information for the Fire Department. Responds to incidents
as necessary to serve in the PIO function of the Incident Command System
6. Coordinates the maintenance of all Fire Department apparatus and equipment.
7. Manages and coordinates the Arson Investigation Program.
8. Coordinates the inspection, repair and replacement of all personal protective
clothing (PPE) and safety gear.
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9. Coordinates all special projects as arise, such as filming permits, specialized
training and other Fire Department related projects as needed.
10. Responds to emergency incidents as needed to provide additional command
support in the Incident Command System.
11. Other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and Battalion
Chief s
ARTICLE III
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SECTION A. COMPLIANCE AND COMMUNICATION - CHAIN OF COMMAND
1. Members of the Fire Department 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. All Members shall read and sign the Oath Of Office provided by the Fire
Department Administration.
3. All members 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. Any member refusing to obey the orders of an officer shall be relieved of duty
and reported immediately, both verbally and in writing, to the Fire Chief, 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.
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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.
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. A Class B license is required to drive most
types of emergency apparatus.
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.
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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 approximate
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 employment 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. The cost of articles not so returned shall be
deducted from the member's final paycheck.
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.
A
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
26
of their sex, on city owned property, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is
not limited to, written materials, photographs, cartoons, video tapes, audio tapes
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. Members of the Fire Department shall not belong to any organization, association,
society, etc. which will violate the Oath of Office. The Fire Department shall
employ only those people who will serve the City, State and National
Government faithfully without allowing themselves to be influenced by any
organization, association, society, etc. to the detriment of their obligations as City
of Vernon employees.
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.
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4. If any member on leave, (vacation, S/O, bereavement, etc.), fails to report for duty
at the expiration of such leave, it shall be the duty of the member's company
officer to report such fact to the duty Battalion Chief who will make an
investigation and take or recommend such action as the circumstances warrant.
5. 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.
2. The Company Officer shall notify the Battalion Chief when apparatus is placed in
or out of service or when leaving the assigned district for any purpose, other than
alarms. The dispatcher shall be notified by the Company Officer when the
apparatus is placed in or out of service.
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 worn by all personnel riding in apparatus positions for which
there is no overhead roof protection and also at the tiller position on truck
companies.
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SECTION J. TRANSFERS
Personnel transfers shall be at the sole discretion of the Fire Department
Administration. Written personal requests for transfer may be considered if
sufficient reason can be shown for such request. The request must be made in
writing, fully and truthfully stating the reasons for such request signed and dated
by the requesting party and also signed by the member's immediate superior
officer with an indication of approval or disapproval of the transfer request. The
request shall then be forwarded through proper channels to the Fire Chief.
SECTION K. 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
29
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 L. 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. The purchase of a
dress uniform shall be the responsibility of each member and shall be done within
ninety (90) days of the date of appointment. A member when promoted shall be
responsible to obtain all appropriate uniforms and insignia, if required, as quickly
as possible but in no case longer than sixty (60) days following the date of such
promotion.
2. The following shall be considered the regulation uniforms of the Vernon Fire
Department: NOTE: Refer to Administrative Directive I-8, Uniform Policy, for
exact uniform specifications.
a. LINE UNIFORM (Firefighter through Captain): The uniforms shall
consist of: navy-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.
b. LINE UNIFORM (Battalion Chiefs): The uniforms shall consist of. black
Nomex (or approved equivalent) short sleeve shirt with the Vernon patch
sewn on left shoulder3/4 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 black Nomex (or approved equivalent) with 1 1/2 or 2
inch wide leather belt and approved Fire Department belt buckle. If white
30
T-shirt is worn, it must be of the V-neck type and not show at the fatigue
collar. The approved black 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 black line jacket.
C. DRESS UNIFORM (Battalion Chiefs and Captains): The uniform shall
consist of white shirt; black tie; Fire Department issue badge above left
pocket; appropriate shirt collar insignia and name tag above right pocket;
navy blue type jacket with appropriate insignia and name tag ; navy-blue
wool or polyester trousers with 1 1 /2 or 2 inch black leather belt and
approved Fire Department belt buckle; black plain toe shoes with black
socks and appropriate cap (white w/white bill and gold braid for Battalion
Chiefs; white w/black bill and silver braid for Captains).
d. DRESS UNIFORM (Firefighters and Engineers) The uniform shall consist of
navy-blue wool or polyester long sleeve shirt with the Vernon patch on the
left shoulder, 3/4 inch below shoulder seam; Fire Department issue badge
above left the pocket and name tag above right pocket; navy-blue wool or
polyester trouser with 1 1/2 or 2 inch black leather belt; approved Fire
Department belt buckle; black plain toe shoes with black socks and navy-blue
cap.
Members are responsible to keep uniforms clean and in a state of good repair.
