Chapter 2.20 — FIRE DEPARTMENT

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings relatively ascribed to them as follows:

"Chief" means the administrator of the fire department.

"City manager" means the city manager of the city.

"Fire department" means the city fire department. (Prior code § 9-1)

There is established a fire department for the city to be known as the Manteca fire department. (Prior code § 9-2)

The fire department shall consist of a paid chief, who shall be in charge of the fire department and such other paid officers and men as the chief, with the approval of the city manager, may deem necessary for the effective operation of the fire department. (Prior code § 9-3)

The chief of the fire department shall be appointed by the city manager. Employment of the chief may be terminated by the city manager. (Prior code § 9-4; Ord. O2023-14 § 1)

The compensation and terms of the employment of the chief shall be fixed from time to time by the city of Manteca rules and regulations.

(Prior code § 9-5; Ord. O2023-14 § 1)

The chief shall be accountable to the city manager and shall make such written and verbal reports to him or her as he or she may require. (Prior code § 9-6)

All other fire department officers and men shall be accountable to the chief. (Prior code § 9-7)

The chief shall formulate a set of rules and regulations to govern the fire department. The chief shall be responsible to the city manager for the personnel, morale, and general efficiency of the fire department.

(Prior code § 9-8)

The chief, with the approval of the city manager, shall determine the number and kind of companies of which the fire department is to be composed. (Prior code § 9-9)

The chief shall determine the response of fire companies to alarms. (Prior code § 9-10)

The chief shall appoint a training officer to conduct all suitable training and drills in all subjects generally considered essential to the protection and safety of life and property from fire and explosion.

(Prior code § 9-11)

The chief shall assist the proper authorities in suppressing the crime of arson by investigating or causing to be investigated the cause, origin and circumstances of all fires. (Prior code § 9-12)

Any person served with a notice to abate any fire hazard or hazards shall comply therewith and promptly notify the fire department of same. (Prior code § 9-13)

The chief shall see that complete records are kept of all fires, inspections, apparatus and minor equipment, personnel and other information about the work of the fire department. (Prior code § 9-14)

The chief shall report monthly to the city manager the condition of the apparatus and equipment; the number of fires during the month, their location and cause, the date of the same and loss occasioned thereby; the number and purpose of all other runs made; and the number of members responding to each fire or other incident changes in membership. (Prior code § 9-15)

The chief shall make a complete annual report to the city manager each year, such report is to include the information specified in Section 2.20.150 together with comparative date from previous years and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the fire department. (Prior code § 9-16)

The membership of the fire department shall consist of such persons as may be appointed by the fire chief.

(Prior code § 9-17)

Any member of the fire department may be suspended or discharged from the department by the fire chief at any time he or she may deem such action necessary for the good of the fire department.

(Prior code § 9-18)

Each member of the fire department shall be issued a badge designating his or her rank. (Prior code § 9-19)

The fire department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment as may be required from time to time to maintain its efficiency and properly protect life and property from fire and explosion.

(Prior code § 9-21)

Recommendations of apparatus and equipment needed shall be made by the chief with the approval of the city manager. (Prior code § 9-22)

All equipment of the fire department shall be safely and conveniently house in such places as may be designated by the chief.

(Prior code § 9-23)

No person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private purpose, nor shall any person wilfully and without proper authority take away or conceal any articles used in any way by the fire department.

(Prior code § 9-24)

No person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed or handle any apparatus or equipment belonging to the fire department unless accompanied by, or having the special permission of, an officer or authorized member of the fire department. (Prior code § 9-25)

All regular full-time paid members of the fire department are given the necessary special police powers for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this code. (Prior code § 9-26)