(A) The Fire Chief shall have control over all of the firefighting apparatus and shall be solely responsible for its care and condition. The Chief shall report to the Council as to the condition of the equipment and needs of the Fire Department. The Chief may submit additional reports and recommendations to the Council and shall report each suspension of a member of the Fire Department at the first meeting of the Council following each suspension. The Chief shall be responsible for the proper training and discipline of the members of the Fire Department and may suspend any member for refusal or neglect to obey orders pending final action by the Council on the discharge or retention.
(B) In the absence or disability of the Chief, the Assistant Chief shall perform all the functions and exercise all of the authority of the Chief.
(2001 Code, § 2.23)