Rialto Municipal Code Ch. 2.34 Fire Department

Footnotes:

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For statutory provisions authorizing cities to provide for fire protection, see Gov. Code § 38600 et seq.

There is created and established a fire department to be known as the city fire department.

(1965 code Title IX, Ch. 1, § 1)

The fire department is a department within the framework of the city's administrative organization and is governed by state and federal laws pertaining thereto and the ordinances, policies and procedures established by the city council.

(1965 code Title IX, Ch. 1, § 2)

There is a chief of the fire department who is subject to the general supervision of the city administrator and with the approval of the city council, solely responsible for the management and conduct of the department.

(1965 code Title IX, Ch. 1, § 3)

The duties of the fire chief include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. To formulate and recommend policies and procedures pertaining to the enforcement of rules and regulations for the government and operation of the fire department and pertaining to the prevention and control of fires; to administer such policies and procedures when approved and to conduct such activities for the city;

B. To be responsible for the prevention of fires, the protection of life and property against fires and removal of fire hazards;

C. To be responsible for rendering emergency services for which the department is equipped;

D. To be responsible for the construction, maintenance and repair of all fire alarm facilities;

E. To be responsible for inspecting business and other premises for fire hazards, and for enforcement of the fire prevention code. In addition, he/she conducts education fire prevention programs;

F. To operate and be in charge of such equipment as is necessary for the fulfillment of his/her function;

G. To coordinate the activities of the fire department with the activities of the various other city departments and governmental and civic groups;

H. To carry out such other affairs and assignments as he/she is assigned by the city council by resolution, or to carry out other functions as described of the fire chief in other provisions of this code;

I. To be responsible for the general supervision and administration of the fire safety division.

(Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: Ord. 780, 1979; 1965 code Title IX, Ch. 1, § 4)

In addition to the fire chief, the fire department consists of such other persons as the city council may from time to time prescribe.

(Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: 1965 code Title IX, Ch. 1, § 5)

A. The purpose of the provisions in Sections 2.34.061 through 2.34.069 is to establish a group of people who are interested in participating in fire service activities, and who would be available to assist in combatting emergencies under the direction of the fire department.

B. The people selected would not only be an additional manpower pool to utilize during emergencies, beyond the regular staffing commitments of the fire department, but the fire department may fill vacancies by hiring additional personnel from the ranks of eligible reserve firefighter candidates. In this way, new firefighters will have had some Rialto fire department training, and also work evaluations could be possible prior to hiring as a paid firefighter.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

*Editor's note—Section 2.34.060 was replaced by Ord. 691 with Sections 2.34.061 through 2.34.069.

A. The reserve force shall be maintained at a maximum active force of twenty-one, of which a maximum of six Level I reserve firefighters shall be allowed at any one time.

B. Training shall be geared according to the level (Level I or Level II).

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. Members of the reserve force shall participate in regularly scheduled training sessions, during their tours of duty, along with the fill-time, paid firefighters.

B. Training shall be conducted by the RFD training cadre, including but not limited to, the reserve firefighter training captain and other shift fire captains, and the shift battalion chiefs, at monthly meetings and during scheduled tours of duty.

C. Training shall cover all phases of fire suppression, hazardous materials response, emergency medical care, fire technology, and fire prevention.

D. Participation in the reserve firefighter program shall require attendance at monthly training sessions of a minimum four hours duration each.

E. The reserve firefighter shall be required to spend one hour per tour of duty, at a minimum, performing self-study of fire department-related topics.

F. Each reserve firefighter shall receive regularly scheduled performance evaluations. Unsatisfactory performance on two or more performance evaluations shall be cause for dismissal from the program.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. The reserve firefighter shall work a minimum of one twenty-four-hour tour of duty per month.

B. The reserve firefighter shall work directly with the permanent firefighters, under the direct supervision of the fire captain to which they have been assigned, to respond to alarms, protect life and property endangered by fire or other threats, maintain equipment for response, maintain stations and living quarters, and perform related work, as required.

C. The reserve firefighter, Level I, shall not have rank and shall not receive a badge. The reserve firefighter, Level II, shall have the rank of "reserve firefighter," and receive a badge indicating that they are members who differ from regular, paid firefighters insofar as the badge shall state "reserve firefighter." The only officers in the program shall be the paid officers in the fire department.

