Victorville Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 City of Victorville Fire Department

There shall exist in the city a fire department, the purpose of which shall be to provide or arrange for: fire prevention and suppression services; rescue and emergency medical services; emergency management and disaster preparedness; hazardous materials response; urban search and rescue; fire safety education; community risk reduction; and any other programs or response deemed necessary for the protection of life, environmental preservation, and the protection of property within the jurisdiction of, and/or the legal obligations of the city.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)

When used in this title, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Fire Chief" means the individual appointed by the City Manager to serve as Fire Chief of the City of Victorville Fire Department.

(2) "Fire Code Official" means the individual appointed pursuant to Section 16-1.02.060 of Article 2, Chapter 1, of Title 16 of the Victorville Municipal Code or his/her designee.

(3) "Fire Department" means the personnel, apparatus, facilities, and equipment the purpose of which is to protect property and maintain the safety and welfare of the public in accordance with Section 8.04.010 of this chapter.

(4) "Firefighter" means a member of the Fire Department, and shall include all personnel involved in suppression operations, including the titles of firefighter/paramedic, engineer, captain, or other Fire Department command and staff officers.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22; Ord. No. 2460, § 2, 12-2-25)

The fire department shall consist of a fire chief, deputy chief(s), division chief(s), battalion chiefs, battalion chief/deputy fire marshal, inspectors, firefighters, and such other city employees, personnel and/or support staff as may be required for the day-to-day effective operation of the fire department, as approved by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)

The fire chief shall be the department head of the fire department who shall be appointed by the city manager. The fire chief shall be technically qualified through training and experience and shall have the ability to command personnel and hold their respect and confidence. The fire chief may be removed and terminated by the city manager, following written notice containing the reason or reasons for removal, and an opportunity for administrative appeal. The fire chief shall be accountable to the city manager and shall make any written and/or verbal reports, as the city manager may require.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)

The city's human resources department shall be responsible for conducting recruitments for all vacant positions. After a suitable examination process and recommendation by the fire chief, the city manager will approve any new appointments. All fire department personnel shall be directly accountable to the fire chief.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)

The fire chief shall develop and recommend to the city manager for approval a comprehensive set of rules, regulations, and/or policies (hereinafter collectively "rules") governing the training and operation of the fire department. The fire department rules shall not conflict with state law, city rules or regulations, or administrative policy. Said rules, including any changes, additions, or deletions shall become effective upon approval by the city manager. The fire chief shall be responsible for administering said rules, ensuring that they are uniformly applied, and making recommendations to the city manager regarding potential changes.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)

There shall exist within the fire department a comprehensive training program for all employees related to the scope of their duties within the fire department. The training program shall be designed, coordinated, and approved by the fire chief. Such training shall occur at regular intervals and shall be in accordance with state fire marshal regulations, National Fire Protection Association guidelines, federal, state, and local law, city policy, or other bodies or agencies having regulatory authority. In all cases, the fire department training program shall include industry best practices necessary for the protection of life, environmental preservation, and the protection of property.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)

The fire department shall be equipped with the apparatus and firefighting, rescue, medical, and any other equipment required to perform its function and purpose as defined in section 8.04.010 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2383, § 3, 2-19-19; Ord. No. 2433, § 2, 12-20-22)