(A) The director may, at any time, appoint or authorize the appointment of volunteer citizens to augment the personnel of the department in time of civil emergency. The volunteer citizens, along with other volunteer agencies, shall be enrolled as civil emergency forces in cooperation with the heads of the county departments affected, and they shall be subject to the rules and regulations set forth by the director for the volunteers. All agencies, departments and organizations enrolled as official civil emergency forces shall have an assignment in the emergency operations plan. Areas of responsibility will be assigned by the director to best meet the emergency needs of the citizens of the county or to mitigate emergency situations. No groups, organizations or individuals are to be official emergency forces except as provided for in this code.
(B) The director may appoint volunteer citizens or groups to form and assemble the personnel of a civil emergency service for which the county has no counterpart. He or she may also appoint volunteer citizens or citizens groups, such as the American Red Cross, as public shelter managers who, when directed by the director, shall open public shelters and take charge of all stocks of food, water and other supplies and equipment stored in the shelter, admit the public according to the community shelter plan and take whatever control measures necessary for the protection and safety of the occupants.
(C) The county’s office of emergency management will be responsible for all search, rescue and recovery operations. The director will develop plans for the efficient utilization of manpower and equipment for search, rescue and recovery operations and will direct the activities of all emergency forces engaged in these activities.
(D) The county manager shall approve policies for the operation of rescue services within the county. These policies shall be adhered to by all groups or individuals who engage in these activities as defined herein. The county manager may require civil emergency forces to enter into a written memorandum of understanding to clarify roles and responsibilities.
(‘77 Code, § 6-9) (Ord. 1996, passed 5-6-96)