(a) The Fire Department shall be composed of not less than twenty active members, and as many excessive of twenty as may be deemed necessary for the adequate protection of the community.
(b) The active membership of the Department shall consist of such persons as may be appointed by the Chief, or by the Fire Department with the approval of the Chief, and shall be able bodied residents residing within the City, who can read and write the English language understandingly, and who are of good moral character, preferably property owners whose business activities are chiefly within the confines of the City, and who have telephones in their homes.
(c) Any member of the Department may be suspended or discharged from the Department by the Chief at any time he may deem such action necessary for the good of the Department. (1972 Code §7-1-7)