The chief shall be the administrative head of the department, subject to the laws of the state, ordinances of the city, and the rules and regulations adopted in this chapter. The fire chief shall be trained and certified to the appropriate level according to accepted fire protection standards and shall have the appropriate experience as established by city ordinance. The fire chief shall be a full time salaried member of the city and shall have the following powers and duties, and he may assign duties to other members of the department:
A. Shall be responsible for the general condition and efficient operation of the department, the training of members, and the performance of all other duties imposed upon him, and shall have supervision and control of the fire department, subject to the supervision and control of the mayor;
B. May inspect or cause to be inspected by members of the department the fire hydrants, cisterns and other sources of water supply at least twice each year;
C. Shall maintain a library or file of publications and various media on fire prevention and fire protection and shall make use of it to the best advantage of all members;
D. Shall make every effort to attend all fires and direct the officers and members in the performance of their duties;
E. Shall see that the citizens are kept informed on fire hazards in the community and on the activities of the department;
F. Shall see that each fire is carefully investigated to determine its cause, and in the case of suspicion of incendiarism or arson, shall notify proper authorities and secure the preservation of all possible evidence for future use in the case;
G. Is authorized to enter any building or premises in the city at any reasonable hour for the purpose of making inspections and to serve written notice on persons for any violations that may be found; and
H. Shall see that complete records are kept of all fires, inspections, apparatus and equipment, personnel and other information of the department and shall make reports to the mayor as the mayor may require. The chief shall keep the city informed regarding the fire department and its needs. (1992 Code § 13-203; amd. 2006 Code)