Shirt tails are to be kept tucked in at all times the uniform is worn. Members
shall see that the soles and heels of their uniform shoes and boots are in first
class condition at all times and that shoes and boots are clean and polished.
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, I-8)
6. 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
31
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 M. GROOMING STANDARDS
1. A neat and w
2.
3.
s contributes
32
4.
5
6.
7.
8. Beards and goatees of any style are specifically prohibited.
9.
10 Jewelry: When worn by those with emergency responsibilities or assignments w:
conform with the following;.
12. Cosmetics. If worn, cosmeticswill not be an unnatural color or inhibit the
performance of the firefighter or his/her equipment.
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13
SECTION N. SHIFT TRADES, STANDBYS, ETC.
1. Trades
a. Shift trades by members of like rank shall be permitted if agreeable by the parties
involved and the immediate superior officer of each of the parties involved.
Trades may be for 6 hours, ;12 hours or the entire 24 hour shift with one other
parry or for two 12 hour periods with two other parties. The requesting party shall
NOTE: Trades for more than 12 but less than 24 hours may be allowed if
agreeable to all involved parties and officers. Such information must be included
on the Shift Trade Request form with the times all involved personnel will be
working.
b. It shall be the responsibility of the parties involved in trades to work out pay
backs, if applicable, among themselves. Neither the Fire Department nor the City
will be responsible to arbitrate disputes connected to the trading privilege.
C. Trades for two or more consecutive shifts by any member must be specifically
approved by the member's Battalion Chief.
d. Trading in no way should be considered a right of any member of the Fire
Department nor shall it be allowed in any case in which department staffing
ability may be adversely affected.
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2. Standbys
a. Upon approval of a superior officer, a member may stand by for another member
of like rank for any period of less than 12 hours. Information regarding such
standby must be reported to the duty Battalion Chief at or prior to the time of
occurrence and entered in the respective station log. As in the case of trades,
neither the Fire Department nor the City will be responsible to arbitrate disputes
connected with the standby privilege.
b. The privilege of acquiring a standby for any period should in no way be
considered a right by any member of the Fire Department nor will standbys be
allowed in any case in which department staffing ability may be adversely
affected.
C. Variations from either of the above provisions shall be specifically prohibited
without written approval of a Chief Officer.
NOTE: New personnel, during the evaluation year, are limited to a maximum of
one shift trade and one standby in any given month during the probation period.
Such trades and standbys may not be linked together in any way so as to provide
for more than 24 consecutive exchanged hours within any 72 hour period.
SECTION O. SHIFTS OFF (S/O's)
1. Entitlement
a. All platoon assigned personnel who have served continuously for a minimum of
one (1) year but less than ten (10) years, shall be entitled to a total of thirteen (13)
S/O's annually.
b. All platoon assigned personnel who have served continuously for a minimum of
ten (10) years shall be entitled to fifteen (15) S/O's annually.
C. All platoon assigned personnel who have served continuously for a minimum of
twenty five (25) years shall be entitled to one (1) additional S/O for a total of
sixteen (16) S/O's annually.
d. Up to two (2) S/O's may be divided into eight (8) six (6) hour increments that may
be used in any combination (i.e. 6 hour, 12 hour, and 18 hour). Divided shifts may
only be used during operational periods (0700-1300, 1300-1900, 1900-0100,
100-0700).
2. Selection Basis
a. All selections of S/O's shall be made on the basis of seniority in rank. Personnel
temporarily assigned to other than their actual rank shall select on the basis of
seniority within their actual rank.
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3. S/O Requests
a. All S/O requests shall be submitted on Employee Vacation Request Form(s) to the
member's immediate superior officer for approval. A separate form must be
prepared for each group of shifts falling within a specific pay period. (Pay periods
begin on the first Sunday following a regular pay day and end on the first
Saturday following the next successive regular pay day.) Completed forms shall
then be forwarded to the appropriate Battalion Chief for approval. Upon approval,
a copy of the original shall be made and kept in the Battalion Chief s office. The
goldenrod copy of the approved request shall be returned to the requesting
member. The original and remaining copies shall be forwarded to the Fire
Department Administration office.
b. Telephone requests for an S/O may be granted by the on -duty Battalion Chief up
to 1800 hours on the day prior to the requested date(s). In such case, a pre -signed
request form shall be completed at the time of request, appropriate copies shall be
made and distributed and the approved request shall be forwarded to the Fire
Department Administration office.
4. Cancellations
a. Shift off selections may be canceled at any time up to 1200 hours of the member's
previous (normally assigned) working shift. In such cases, the personnel of the
affected platoon shall be apprised of cancellations as soon as practicable.