D. The reserve firefighter force shall not be utilized to satisfy the regular staffing commitments of the fire department.

E. The reserve firefighter shall not be eligible to certify in the Rialto fire department's certified driver program, nor shall they be allowed to operate fire department emergency response vehicles.

F. The reserve firefighter shall not be eligible to certify in the Rialto fire department's company officer certification program, nor shall they be allowed to function as acting captains.

G. The reserve firefighter shall not be eligible to act in any position other than reserve firefighter.

H. The reserve firefighter shall be afforded the same courtesies of paid personnel when performing tours of duty, during training sessions, or whenever their services are required.

I. The reserve firefighter shall satisfactorily complete the manual of performance issued to them, according to schedule, to remain in the reserve firefighter program.

J. The reserve firefighter position shall be a voluntary position, and the reserve firefighter shall not receive compensation for any work performed or time served in this position.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. Fire department rules and regulations shall prevail.

B. Copies of the Rialto fire department manual of operations, as well as city of Rialto personnel rules, shall be available for reserve firefighters, at all city of Rialto fire stations.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. The fire department shall supply the reserve firefighter with a complete set of protective equipment at the time of assignment to their company. This equipment shall be issued to the reserve firefighter and a record of this shall be kept by the fire department.

B. The protective clothing provided by state law for professional firefighters shall also be provided for reserve firefighters.

This shall include gloves, goggles, helmet with shield, and rubber boots for the Level I reserve firefighter.

This shall include turn-out pants and coat, helmet with shield, gloves, goggles, rubber boots, hood, brush jacket and pants, and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask for the Level II reserve firefighter.

C. Upon termination from the fire department, the reserve firefighter shall return, to the fire department, all equipment issued to them.

D. Standard dress at training sessions shall be all protective clothing and equipment issued to each reserve firefighter, unless directed otherwise by the reserve firefighter training captain, or designee.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A complete physical examination, provided by the city and performed by a licensed, qualified physician, shall be required prior to hiring as a reserve firefighter. A complete physical examination is also required for a full-time employee prior to hiring. Reserve firefighters do essentially the same work as paid, full-time firefighters when it comes to fire suppression and other related duties, and it is extremely important that they meet the same physical standards of the fire department.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. The reserve firefighter shall be at least eighteen years of age at the time of hiring.

B. The reserve firefighter shall possess a valid state of California driver's license.

C. The Level II reserve firefighter shall possess a valid state of California emergency medical technician -1A (ambulance) certificate, or a valid San Bernardino County EMT - paramedic certificate. Recertification of either certificates shall be within the ICEMA region of San Bernardino County.

D. The reserve firefighter candidate shall pass a physical agility examination and a candidate's evaluation board (oral examination) to qualify for the position of reserve firefighter.

E. The reserve firefighter shall satisfactorily pass a standard, in-hire background investigation, conducted by a member of the fire department.

F. A reserve firefighter may be in the position of Level I reserve firefighter for a maximum of two years, and a maximum of seven years in the position of reserve firefighter, Levels I and II inclusive.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. Recall of reserve firefighters for emergencies shall be directed by the fire chief, or a designated representative.

B. Reserve firefighters may be required to remain on duty, with their assigned fire company, for as long as may be necessary to protect life and property from fire or other threats.

C. Special stand-by during holidays, hazardous fire weather, or times of extreme emergency may require the services of the reserve firefighter, along with their assigned fire company, for an indefinite period of time.

D. Reserve firefighters shall not be utilized to satisfy the minimum regular staffing commitments of the Rialto fire department.

(Ord. 1290 (part), 1999: Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: Ord. 691 (part), 1976)

A. In addition to the performance of their regular and ordinary duties, it is the duty of all firefighters, at all times, and under all circumstances, to go to the aid of all persons or animals in distress or danger and render them such help and assistance as lies within their power.

B. In case any firefighter is injured while rendering such additional services as aforementioned, he/she is deemed to be injured in the course of his/her employment and is entitled to worker's compensation therefor, as provided by law.

(Ord. 1234 (part), 1995: 1965 code Title IX, Ch. 1, § 7)