Gilroy Municipal Code Art. IX Department of Fire

The department of fire is hereby created.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

The department of fire shall be under the direct supervision of the fire chief, or if management is merged with that of the department of police by council resolution then a public safety director, who shall be appointed by the city administrator, with the consent of the council.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

In all cases where the duty is not expressly charged to any other department or office, it shall be the duty of the fire chief or public safety director to protect life and property by preventing and eliminating fires hazards and by controlling and extinguishing fires, providing emergency medical services and those other services needed to protect the lives and property of the community. It shall be the duty of the fire chief or public safety director to manage the functions of the department of fire.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

The department of fire shall perform the following functions:

(a) Fire Protection and Emergency Response. Responsibilities and duties:

(1) Fire Extinguishment. Extinguish all fires and protect persons, property and the environment from fire or related emergencies.

(2) Rescue. Provide emergency rescue services to remove the public from entrapments and associated harm.

(3) Emergency Medical Services. Provide emergency response to protect the public due to medical related emergencies.

(4) Other Emergency Response Activities. Respond to other emergencies, such as hazardous material incidents, earthquakes, etc., to protect the public, property and environment.

(5) Enforce Laws. Enforce all laws and ordinances relating to the prevention and extinguishing of fires;

(6) Investigation. Investigate and report to the department of police in all cases where there is reason to believe that any fire or other emergency is the result of a crime or that a crime is committed in connection therewith;

(7) Maintain Equipment. Maintain in efficient, operable condition the fire fighting equipment and fire prevention systems and facilities assigned to the department of fire.

(b) Fire Prevention. Administer and enforce all ordinances and codes pertaining to:

(1) Inspection of Buildings. Inspect buildings for fire safety, maintenance of means of egress, and conduct school fire drills;

(2) Fire Prevention. Make frequent inspections of all property within the city, for the maintenance of fire protection and elimination of fire hazards on land, in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction. Review and inspect the installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire-extinguishing equipment;

(3) Abatement. Cause the abatement or removal of fire hazardous buildings, litter, junk, uncultivated weeds and shrubs and other hazardous conditions;

(4) Hazardous Materials. Regulate the use, handling and storage of hazardous materials and waste in the city. Investigate unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.

(c) Training. This shall be under the supervision of the fire chief or public safety director who shall promote the proficiency of the department’s members by the administration of training, study and physical conditioning programs.

(d) Volunteer Personnel. They shall be under the supervision of the fire chief or public safety director. These personnel shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the fire department insofar as they are in conformance with the provisions of the Charter, ordinances and rules and regulations adopted by the council. The following shall be the responsibility and duty of the fire chief or public safety director:

(1) Recruiting. Recruit such volunteers and auxiliary personnel as may reasonably be required to augment regular department of fire personnel.

(2) Training. Develop such courses of training so as to develop the efficiency and abilities of the volunteer firefighters so that they are of assistance to the department of fire in the event of emergency.

(e) Records. It shall be the responsibility and duty of the fire chief or public safety director to keep standard records of inspections, fires, fire losses and all other activities of the department and submit quarterly reports thereof to the city administrator.

(f) Divisions and Command Staff.

(1) Field Operations Division. The chief of this division will develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, develop and administer a budget, direct associated departmental activities including personnel, fire suppression, rescue and special operations, emergency preparedness, communications, fire investigation and prevention activities, fire station and apparatus maintenance, supervise the emergency response and operational readiness of a platoon of personnel as assigned, and may assume command of the department of fire in the absence of the fire chief.

(2) Training and Education Division. The chief of this division will develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, develop and administer a budget, direct associated departmental activities including personnel, department safety program, recruitment and promotional activities, probationary testing certification, employee physical fitness and wellness, manage the department training and public education program, coordinate training activities, paid-call firefighter and volunteer programs, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection, supervise the emergency response and operational readiness of a platoon of personnel as assigned, and may assume command of the department of fire in the absence of the fire chief.

(3) Emergency Medical Services Division. The chief of this division will develop and implement division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, develop and administer a budget, direct associated departmental activities including personnel, manage the paramedic and EMS programs, EMS patient transport operations, EMS contract compliance and reporting, EMS training, testing, and certification, EMS equipment and supplies, public access defibrillation program, supervise the emergency response and operational readiness of a platoon of personnel as assigned, and may assume command of the department of fire in the absence of the fire chief.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

§ 2.71. through § 2.74. (Reserved)