The fire chief shall be responsible and have under his direction, control and supervision the continual maintenance and operation of all fire department equipment. He shall have the duty of directing the fire department personnel in the extinguishing of fires and protection of life and property within the city and elsewhere when so authorized. He may divide the city into fire districts and make such rules and regulations, subject to the approval of the city council, for the government of all officers and members of the department as he may deem expedient. He may make suitable regulations under which the officers and members of the department shall be required to wear an appropriate uniform or badge, by which, in case of fire and at other times, their authority and position in the fire department may be known. The chief shall have sole and entire command over all officers and members of the department at fires. He shall adopt such measures as he shall deem expedient for the extinguishment of fires, the protection of property, the preservation of order, the observance of the laws of the state and the duties required of him by law and the ordinances of the city. It shall be the duty of the chief of the fire department to examine the condition of all houses and to inspect engines, hoses and hook and ladder equipment of the city fire department, and to ensure said equipment is in proper working order. (1989 Code § 12-1-3, 11-20-1990; amd. 1997 Code)