35.03 FIRE CHIEF DUTIES.

The Fire Chief shall command all operations of the department, and be responsible for the care, maintenance, and use of all vehicles and equipment of the department. Subject to Council approval, the Fire Chief shall establish and maintain departmental rules to carry out the requirements of this chapter. The Fire Chief has the authority to enter and inspect any building or premises in the performance of his duties and shall make written orders to correct any conditions that are likely to cause fire or endanger other buildings and property.

35.04 VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS.

All persons who within a radius of three miles of the Durant fire station and are at least age 18 may be appointed to serve as a volunteer firefighter. All volunteers shall be selected by an election of the existing members of the volunteer Fire Department, which selection shall be subject to the approval of the Council. Prior to appointment as a volunteer firefighter, all applicants shall be required to complete a physical test as determined by the membership of the Fire Department. Removal and discipline of a member shall be governed by the internal policies of the Fire Department and handled by officers of the Fire Department. A removed member may appeal said removal to the Council by filing a written appeal with the City Hall within five days of said removal from the Fire Department.

35.05 FIREFIGHTER’S DUTIES.

When called by the Chief, all firefighters shall report for duty immediately in the manner directed by the Chief. They shall be subject to call at any time. They shall obey strictly the commands of any other firefighter who has been appointed by the Chief to be in command temporarily. Firefighters shall report for training as ordered by the Chief.

35.06 WORKER’S COMPENSATION AND HOSPITALIZATION INSURANCE.

The Council shall contract to insure the City against liability for worker’s compensation and against statutory liability for the costs of hospitalization, nursing, and medical attention for volunteer firefighters. All volunteer firefighters shall be covered by the contract.

35.07 LIABILITY INSURANCE.

The Council shall contract to insure against liability of the City or members of the department for injuries, death, or property damage arising out of and resulting from the performance of departmental duties.

35.08 FIRES OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS.

The department shall answer calls to fires and other emergencies outside the City limits if the Fire Chief determines that such emergency exists and that such action will not endanger persons and property within the City limits.

35.09 FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISORY BOARD.

A Fire Department Advisory Board is hereby created to advise the Council on the needed facilities and equipment to provide adequate fire protection for the City, and such rural areas as shall contract with the City for fire protection.

35.10 BOARD ORGANIZATION.

The Board shall consist of two representatives of the City Council; one township trustee or their designated representative from each rural township which shall contract with the City for fire protection, and the officers of the Durant Fire Department. The Mayor shall be an ex officio member of the Board.

35.11 DUTIES OF THE BOARD.

In addition to its duties to make plans and rules for the operation of the Fire Department, and to revise and update the plans and rules as required, the Board shall annually review and approve the budget prepared by the Clerk and Fire Chief.

35.12 REPORTS.

The Fire Department’s revenue and expenditures shall be reported monthly by the Clerk to the Council as required by law. The Fire Chief shall make a report to the Council of the Fire Department’s activities once a year at the first Council meetings in February of each calendar year prior to the annual township meeting. The Council shall be apprised of any additional equipment purchased by Firefighter’s Inc., but a full accounting of Firefighter’s Inc. shall not be required by the Council but may be required by the Auditors Office of the State of Iowa.