(A) Creation. On March 3, 2022, the position of Fire Marshal and Fire Chief is hereby created.
(B) Definition. The position of "Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal" shall be defined as an individual who will assist in the development, implementation and coordination of various programs within an assigned area of responsibility.
(C) Appointment. The Village President, with the advice and consent of the board of trustees, shall appoint one individual to the position of Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal. Upon an appointment to said position, the individual shall be required to maintain his or her residence within a twenty (20) mile radius of the corporate limits of the Village. In the event an individual resides outside the twenty (20) mile radius at the time of his/her appointment, the individual shall have six (6) months to relocate his/her residence within the prescribed radius. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to require the individual to provide proof of residency.
(D) Qualifications. The Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal shall be chosen on the basis of executive and administrative qualifications and capabilities as described herein, without consideration of a candidate's race, sex, political or religious beliefs. The qualifications and capabilities to be considered include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Knowledge of:
(a) Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical services program.
(b) Principles, practices, and procedures of fire prevention, suppression, and emergency medical services.
(c) Principles, practices, techniques, and procedures of a modern firefighter.
(d) Mechanical, chemical, and related characteristics of a wide variety of flammable and explosive materials and objects.
(e) Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including those pertaining to fire prevention.
(f) Principles and practices of supervision and training.
(g) Department policies, rules and regulations.
(h) Principles of municipal budget preparation and control.
(i) Local geography including the location of water mains and hydrants and the major fire hazards of the Village.
(j) Principles of advanced first aid and CPR.
2. Capabilities:
(a) Manage and coordinate the work assignments.
(b) Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
(c) Interpret and explain department fire suppression, prevention and emergency medical policies, and procedures.
(d) Conduct training on fire prevention.
(e) Prepare clear and concise operational work records and reports.
(f) Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
(g) Make technical and emergency decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
(h) Conduct thorough fact finding investigations and enforce regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially.
(i) Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
(j) Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
(k) Maintain physical conditions to perform essential duties and specifications of firefighter certification.
3. Ability to Accomplish:
(a) Performing life threatening firefighting activities in an emergency situation.
(b) Running, walking, crouching or crawling during emergency operations.
(c) Moving equipment and injured/deceased persons.
(d) Climbing stairs/ladders.
(e) Performing lifesaving and rescue procedures.
(f) Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
(g) Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
(h) Manage the activities and operations of the fire prevention bureau.
(i) Assist in the development, implementation and coordination of various programs within assigned area of responsibility.
(j) Act as liaison to the office of the state Fire Marshal for matters concerning codes, code enforcement and fire/arson investigations.
(k) Exercise direct supervision over subordinate fire inspectors.
(l) Assist in emergency management as part of the incident management system.
(E) Experience Guidelines: The position of deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal shall require him or her to possess certain experience or training which shall include, but not limited to, the following combinations.
1. Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible fire service experience including administrative and supervisory experience, and a minimum of one year as a lieutenant of the Bedford Park Fire department.
2. Training:
(a) Fire officer I certification.
(b) Fire officer II certification.
3. License and Certificates:
(a) Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
(b) Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid CPR certificate.
(c) Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid emergency medical technical certificate.
(d) Possession of, or ability to obtain, a fire officer III certification.
4. Working Conditions: Work in an emergency firefighting environment, work in intense life threatening conditions; exposure to fire, smoke, bodily fluids and noise; running, walking, crawling, climbing, stooping and lifting; work in inclement weather conditions.
(F) Duties. The Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal shall be under the direct command of the Fire Chief. The duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Direct supervision over the subordinate fire department personnel.
2. Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities of an assigned shift; assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive fire suppression, preventions and emergency medical services program.
3. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and policies; identify resource needs; recommend and implement policies and procedures.
4. Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
5. Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned programs, meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
6. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; review all appropriate management staff; implement improvements.
7. Participate in the development and administration of the assigned program budget; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; recommend adjustments as necessary.
8. Coordinate assigned activities with those of other assistant chiefs, outside agencies and organizations; provide staff assistance to the Fire Chief, prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
9. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of fire prevention, suppression, and emergency services.
10. Respond to various emergency situations and implement the "incident command system" as needed.
11. When applicable, inspect various facilities, ensure adherence to fire safety standards.
12. Evaluate existing fire safety conditions and federal, state and local codes applicable to fire safety; recommend policies, procedures, and ordinance revisions as necessary.
13. When applicable, develop and implement procedural methods and practices for reviewing plans, conducting inspections investigating incidents and related activities as required; provide continued technical support and training as required.
14. When applicable, supervise and participate in the conduct of arson investigation; determine the origin and cause of fire incidents; collect evidence and participate in prosecution activities as required.
15. When applicable, make comprehensive, technical reviews checks of proposed projects to determine fire safety conditions and needs; conduct field inspections of construction projects as necessary.
16. Develop and maintain a variety of records and reports.
17. Conduct specialized educational programs to discourage arson, eliminate fire hazards in homes and buildings and stress safety; review and assess available educational programs.
18. May assume responsibility for the fire department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
19. Develop or assist in the development of the annual budget for the department.
20. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
(G) Compensation. That the compensation for this position of Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal shall be determined by the Village of Bedford Park Board of Trustees on annual basis. (Ord. 02-1131, 12-19-2002; amd. Ord. 12-1375, 2-2-2012; Ord. 13-1427, 12-11-2013; Ord. 22-1703, 8-4-2022)