Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 2.08 Fire Department

For purposes of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the meaning set forth herein, unless the context clearly requires a different construction. If not defined herein, the definitions in chapter 1.04 shall control.

A. Fire chief means the appointed head of the fire department including their designee.

B. Fire department and department mean the city fire department.

C. Fire prevention and life safety program means the prevention of injuries, deaths, business interruption and property damages resulting from fires and accidents.

D. Rules means the comprehensive set of rules, regulations and standard operating guidelines governing the discipline and training of fire department personnel and the operation of the department, as adopted or amended by the city council.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.080; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

The fire department has been created, continued, and shall be maintained as one of the administrative departments of the city for the protection of life and property from the perils of fire, natural or unnatural disaster and to administer the applicable state, county and local laws related to fire protection.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.010; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

The purpose of the fire department is to provide or arrange for the following: fire prevention and suppression services; rescue and emergency medical services; emergency management and disaster preparedness; hazardous materials response; aircraft rescue and firefighting; urban search and rescue; fire safety education; community risk reduction; and any other programs or responses deemed necessary by the city council or the city administrator for the protection of life and property and the preservation of the natural environment within the jurisdiction of the city.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.020; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

The fire department shall be primarily a volunteer organization that may consist of chief officers, captains, engineers, firefighters, reserve firefighters, and support staff as may be required for the day-to-day effective operation of the department. The department shall have paid personnel to support the volunteer core. The paid positions shall consist of a fire chief and such subordinate personnel as identified by the fire chief and approved by the city administrator and city council.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.030; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

A. The fire chief shall be the administrative head of the fire department and shall be appointed by the city council and report to the city administrator. The fire chief shall be technically qualified to serve in this position through a combination of training and experience and shall demonstrate the ability to effectively command personnel and otherwise fulfill the purposes of the department.

B. The fire chief shall be solely responsible for all department functions and shall be vested with the following authority and duties:

1. To have direct control, management and direction of all officers, personnel, firefighters, equipment and facilities for the best interest and efficiency of the department.

2. To make monthly reports to the city council on the activities and status of the department.

3. To make special reports and recommendations to the city council, as needed, to provide them with adequate data and background for the enactment of needed ordinances, resolutions, and budgets to facilitate effective departmental operation.

4. To enforce the rules of the department as adopted and to suspend or remove from service any officer, firefighter or other member of the department for cause in such manner as is provided therein.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.040; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

The city's human resources department shall be responsible for conducting recruitments for all vacant paid and volunteer fire department positions. After a suitable examination process, the fire chief shall appoint personnel as needed to properly operate the department. All department personnel shall be directly accountable to the fire chief or their designee.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.050; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

A. The fire chief and human resources director shall create a comprehensive set of rules, regulations and standard operating guidelines governing the discipline and training of fire department personnel and the operation of the department. The department rules shall not conflict with state or local law or other city rules, regulations or policies.

B. The department rules or amendments thereto shall become effective upon approval by the city council.

C. The fire chief shall be responsible for administering and applying said rules and making recommendations regarding potential amendments as may be needed.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.060; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)

The fire department shall coordinate and manage the fire prevention program through plan review, inspection services, community relations, and public education.

(Code 1985, § 2.08.070; Ord. No. 571, § 2, 4-12-2021)