A. Created: There is hereby created the position of chief of each fire district. The chief of each fire district shall be the executive officer elected by the administrative control board of each fire district, and the powers and duties of the chief enumerated herein are delegated to the officers of the fire district in the same manner as the powers of the fire district are delegated to such officers. (2004 Code § 3-521)
B. Powers And Duties:
1. The chief shall have responsibility for the general supervision of the department.
2. During a fire, the chief shall have full authority to take all measures as he shall deem necessary, subject to state law, to control and extinguish the fire and for that purpose he is hereby made a special peace officer.
3. The chief shall at least quarterly report to the county the condition of the fire equipment, the number of fires and their causes and estimated loss therefrom, together with such other information as the county commission may request or as he shall deem appropriate.
4. The chief shall strictly enforce all of the provisions of the ordinances of the county and the state relating to the protection against and prevention of fire.
5. The chief shall see that the equipment of the department is in good repair and order and ready for use.
6. The chief, subject to the approval of the county commission and the administrative control board of each respective special service district, shall establish rules and regulations for the operation of the department.
7. The chief may delegate his duties to any person employed by the department or acting as an officer of the department, but such delegation shall not relieve the chief of his responsibility for the performance thereof.
8. The chief shall cause all fires to be promptly investigated to determine the cause of the fire and report the cause of the fire, the time originated and such other information as may be relevant to prevent other fires. (2004 Code § 3-522)