(A) A violation of any ordinance, Board rule, administrative regulation, conviction of a felony, drunkenness or use of illegal narcotics on duty, insubordination, conduct tending to bring the Department into disrespect, misuse of equipment, appropriation of equipment, theft of equipment, abuse of equipment, gross neglect of duty, knowing, willing falsification of records and similar activities shall subject any member of the Department to disciplinary proceedings.
(B) (1) The violation shall be documented by the Chief or an officer and written report given to the Chief, and he or she shall provide a copy of the written allegation to the violator and the Fire Board for review.
(2) The written allegations shall state nature of offense, nature of any disciplinary action taken previously for any reoccurrences of offenses. Disciplinary action may range from oral reprimand to a suspension, demotion or dismissal or a combination of any of the above, depending on:
(a) Seriousness of violation;
(b) Consequences to the safety of others by the violation;
(c) Potential harm to the Department;
(d) Prior record of the individual, reoccurrence of violations; and
(e) Degree of wantonness if any.
(C) Any disciplinary action may be appealed to the Fire Board, who shall affirm, deny or modify the action taken by the Chief. The Fire Board itself may bring charges against any Fire Department personnel. Disciplinary action initiated by the Fire Board shall follow the above procedures, except that the responsibilities designated above to the Chief shall be performed by the Fire Board.
(D) Theft or intentional damage of Fire Department property or theft of any other property at the scene of an emergency shall be cause for immediate dismissal.
(E) Fire Department personnel shall not respond to emergencies, meetings or training sessions while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
(F) Department personnel on workers’ compensation, or medical leave for any reason, will not respond to emergencies until they submit a doctors report and have medical release before reporting for any duty.
(G) Disciplinary action against the Chief shall be instituted by the Fire Board or governing bodies and shall be documented in the same manner as any other offense committed by a member of the Fire Department.
(Ord. 120, passed 10-13-1997)