(A) The Fire Department of the city shall consist of a Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and as many other officers and firefighters as are or may be elected and approved by the City Council.
(B) The Fire Chief shall be the first executive officer of the Fire Department and shall be vested with the following authority and duties:
(1) To have direct control, management and direction of all officers and employees of the Fire Department and the power to detail any of them to such public services as he or she may see fit, looking to the best interest and efficiency of the Department;
(2) To carry out strictly the enforcement of the rules and regulations of the Department and be able to suspend or remove from service any officer or firefighter for cause in such manner as is provided in these regulations;
(3) To exercise supreme command over the Department at fires and over all equipment belonging to it;
(4) To cause to be extinguished all fires with the least possible danger to life and property and prevent unnecessary damage by water at fires;
(5) To observe the general condition of the Department and apparatus and make a monthly report of the activities of the Department;
(6) To see that the premises on which fires occur are left in such condition that they will not rekindle and cause further damage to life and property; and
(7) To make a complete investigation of each fire, keeping a record of and determining the cause, amount of loss to building and contents, amount of insurance coverage and insurance paid, number and description of each building destroyed, together with names of owners and occupants.
(C) The Assistant Fire Chief shall rank next to the Chief in authority and take complete charge in the absence of the Chief and perform like duties while so acting. In the presence of the Chief, it shall be the duty of the Assistant Chief in every possible manner to maintain strict discipline and ensure efficient operation of the Department.
(D) All members of the Fire Department shall have an equal vote in all private service matters or matters exclusively within the control of the Department. They shall, on the expiration of the present term of office, designate by election a President, Vice President and Secretary and Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive and account for all moneys earned or belonging to said Department. A business meeting shall be held at the time of the first meeting of said Department each month. The Secretary shall keep a brief record of the activities of the Department and disburse any funds only on the joint signature of the President or Vice President and such Treasurer and in pursuance of authority from the membership.
(E) (1) All firefighters shall, so far as practical, be trained to handle any and all of the fire apparatus, also to act in any capacity in handling first-aid fire appliances. Firefighters leaving the city for some time shall inform the Chief in advance. All firefighters shall respond to all alarms with all possible speed. Appointment of new firefighters into the Fire Department shall be made with the object of improving the efficiency and general excellency and operation of the manpower, taking into consideration ability and physique and age. All members shall reside within the city; and new members shall serve a probation period of not less than six months before permanent appointment. Once appointed, such members shall be secure in their positions during good behavior.
(2) Should any member of the Fire Department be absent from drills or calls for six consecutive weeks during each calendar year, except when the result of disability from sickness or accident, he or she shall be automatically dropped from the roll of members and must apply to the Fire Chief and City Council for reinstatement.
(F) (1) Strict discipline and prompt obedience shall, at all times, be maintained for the purpose of contributing as a necessary factor to the smoothness of operation and efficiency of the Department; and such conduct of firefighters shall, at all times, be of praiseworthy order. When any member is detailed to perform the duties of a higher office than that which he or she officially holds, he or she shall be allowed all the privileges pertaining to that office and shall be obeyed and respected accordingly. Any member who shall refuse or voluntarily neglect to execute any orders from the officer in charge of any fire shall for such offense be subject to suspension or expulsion from the Department by the City Council in such manner and upon such hearing as prescribed in these rules.
(2) The City Council shall hear and determine any charges made against members of the Fire Department for violations of any rules or regulations and for conduct unbecoming to said members. If said Council finds the accused guilty, it may dismiss him or her from service or suspend his or her membership. No member shall be subject to dismissal or suspension for cause except after fair and impartial trial before the Council, upon a verified complaint filed with them. If the membership of the Fire Department shall vote to expel or suspend any member, the result of such vote shall be reported to the Council at its next meeting for final action.
(G) Practice drills shall be held by the Department at least once a month or more often, if necessary. At the conclusion of practice drills on order of the Fire Chief, the company shall return to the fire station with the apparatus and promptly place it in readiness to a fire call.
(H) The members of the City Fire Department shall constitute a separate and individual organization and service unit in said city and shall from time to time adopt bylaws not inconsistent herewith for the regulations of self-government and make rules pertaining to the care and preservation of fire equipment. The violation of any such bylaw or rule promulgated by said body may be deemed grounds for suspension or expulsion.
(I) Nothing in this section shall be construed to infringe upon the jurisdiction of said city to appoint the Chief, and Assistant Chief with approval of the Chief, of such Fire Department, or manage or disburse funds contributed by the city.
(Ord. 522, passed 12-20-1937)