(A) Eligibility: Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older, and having a high school diploma or equivalent, and successfully passes a background check and screening by the Business Manager and administrative officers, is eligible for appointment to the Fire Department.
(B) Application: Any individual that desires to become a member of the Fire Department shall submit a written application for membership with the Business Manager of the Fire Department. The Business Manager shall send the application to the North Pekin Police Department for a background check. The Business Manager and administrative officers shall screen all prospective members of the Fire Department.
(C) Appointment: The Business Manager shall report all applications for membership at the next regular business meeting. Applicants for membership that have passed the background check shall be voted upon at a regular business meeting of the Fire Department by secret ballot, and if accepted by three-fourths (3/4) vote, such applicant shall be placed on a ninety (90) day trial period. Following the trial period, the applicant shall be given an entrance examination by the Fire Officers of the Fire Department. If all requirements are achieved and the applicant is recommended by the Fire Officers, and approved and appointed by the Village Board, the applicant shall be admitted to full membership in the department.
(D) Approval Of Village Board: The Village Board shall have the final approval of any applicant. All members of the Fire Department are hereby declared to be Village officers.
(E) Probationary Period: All members of the Fire Department are subject to probationary period(s) with the Fire Department. The provisions of the North Pekin Fire Department bylaws regarding probationary period(s) are adopted and incorporated herein by reference.
(F) Training: All members of the Fire Department are required to undergo training as required by the Fire Department. The provisions of the North Pekin Fire Department bylaws regarding training are adopted and incorporated herein by reference.
(G) Removal: Any member may be removed from active duty at the discretion of the Fire Chief. Any member who has been removed from active duty shall have their membership reviewed by the Village Board. Any member may be removed from the Fire Department if such removal is deemed to be in the best interest of the Village by a majority of the Village Board.
(H) Number Of Members: The Fire Department shall consist of not more than fifty (50) members. (Ord. 965, 2-24-2014)