A. The chief shall be at the 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 chief shall have the following powers and duties, and he may assign duties to other members of the department:
1. The chief shall be responsible for the general condition and efficient operation of the department, the training of the members, and the performance of all other duties imposed upon him. He shall have supervision and control of the fire department, subject to the supervision and control of the city manager.
2. The chief may inspect or cause to be inspected by members of the department, the fire hydrants, cistern and other sources of water supply at least twice each year.
3. The chief shall maintain a library or file of publications on fire prevention and fire protection and shall make use of it to the best advantage of all members.
4. The chief shall make every effort to attend all fires and direct the officers and members in the performance of their duties.
5. The chief shall see that the citizens are kept informed on fire hazards in the community and on the activities of the department.
6. The chief 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 and preserve all possible evidence for future use in the case.
7. The chief 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 to abate within a specified period of time any fire hazards that may be found; any person so served with a notice to abate a fire hazard shall comply therewith and promptly notify the chief; if any person deems himself aggrieved by the order and desires a hearing, he may appeal to the state fire marshal within three (3) days from the service of the order.
8. The chief 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 city board as it may require. The chief shall keep the city council informed regarding the fire department and its needs.
9. The chief is hereby required to 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.
10. The chief of the fire department or the person acting in his absence shall have full power, control, and command over all persons whomsoever present at fires; and he shall direct the use of all fire department apparatus and equipment, and command all firemen in the discharge of their duties. He shall take such measures as may be necessary in the preservation and protection of property and the extinguishing of fires. (Prior Code, Secs. 1-15, 1-21–1-27; amd. Ord. 1993-16, 9-2-1993)
Notes
| 1 | 2. 11 OS § 20-102; 74 OS § 314. |