Selections of canceled S/O's by other members shall be governed by all applicable
provisions of this procedure. A Request for Cancellation Form shall be completed
by the canceling member and forwarded through proper channels to the Fire
Administration office as soon as possible.
5. Limitations
a. No more than six (6) members in any allowed combination (not including
Battalion Chief) shall be scheduled off at any one time except for emergency or
administrative need at the discretion of the Fire Chief. (See Selection Process
section for specific maximums by rank.)
NOTE: S/O's shall not reduce Haz Mat staffing to less than four (4) trained
personnel including a Captain at Station 2.
b. The following maximums by rank, in any combination, shall be allowed off at any
one time within the restriction of a maximum of six (6) allowed off at any one time.
(A maximum of four (4) Firefighters shall be allowed off at any one time).
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Battalion Chief One (1), Select First
Captains Two (2), Select Second
Engineers Two (2), Select Third
Firefighters Four (4), Select Forth
Deviations from the maximum number of personnel allowed off at any one time
shall be considered only for emergency or administrative need as determined by
the Fire Chief.
c. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Shift Off requests will be granted under
the following guidelines.
1. S/O requests will be taken during the annual selection process listed in section O
(shifts off).
2. The member making the request must find another member of like rank to
agree to work said holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day) no later
than October 1st prior to said holiday.
3. If the member who makes the request is unable to secure a member of like rank to
work the shift by October 1 st, the Shift Off request for said holiday will be
cancelled and offered to the next member on the seniority list of like rank if he/she
can secure a person to work said holiday upon submittal.
4. After all personnel in like rank pass on said holiday in order of seniority, persons
in the next lower rank will be offered the opportunity to take said holiday under the
same guidelines in section 5b. Additionally, the selection process will begin with
the next person in seniority who did not pass on said holiday, during the original
Selection process.
6. Shift Off Selections
a. All Battalion Chief S/O requests shall be submitted to and approved by the Fire
Chief.
7. First Selection (optional)
a. Personnel who exercise the option to select a shift off during the lst round of the
selection process shall select a minimum of one (1) S/O up to a maximum of
his/her total entitlement. Regardless of number, selections must be for consecutive
shifts. S/O's selected in this round may not be canceled except for emergency,
administrative need, member does not meet requirements in section 5C
(Limitations) or as determined by the Fire Chief. First selection shall be entered
in the S/O Selection Book in ink.
b. First selections shall be completed no later than December 31stt. Immediately
Preceding calendar year for which the selections,apply.
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8. Second Selection (optional)
a. Second selections may be for one (1) or more S/O's. If more than one (1) selection
is made, it must be for consecutive shifts. Second selection S/O's may be
cancelled in all or part except when they include a holiday; no partial cancellation
shall be permitted. Entries for this selection shall be made in the S/O Selection
Book in pencil.
b. Second selections shall not commence until completion of first selections by all
personnel under the calendar year basis.
C. Members may opt to pass on the second selection if they so desire.
9. Third Selection (optional)
a. All provisions are the same as for the Second Selection.
10. Remaining Selections
a. Selections not made during any of the prior three selection rounds shall be made
on an availability basis and be governed by all applicable provisions of this
procedure as related in the Second Selection section. Entries for these selections
shall be made in the S/O Selection Book in pencil.
b. Approved selections made under this section shall not be subject to "bumping by
senior personnel".
NOTE: Personnel employed on or after July 1, 1989 shall become entitled to a prorated
number of S/O's upon completion of their first full year of employment, based upon their
date of hire. Such S/O's must be scheduled and taken no later than December 31 st of the
year of such prorated entitlement. On January 1 st of the following year, such personnel
shall become entitled to thirteen (13) S/O's which they shall schedule and take within
such calendar year. All subsequent years S/O selections shall be made on the calendar
year basis.
SECTION P. ILLNESS
Any member who is unable to report on a date scheduled for duty, due to illness
or injury, shall call the on -duty Battalion Chief and make a report at or before
0600 hours of the scheduled duty date, giving as much information as possible
about the illness or injury, the estimated time off required and where the member
can be reached if other than at the normal residence. If the Battalion Chief is not
available, the information shall be given to the ranking officer at Station # 1. If no
officer is available at Station #1, the information shall be given to the dispatcher
who, in turn, shall notify any other on -duty officer of the absence. If no officer is
available and only the dispatcher receives the information, the member shall call
later to verify that the duty Battalion Chief has been notified.
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2. The duty Battalion Chief will make contact with the sick or injured member some
time during the absence date to ascertain member's well-being, to explain the
procedure for returning to duty following such absence, and to determine the
amount of time off the member may need. If the member cannot be reached, the
Battalion Chief or a designee will continue to try to make contact throughout the
day.
3. Family members should be made aware that the Fire Department will be calling
on days that individuals are on sick leave.
