(A) The membership of the Department shall consist of such persons as may be appointed by the Chief and approved by the City Manager. Fire Department personnel shall reside and/or work in the city, or upon approved application reside and/or work within a reasonable distance from the city. All Fire Department personnel must be available by telephone, whether at work or at home, unless said requirement is excused by the Chief. Up to 50% of the Department’s membership, including officers, may reside and/or work outside the city limits.
(B) Any member of the Department may be suspended or discharged from the Department by the Chief at any time it is deemed such action is necessary for the good of the Department. Any fire personnel subject to suspension or discharge has the right to bring an appeal before the City Manager. The City Manager, sitting as the trier of fact, shall have final administrative authority in this regard.
(C) Any member of the Department shall attend at least 60% of all alarms, all drills or gatherings for the purpose of instructions unless absence is caused by sickness or some unavoidable cause and the absence is excused by the Chief.
(D) The rate and manner of compensation for all Fire Department personnel will be determined on an annual basis by the St. Johns City Commission as part of the budget process.
(Ord. 583, passed 10-26-2009; Am. Ord. 620, passed 9-22-2014)