A. Functions: The fire department shall be responsible throughout the city for the protection of life and property from damage or loss due to fire, disaster or medical emergency through measures, including, but not limited to:
1. The development and administration of public education and fire prevention programs;
2. Fire and life safety inspection of buildings and approval of proposed building plans;
3. Enforcement of the fire code as adopted under title 16, chapter 2 of this code;
4. Fire suppression;
5. Emergency medical services including first responder basic life support, paramedic advanced life support and ambulance transport services;
6. Investigation of all fires and determination of cause and origin;
7. Hazardous materials code inspections and hazardous materials release response; and
8. Such other duties as assigned.
B. Chief; Duties: The chief of the fire department shall be the appointing power and have command over all officers, members and employees of the department. It shall be the duty of the chief of the fire department, subject to the approval of the mayor, to make and adopt such rules and regulations for the administration and operation of the department as, in the chief's judgment, shall be necessary for the good of the service. Within existing budgetary limitations, the chief may appoint deputy chiefs, with the approval of the chief administrative officer.
C. Fire Prevention Division: A fire prevention division is established within the fire department under the direction of the chief, which shall consist of such fire department personnel as may be assigned thereto by the chief.
1. The function of this division shall be to assist the chief in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the fire code as adopted under title 16, chapter 2 of this code.
2. The chief may designate a member of the fire department to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the fire marshal. The city fire marshal shall be the chief's duly authorized representative to administer the fire code. The city fire marshal shall make recommendations to the city council with regard to the adoption of ordinances to prohibit or limit the use of open flames, open fires, and the ignition of fireworks within the city limits when hazardous environmental conditions exist.
3. The chief of the fire department may designate such number of inspectors as shall from time to time be necessary. The fire marshal and all designated inspectors within the fire prevention division shall operate under the management and direction of the fire chief.
(Ord. 2013-28, 6-18-2013)