(A) The Township Board shall hire/appoint a Chief who shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the Department. The Chief shall be accountable to the Township Board for the efficient and effective operation of the Department and for the Department’s compliance with all state laws, township ordinances, and policies. The Chief shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.
(B) The Chief shall recommend, subject to Township Board approval, the appointment of an Assistant Chief, captains, lieutenants, engineers (drivers), and firefighters as may be deemed necessary. The Chief shall develop written administrative rules to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department, including pre-planning and post-incident critiques, regulations, and assignment and scheduling of personnel, and shall plan for the long range needs of the Department.
(C) The Chief shall review all personnel and operating problems with, and shall report monthly to, the Township Board. A written report shall be filed annually with the Township Board. As needed, the Chief shall notify the Township Supervisor of major problems or issues that require Board action, when such problems must be resolved immediately and it is impractical or will endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the township to wait until the next Board meeting to resolve the issue, the Township Supervisor shall be empowered to resolve the issue or problem, subject to the subsequent approval of the Board.
(D) The Chief shall hold regular Department informational and training meetings. The Chief may incur expenditures against the Department budget as appropriated by the Township Board. The Chief will monitor the unencumbered balances remaining in the Department budget and shall make timely recommendations for budget amendments at such time as the need for such amendments become known. The Department’s expenditures shall not exceed the amounts appropriated. Capital outlay purchases that exceed $500 shall conform to township policy regarding written/verbal quotes and competitive bidding.
(E) The Chief shall also be responsible for the following:
(1) Supervise the extinguishment of all fires that endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the township;
(2) Enforce township fire ordinances or fire prevention codes;
(3) Ensure that all personnel are trained and qualified for the duties that they are expected to fulfill;
(4) Ensure that fire inspection and community fire prevention programs are conducted;
(5) Ensure that all equipment and buildings are properly maintained and in good working order; and
(6) Ensure that all Department personnel comply with Departmental and Board rules, regulations, and policies.
(Ord. 21, passed 1-16-1992)