(A) The Fire Prevention Bureau and Romeoville Fire Department investigators shall investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of every fire occurring in the village including the areas protected by the Lockport Township Fire Protection District by which property has been destroyed or damaged and, so far as possible, shall determine whether the fire is the result of carelessness or design. The investigations shall begin immediately on occurrence of a fire, by the investigator in whose response area the fire occurs. If it appears to the officer conducting the investigation that the fire is of suspicious origin, the Fire Chief and Fire Marshal shall immediately be notified of the fact. He or she shall take charge immediately of the physical evidence, shall notify the proper authorities designated by law to pursue the investigation of such matters, and shall further cooperate with the authorities in the collection of evidence and prosecution of the case.
(B) Every fire that occurs in any area of the village shall be reported in writing to the Fire Prevention Bureau within two days after the occurrence of the same, by the officer in whose jurisdiction the fire has occurred. The report shall be in such forms as shall be prescribed by the Fire Chief and shall contain a statement of all facts relating to the cause, origin and circumstances of the fire, the extent of the damage, and the insurance on the property, and any other information as may be required.
(C) Establishment of the position of peace officer within the Romeoville Fire Department, as permitted by and in accordance with the provisions of 20 ILCS 2910/1, 50 ILCS 705/1 et seq. and 50 ILCS 710/0.01 et seq.
(1) There is hereby created within the Village Fire Department the position of arson investigator and said position shall be classified as a peace officer under the Laws of the State of Illinois.
(2) The arson investigator shall be named by the Chief of the Fire Department and shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Be a full-time sworn member for the Village Fire Department.
(b) Be a certified firefighter III/ advanced firefighter with the State of Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office, Division of Personnel Standards and Education.
(c) Be certified an arson investigator by the State of Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office, Division of Personnel Standards and Education and maintain training standards and continuing education as required.
(d) Be certified under a training program offered or approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board which complies substantially to standards promulgated to the Illinois Police Training Act, 50 ILCS 705/1 et seq., an Act in relation to firearms training for peace officers, 50 ILCS 710/0.01 et seq.
(D) The arson investigator shall have the following duties and powers:
(1) To investigate, at the direction of the Chief of the Fire Department or designee, all fires having an unknown cause and origin or otherwise being suspicious in nature;
(2) To determine the cause, origin and circumstances of such fires or explosions that are suspected to be arson or arson related crimes;
(3) To effectuate arrests when there exists probable cause to do so;
(4) To apply for and secure search warrants for arrests and searches;
(5) To execute search warrants and seize such evidence described in the search warrant;
(6) To carry weapons as may be necessary at all times, in accordance with this chapter and Illinois Compiled Statute, 20 ILCS 2910/1; and
(7) To perform all other necessary and reasonable actions as directed by the Chief of the Fire Department.
(E) The arson investigator shall be considered a member of the Village Fire Department and shall, in addition to duties imposed by sections of this chapter, discharge the duties of firefighter or be assigned member of the Fire Prevention Bureau.
(Ord. 05-0251, passed 3-16-05; Am. Ord. 11-0923, passed 9-21-11; Am. Ord. 11-0935, passed 11-2-11; Am. Ord. 12-1016, passed 11-7-12; Am. Ord. 17-1347, passed 3-1-17; Am. Ord. 22-1811, passed 12-7-22)