Chapter 8.160 — VOLUNTEER RESERVE FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM

The board of supervisors finds that:

A.

The county is committed to providing the highest level of emergency services for fire prevention, fire suppression, medical emergency and specialized rescue and hazardous materials response in order to reduce losses of life and property.

B.

An effective way to ensure its commitment is fulfilled is to establish and maintain a volunteer reserve firefighter program to assist the fire department when needed.

C.

The program would provide opportunities for personal growth and education as well as promote community service.

(Ord. No. 904, § 1, 12-7-2010)

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a volunteer reserve firefighter program to assist the fire department in its mission and operations.

(Ord. No. 904, § 2, 12-7-2010)

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the board of supervisors' general police power found in Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution to establish programs that promote the general health, safety and

welfare of the residents of the county.

(Ord. No. 904, § 3, 12-7-2010)

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

A.

"Board." The Board of Supervisors of the County of Riverside.

B.

"County." The County of Riverside.

C.

"Fire chief." A person appointed by the board to manage and direct the fire department.

D.

"Fire department." The Riverside County Fire Department.

E.

"Program." The Riverside County Volunteer Reserve Firefighter Program.

F.

"Volunteer reserve firefighter." A person who has been selected to the program as a volunteer and shall not be deemed an employee of the County of Riverside.

(Ord. No. 904, § 4, 12-7-2010)

A volunteer reserve firefighter program is hereby established composed of persons selected by the fire chief, or his/her designee.

(Ord. No. 904, § 5, 12-7-2010)

The management and control of the program shall be vested in the fire chief. To facilitate organization and maintain efficient administration of the program, the fire chief may create or disband general and special units of the program as he deems necessary and appropriate. The fire chief may diminish or expand the size of the program as he deems necessary and appropriate. The fire chief may establish a volunteer reserve firefighter program manual to govern the program.

(Ord. No. 904, § 6, 12-7-2010)

Any person interested in serving the County of Riverside as a volunteer reserve firefighter shall follow the procedures set forth in a policy manual created by the fire department. No person shall be considered a volunteer reserve firefighter solely by virtue of his or her membership in any volunteer fire company as defined in Riverside County Ordinance No. 903 [Chapter 8.156].

(Ord. No. 904, § 7, 12-7-2010)

The necessary uniforms and equipment and the proper use thereof shall be prescribed by the fire chief.

(Ord. No. 904, § 8, 12-7-2010)

An identification card, and/or such other insignia or evidence of identification may be issued, as the fire chief may prescribe and shall remain the property of the county.

(Ord. No. 904, § 9, 12-7-2010)

Any volunteer reserve firefighter shall serve at the will of the fire chief and may be separated from the program at any time without cause. Any volunteer reserve firefighter may resign from the program at any time upon notice to the fire chief. All equipment and identification issued shall be surrendered immediately upon separation or resignation.

(Ord. No. 904, § 10, 12-7-2010)

Any person, other than a volunteer reserve firefighter, who willfully wears, exhibits, or uses the issued identification card, badge or insignia, with the intent of fraudulently personating, of fraudulently inducing the belief that he or she is an authorized representative of the fire department, or in any manner fraudulently representing himself or herself to be connected with the program or the fire department, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or both.

(Ord. No. 904, § 11, 12-7-2010)

Violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor and may be prosecuted by county authorities in the name of the people of the State of California, or redressed by civil action. The penalties herein are in addition to any other remedies provided by law and the payment of any penalty herein shall not relieve a person of the obligation to correct the violation.

(Ord. No. 904, § 12, 12-7-2010)