(A) The members of the Department shall not move or alter any equipment on apparatus, fire fighting equipment or general set-up of the operation of the Department or disarrange the system of operation in any way without the approval of the Chief or equipment officer.
(B) Every member and officer of the Department shall have a valid Illinois driver’s license with a classification of B or better before driving any Department apparatus. The city has requested that every member obtain a Class B CDL Illinois driver’s license in case of time of emergency outside of Department training.
(C) No cadet is authorized to drive any apparatus unless directed to do so by an officer of the Department.
(D) Drivers of Department vehicles and/or apparatus shall respond to scene without delay and at all times maintain control of said vehicle and/or apparatus. Drivers shall obey all traffic rules and regulations as stated in the current Illinois Vehicle Code.
(E) Members of the Department when traveling to the fire station during an incident in their personal vehicle shall obey all traffic rules and regulations, avoid excessive speeds, obey all traffic control devices and signals and maintain complete control of their vehicle at all times.
(F) If any member operates a revolving, flashing or lit blue light all traffic laws shall still be obeyed under the Illinois Vehicle Code. The blue light is a courtesy light and shall be used as such. Any member operating a blue light shall not operate the light outside the corporate city limits by Department rules.
(G) Every member of the Department shall report any and every injury, accident, collision or any other extraordinary circumstance encountered. Damage to property however slight or unusual in nature shall be reported to an officer. Any damage to Department vehicles/apparatus or equipment will immediately be reported to an officer in verbal and written form.
(H) A five-member Accident/Damage Review Board made up of members of the Department will be made up of by the Chief in which he/she will be the convening authority. The Board will review all accidents/damages to Department vehicles/apparatus and equipment and then make a recommendation to the Chief for possible disciplinary or corrective action. A list of such members plus an alternate will be posted.
(I) No persons except members of the Department shall be allowed to ride on apparatus to or from an incident unless authorized by the Chief or an Officer.
(J) The ranking officer or the senior member on duty shall make certain that when the apparatus returns to the station house that all equipment is placed into its proper place and in working condition. The apparatus shall be washed, wiped dry and inspected before it's placed back in to service.
(K) The driver of the apparatus shall make sure that all equipment is in its proper place when the apparatus returns to the station house. A check sheet will be provided to make certain this task is complete. Once complete, a verbal report will be made to the ranking officer or member of the check. Under no circumstances will the members be released from duty until the apparatus is back in service including equipment cleaned, wiped dry and replaced if necessary.
(L) Any equipment lost, stolen or damaged during an incident shall be reported immediately in writing to the Chief or ranking officer.
(Ord. 1700, passed 3-4-2008)