Tehachapi Municipal Code Ch. 2.16 Fire Department

A. A fire department of the city is created and established, to consist of a fire chief, assistant fire chief, and as many officers and firemen as the city council may provide.

B. As used in this chapter, the term "chief engineer" means "fire chief" and the term "assistant chief engineer" means "assistant fire chief."

(Ord. 99-05-647 § 2, 1999; Ord. 83-12-494 § 2, 1983: Ord. 118 § 1, 1939)

The chief engineer and firemen shall be appointed by the city manager and shall hold office at the pleasure of the city manager.

(Ord. 99-05-647 § 3, 1999)

A. The chief engineer shall be the chief executive officer of the fire department, and shall have the following authorities and duties:

1. To have direct control, management and direction of all officers and men of the fire department, and the power to detail any of them to such public service as he may see fit, looking to the best interest and efficiency of the department;

2. To exercise supreme command over the department at fires, and over all equipment belonging to it;

3. To cause to be extinguished all fires with the least possible danger to life and property, and prevent unnecessary damage by water at fires;

4. To make a complete investigation of each fire, keeping a record of and determining the cause, amount of loss to building and contents, amount of insurance coverage and insurance paid, number and description of each building destroyed, together with names of owners and occupants.

B. The assistant chief engineer shall, in the absence of the chief engineer, take complete charge of the fire department, and while so acting shall be invested with the same authorities and duties as the chief engineer.

(Ord. 118 § 4, 1939)

It shall be the duty of all firemen to obey all orders of the officers relating to training, drill, maintenance of equipment, fire-fighting, and salvage work. Upon the sounding of a fire alarm, all firemen shall report for duty at once, and place themselves at the disposal of the officers.

(Ord. 99-05-647 § 1(part), 1999; Ord. 118 § 5, 1939)

The city council shall provide members of the fire department with suitable badges, which shall be worn by the members while on duty.

(Ord. 99-05-647 § 1(part), 1999; Ord. 118 § 7, 1939)

Officers and firemen may be compensated for their services on such terms as may be fixed by the city council.

(Ord. 99-05-647 § 1(part), 1999; Ord. 118 § 6, 1939)