(A) The Chief Engineer shall be the chief executive officer of the Fire Department and shall be invested with the following authorities and duties:
(1) To have direct control, management and direction of all officers and persons of the Fire Department and the power to detail any of them to such public service as he or she may see fit, looking to the best interests and efficiency of the Department;
(2) To carry out strictly the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the Department and be able to suspend or remove from service any officer or firefighter for cause in such manner as is provided in these regulations;
(3) To exercise supreme command over the Department at fires and over all equipment belonging to it;
(4) To cause to be extinguished all fires with the least possible danger to life and property and prevent unnecessary damage by water and chemicals at fires;
(5) To see that the premises on which fires occur are left in such condition that they will not rekindle and cause further damage to life and property; and
(6) To make a complete investigation of each fire, keeping a record of and determining the cause, amount of loss to building and contents, amount of insurance coverage and insurance paid, number and description of each building destroyed together with names of owners and occupants.
(B) (1) The Assistant Chief shall rank next to the Chief Engineer and have similar qualifications.
(2) He or she shall take complete charge in absence of that officer and be invested with the same authorities and duties while so acting.
(C) Arrangement shall be made so that the Assistant Chief Engineer will always be present in the absence of the Chief Engineer.
(D) In the presence of the Chief Engineer, it shall be his or her duty to aid the Chief Engineer in every possible manner, to maintain strict discipline and ensure efficient operation of the Department.
(Prior Code, § 2.20.030)