(A) (1) Junior Firefighters must be 16 years of age, with the exception of 14 and 15 year olds who must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is a member of the West Jefferson Fire Department.
(2) Junior Firefighters will be under an evaluation every six months.
(B) Junior Firefighters shall not be permitted to enter a structure fire or be in an immediate hazardous area during an incident.
(C) Junior Firefighters shall not be permitted to drive any fire or rescue apparatus for any reason at any time.
(D) Junior Firefighters can respond to emergency calls, but are not permitted to respond to emergency traffic or display audio or visual warning devices. All North Carolina laws governing the use of motor vehicles on state highways must be obeyed, including all posted limits, stop signs and traffic signals. Any charge of reckless driving or speeding shall be cause for disciplinary action by the officer team or termination from the program.
(E) Junior Firefighters must be enrolled in a high school program or have graduated with a high school diploma or GED.
(F) Junior Firefighters must maintain a grade average of “C” in all subjects in school while enrolled in this program. The assigned duty officer will review report cards. If any subject falls below the required “C” average, the Junior Firefighter is on probation.
(1) Weekly reports from the teacher are required until the grade is returned to the minimum required level, at which point the next issued report card is reviewed.
(2) The Junior Firefighter may reenter the program at the discretion of the assigned duty officer and/or a vote by the officer team.
(3) Two semesters of failing grades will result in termination from the Department until the following year, at which time the candidate can reapply.
(G) Junior Firelighters shall not be permitted to leave school for any fire or rescue call during normal school hours.
(H) Junior Firefighters shall not be permitted at the station after 10:00 p.m. on school nights, or after 12:00 a.m. on non-school nights.
(I) Junior Firefighters shall obey all SOGs (Standard Operating Guidelines), rules and regulations and bylaws that govern the West Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department.
(J) Junior Firefighters must obey the junior member standard set forth by the North Carolina Department of Insurance,
(K) When a Junior Firefighter reaches the age of 18 and has completed all required training, the officer team may recommend the Junior Firefighter for active membership, and then be voted on by the members of the Department.
(L) Any drug, alcohol or other controlled substance use shall not be tolerated. Any Junior Firefighter involved with any of the above offenses will be terminated from the program and ineligible for regular membership. Any conduct determined to be inappropriate for a Junior Firefighter shall be a basis for disciplinary action by the officer team and/or termination from the program.
(M) No loitering at the Fire Department facilities outside regular training, meetings or calls.
(Ord. passed 8-3-2015)