It shall be the duty of the Chief to:
(A) Be accountable to the Manager for the personnel, morale, and general efficiency of the Fire Department;
(B) Direct the operations of the Fire Department subject to the rules and regulations thereof;
(C) Be present at all fires, if possible, and plan and direct the extinguishment thereof. During the progress of a fire, the authority of the Fire Chief shall be absolute in all matters directly concerning the extinguishment of the fire and the disposition of property endangered by it;
(D) Conduct suitable drills or instruction in the operation and handling of equipment, first aid and rescue work, salvage, a study of buildings in the town, water supplies, and all other matters generally considered essential to good firemanship and safety of life and property from fire;
(E) Assist the proper authorities in suppressing the crime of arson by investigating or causing to be investigated the cause, origin, and circumstances of all fires;
(F) Inspect buildings and premises and serve written notice upon the owner or occupant to abate, within a specified time, any and all fire hazards that may be found. For the purpose of conducting such inspection, the Chief is hereby empowered to enter any and all buildings and premises within the town at any reasonable hour. Any person served with such written notice shall comply and notify the Chief of his or her compliance within a reasonable time;
(G) Keep complete records of all fires, inspections, apparatus and equipment, personnel, and other information about the work of the Department open to Council inspection and submit a complete monthly report of such information to the Town Manager;
(H) Make a complete annual report, in writing, to the Council at such time as may be specified by the Council, and such report shall include the information specified in division (G) above, together with comparative data for previous years and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the Department;
(I) Enforce or cause to be enforced all ordinances, laws, and regulations of the town and state, insofar as they pertain to fire and safety; and
(J) Demote, dismiss, or expel any officer or member of the Department for neglect or refusal to perform departmental duties, subject to the right of any members so demoted, dismissed, or expelled to appeal pursuant to the town’s personnel rules and procedures.
(1989 Code, § 4-2-4) (Ord. 2001-08, passed 10-11-2001)