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The purpose of the city's volunteer fire department is to comply with state law in providing for a uniform system of fire protection for the lives and property of the people of the city. The term "volunteer firefighter" shall mean one who is enrolled as a member of the fire department of the city and who serves in that capacity without receiving a regular salary. The size of the volunteer fire department of the city shall be composed of not less than twelve (12) nor more than twenty five (25) members. (Ord. 09-02-17, 2-24-2009)
A. Department Officers: Department officers shall be selected by the chief based upon the following criteria:
1. Knowledge of firefighting;
2. Leadership ability;
3. Knowledge of firefighting equipment. (1989 Code § 13-204; amd. 2002 Code)
B. New Members; Residency: New members of the department shall be appointed by the chief. Employees of the fire department and volunteer firefighters shall reside within a five (5) mile radius of the Sayre fire station; except that not more than twenty five percent (25%) of the volunteer firefighters may live outside said five (5) mile radius.
C. Probation: All new members shall be on probation for one year after their appointment.
D. Approval: New volunteer members upon completion of their probation period must be approved by the majority of the fire department. (Ord. 09-02-17, 2-24-2009)
A. Fire Chief: The chief shall be at the head of the department, subject to the laws of the state, ordinances of the city, and the rules and regulations adopted in this chapter. The chief shall have the following powers and duties:
1. The chief shall be responsible for the general condition and efficient operation of the department, the training of members, and the performance of all other duties imposed upon him;
2. The chief may inspect or cause to be inspected by members of the department, the fire hydrants, cistern and other sources of water supply at least twice each year;
3. The chief shall maintain a library or file of publications on fire prevention and fire protection and shall make use of it to the best advantage of all members;
4. The chief shall make every effort to attend all fires and direct the officers and members in the performance of their duties;
5. The chief shall see that the citizens are kept informed on fire hazards in the community and on the activities of the department;
6. The chief shall see that each fire is carefully investigated to determine its cause, and in the case of suspicion of incendiarism shall notify proper authorities and secure and preserve all possible evidence for future use in the case;
7. The chief is authorized to enter any building or premises in the city at any reasonable hour for the purpose of making inspections and to serve written notice on persons for any violations that may be found;
8. The chief shall see that complete records are kept of all fires, inspections, apparatus and equipment, personnel and other information of the department and shall make reports to the city's business manager as he may require; (1989 Code § 13-202)
9. The chief shall file the appropriate activity report forms with the office of the state fire marshal in Oklahoma City on an annual basis. The activity report forms shall be designed by the state fire marshal and shall include, but not be limited to, the amount of property and vehicle fire loss, types of fires, inspections and investigations. The report shall include notification of all fire related civilian deaths and injuries in the respective jurisdiction and of firefighter deaths in the line of duty and of firefighter injuries in the line of duty requiring the services of a hospital or physician or both; and
10. The chief shall be responsible for implementation of safety requirements for the city of Sayre and all other duties as directed by the city manager. (Ord. 09-02-17, 2-24-2009)
B. Assistant Chief: In the absence of the chief, the assistant chief on duty shall command the department and be held responsible therefor in all respects with the full powers and responsibilities of the chief. (1989 Code § 13-203)
C. Secretary-Treasurer: One member elected by the members of the fire department shall be a secretary-treasurer. His duties shall consist of the following:
1. Calling the roll at the opening of each meeting;
2. Keeping the minutes of each meeting; and
3. Collecting any money due the department by the members. (1989 Code § 13-205)
D. Company Officers: The company officers shall be selected upon their: 1) knowledge of firefighting, 2) leadership ability, and 3) knowledge of firefighting equipment. (Ord. 09-02-17, 2-24-2009)
The bylaws of the department shall include the following:
A. Respond To Alarms: All volunteer fire department members are required, when notified, to respond to alarms of fire and other emergencies;
B. Attendance At Meetings: A member is required to be present at all regular meetings, called meetings and schools presented for the benefit of the firefighters;
C. Monthly Business Meeting: At least one regular business meeting of the members shall be held each month;
D. Absences: Any member having two (2) unexcused absences in succession or three (3) unexcused absences in a period of three (3) months will be dropped from the fire department rolls;
E. Leaving City For Extended Period: Any member leaving the city for an extended period of time is required to notify the chief;
F. Training Classes: Any member refusing to attend training classes provided for members of the department will be dropped; and
G. Offenses: Any member of the fire department may be dropped from the rolls for the following offenses:
1. Conduct unbecoming a firefighter;
2. Any act of insubordination;
3. Neglect of duty;
4. Any violation of rules and regulations governing the fire department;
5. Conviction of a felony; or (1989 Code § 13-207)
6. By majority vote of the members of the department and approval of the city council. (1989 Code § 13-207; amd. 2002 Code)
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