4. If the Department is unable to make contact with a sick or injured member
because he/she has failed to return the Battalion Chief s calls or due to the
telephone being disconnected or constantly busy, the Department may review
with the employee the circumstances and may make decisions as to whether the
absence from duty was appropriate.
5. Members who are unable to report for regular duty for more than two (2) shifts
due to illness or injury are required to be checked by a physician and obtain a
release prior to returning for duty.
SECTION Q. WORKING OUT OF RANK (ACTING)
1. When needed, vacancies in the rank.
Battalion Chief
2. Acting duty shall normally be assigned according to section I-6 located in the
Administrative Directives.
4.<
SECTION R. DRILL AND TRAINING MANUALS AND RESOURCES
1. Drill, training and methods of operation shall follow those procedures detailed in
International Fire Service Training Association (I.F.S.T.A.) manuals. The most
recent editions shall take precedence and newly published I.F.S.T.A. manuals
shall become a part of the training program unless specifically omitted by order of
the Fire Chief. The current edition of the Pre -Hospital Care and Crisis
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Intervention manual shall be the basic guide for Emergency Medical Technician
(E.M.T.) training.
2. Resources for technical training shall include, but not be limited to, the National
Fire Protection Association's Handbook, its pamphlets and other publications;
Municipal Fire Administration published by the International City Manager's
Association; I.S.O. bulletins and other fire service related publications.
3. Resources for study of fire codes and standards shall include the currently adopted
Uniform Fire Code and UFC Standards; The Uniform Building Code; the N.F.P.A
National Fire Codes; other such related manuals; those standards and publications
representing nationally recognized good practice as specified in Appendix D of
the Uniform Fire Code; and other such resource material as may be specified by
the Fire Chief or Training Battalion Chief as they may deem necessary for drills
and assignments.
4. Drill procedures and methods of operation established as policy by the Fire Chief
shall take precedence over all the foregoing publications, guides and manuals.
SECTION S. DRILL RECORDS AND REPORTS
1. Company Officers shall be responsible for maintaining the drill records for their
assigned personnel. Daily drills shall be entered under the appropriate dates of the
Monthly Training Record form on the date such drills are held. A separate form
shall be kept for each person, including the Company Officer. Daily drills or
training sessions shall also be entered in the Captain's log on the date they are
held. On the 1 st day of each month, the completed monthly record for the just -
completed month shall be forwarded to the Training Officer for proper filing.
2. The drill subjects, operations and evaluations will be selected and scheduled by
the Training Officer and such schedules will be provided to the respective platoon
Battalion Chiefs and Training Captains.
3. A Training Captain shall be selected from among the Captains of each platoon
who shall, in cooperation with the platoon Battalion Chief; see that the scheduled
drills and training sessions are carried out.
4. Company Officers shall bear in mind that instruction for their assigned personnel,
beyond that set up by the Training Officer, will be necessary and that they must
be cognizant if their company members' individual needs.
SECTION T. OUTSIDE TRAINING
1. The Vernon Fire Department and the City recognize the need for training classes,
college courses, seminars, etc. and recommend that those individuals who are
seriously interested in making the most of promotional opportunities should
include them in their training background.
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2. The following general guidelines cover the City and Fire Department policies
regarding such training:
3. Classes and courses that are offered outside of the Fire Department may not be
attended while on duty except with written approval of the Fire Chief and then
only for department -required classes or courses. All other unapproved or elective
classes will require that personnel use their own time, as necessary, through the
use of vacation time, shift trades, standbys, etc.
4. For any approved classes and/or courses, member costs for tuition, course -
required books and some other related expenses may be reimbursed by the City,
pursuant to City resolution. (This provision does not apply to certain probationary
personnel).
For reimbursement consideration, proof of completion of courses and all
appropriate receipts must be submitted with a completed Education
Reimbursement Request form, through proper channels, to the Fire Chief for
authorization and request for payment.
6. The City will not provide reimbursement or funds for lodging, meals, travel, etc.,
connected to any classes or outside training unless recommended by a Chief
Officer, approved by the Fire Chief, the City Finance Committee and the City
Council. Requests for such items connected with classes, courses, seminars, etc.,
should be submitted at forty five (45) days in advance of actual scheduled class
dates so that the necessary approvals may be obtained.
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CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 30, 2008
TO: ark Whitworth, Fire Chief
FROM; Nelly Giron, City Clerk
RE: esolution No. 9522 - A Resolution of the City Council of
the City of Vernon Approving and Adopting City of Vernon
Fire Department Revised Rules and Regulations
Transmitted herewith is a copy of Resolution No. 9522 referenced
above, which was approved by City Council on January 22, 2008.
Thank you.
NG:dr
c: Martha Valenzuela
Resolution File No. 9522