The Fire Chief, subject to the approval of the City Manager and the Board of Commissioners, shall be the chief executive officer of the Fire Department, and he shall devote his entire time and attention to the discharge of the duties of his office. He shall:
(A) Have cognizance and control of the government, administration, disposition, and discipline of the Fire Department, subject to the approval of the City Manager and the Board of Commissioners.
(B) Execute promptly all orders of the City Manager, promulgating those orders to the Fire Department as may be required for proper enforcement.
(C) Have the power to promulgate any orders to the Fire Department as he may deem proper.
(D) Be accorded implicit obedience by all subordinates in all matters pertaining to fire business.
(E) Whenever good cause may appear, prefer charges against any member of the Fire Department whom he believes has been guilty of misconduct and suspend him with pay pending hearing before the Board of Commissioners. The Fire Chief shall promptly investigate or cause to be investigated all complaints made by citizens or others against any member of the force.
(F) See that all members of the Fire Department are constantly alert and attentive to their duties and that every member treats the public with utmost consideration and courtesy.
(G) See that officers and firefighters subordinate to him are intelligent and active in the performance of their duty.
(H) At all times inform himself of the affairs of the Fire Department and be assured that the duties of his subordinates are properly discharged.
(I) On receipt of reports from subordinate officers or citizens of any violation of laws or ordinances, rules and regulations, or orders governing the Fire Department, promptly investigate or cause to be investigated these reports and follow them up with proper action. He shall, immediately upon the receipt of reports of any negligence, violations of law, or any other matter which comes within the jurisdiction of any other city department, make a report thereof to the proper official in charge of that department.
(G) Exercise a general supervision and inspection of all public places within the city and cause the laws and ordinances concerning them to be properly enforced.
(K) Repair in person or detail adequate firefighters under competent command to all fires for the protection of life and property, and cause strict observance of the law.
(L) See that the prescribed books and records are kept in accordance with orders, rules, and regulations and that all reports are made promptly and in conformity with requirements. All letters and telegrams addressed to the Chief of the Fire Department shall be referred to the Fire Chief and not handled by anyone else except on order of the Fire Chief. All letters or correspondence to or from any member of the Fire Department relative to fire business that require an official answer or the giving of official information shall be referred to the Fire Chief.
(M) Monthly or when requested, submit a report on the several branches of the Fire Department to the City Manager in that form and detail as may be prescribed by him. He shall submit an annual report to the City Manager of the workings of the entire department under his control.
(N) Do everything within his power to work out cooperative arrangements with the courts, prosecuting officers, and all other law enforcement agents for a more effective and speedy administration of criminal justice.
(Ord. 310.1A, passed 11-6-81)