Chapter 2.56
FIRE DEPARTMENT*
Sections:
2.56.010 Established – Membership and organization.
2.56.020 Fire chief – Office created, appointment, removal and duties.
2.56.030 Rules and regulations.
2.56.040 Equipment and apparatus.
2.56.050 Volunteer Fire Fighter’s and Reserve Officer’s Relief and Pension Act.
2.56.060 Board of trustees – Composition – Meetings.
2.56.090 Mutual aid systems – Contracts with other governmental jurisdictions.
*Prior legislation: Ords. 114, 246, 263, 273, 517, 857, 935, 964 and 966.
2.56.010 Established – Membership and organization.
There is created and established in and for the city of Cashmere a volunteer fire department, to be known and designated as the “Cashmere volunteer fire department” (the “department”). Such department shall consist of a fire chief and officers and members selected as provided in this chapter. Membership in the Cashmere volunteer fire department shall not exceed 20 members for each 1,000 population of the city. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.020 Fire chief – Office created, appointment, removal and duties.
A. The department shall be under the control and direction of the fire chief, which office is hereby provided for and constituted.
B. The fire chief shall be appointed by the mayor and may be disciplined, suspended, or removed at any time for just cause by the mayor.
C. The fire chief shall be responsible to the mayor and city council for the safe operation and general efficiency of the department.
D. The powers and duties of the fire chief shall be as provided in the city of Cashmere personnel and policy manual and the department by-laws, as approved by the city council, and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
1. The formulation of a set of rules and regulations to operate the department.
2. The administration and enforcement of the Uniform Fire Code pursuant to RCW 19.27.030, as now enacted or as hereafter amended, along with any local codes or ordinances that come under the jurisdiction of the department and any other statutes, ordinances or rules requiring his administration or enforcement.
3. The establishment and implementation of suitable drills or instructions in the operation and handling of equipment, first aid and rescue work, salvage, fire prevention, water supplies or any other matters considered essential to protection of life and property.
4. The maintenance of up-to-date records and records relating to activities of the department. The fire chief shall submit to the mayor an annual report relating the general condition of the department and recommendations for any improvements or changes in the department. The fire chief shall submit any additional reports or information as requested by the mayor and/or city council.
5. The preparation and administration of an annual budget.
6. The selection, appointment, and supervision of officers, subject to the approval of the mayor. The fire chief may discipline, suspend and/or remove an officer or member of the department at any time, with or without cause, as deemed necessary for the good of the department; provided, that within 10 business days after such discipline, suspension or removal, any officer or member of the department may request, in writing, a review of such action by the department’s review committee in accordance with the department by-laws. If a member or officer disagrees with a decision of the review committee, then that individual may file a written appeal with the mayor. The mayor, within 30 business days of receipt of the written appeal, shall review the action taken by the fire chief and/or review committee and may either modify, overturn, or uphold such discipline, suspension, or removal. Failure to file a written appeal will result in waiver of the right of appeal and will be considered consent to the action taken by the fire chief. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.030 Rules and regulations.
The department may adopt such by-laws, rules, and regulations as it deems necessary regarding governing the administration of the department, and the care and use of equipment; and such by-laws, rules, and regulations shall comply with the provisions of any applicable city ordinances and with state law, and generally be in accord with the policies of the National Fire Insurance Underwriters. Such by-laws, rules, and regulations as adopted by the department shall be approved by the city council. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.040 Equipment and apparatus.
A. The department shall be equipped with such apparatus and equipment as may be required to maintain its efficiency and to protect life and property. Recommendations of apparatus and equipment needed shall be made by the fire chief, and if approved by the city council shall be purchased in such manner as designated by the city council.
B. All equipment of the department purchased by or donated to the city shall be owned by the city and housed in such places as may be designated by the council and be under the control of the fire chief.
C. Any equipment loaned to the department by governmental entities, with which the city contracts for protection of life and property, shall be housed in such places as may be designated by the city council and be under the control of the fire chief.
D. No person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private purpose, nor shall any person willfully and without proper authority take away or conceal any article used by the department. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.050 Volunteer Fire Fighter’s and Reserve Officer’s Relief and Pension Act.
A. Every qualified regular member of the department may be enrolled in the relief and pension provisions of Chapter 41.24 RCW, Volunteer Fire Fighter’s and Reserve Officer’s Relief and Pension Act, as it is presently enacted or may be hereafter amended, and the city shall pay all costs and expenses associated with enrolling qualified regular members of the department in the aforementioned relief and pension act programs.
B. A qualified regular member of the department for purposes of subsection A of this section shall include those regular members of the department who have successfully served a 12-month probationary period and who meet the minimum requirements set forth in the department bylaws, as the same exist now or may hereafter be amended by an affirmative vote of the majority of the city council. (Ord. 1241 § 1, 2015; Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.060 Board of trustees – Composition – Meetings.
The board of trustees as created and established by RCW 41.24.060 for the administration of Chapter 41.24 RCW is recognized as consisting of the mayor, the city clerk, one council member other than the mayor, the fire chief, and one member of the department to be elected by the regular members for one year and annually thereafter. The board shall schedule and have a regular monthly meeting, provided there is business to be transacted. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.070 Compensation.
A. Each member of the fire department who attends any practice or emergency call within the city limits of the city of Cashmere and remains subject to the orders of the fire chief until dismissed by him or her, or his or her designee, shall receive compensation as established from time to time by resolution of the city council.
B. Each member of the fire department may be paid an emergency medical technician (EMT) night shift stipend for services provided to the city as the position(s) and pay are approved by resolution of the city council from time to time.
C. The fire chief and any other fire department positions determined by the city council to receive compensation shall be paid compensation as determined from time to time by resolution of the city council. Any such compensation paid to the fire chief or other members of the department, pursuant to this subsection C, shall be in addition to any compensation earned by a member of the department pursuant to services provided under subsection A or B of this section. (Ord. 1241 § 2, 2015; Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.080 Finances.
The city council shall appropriate funds to provide for the operation of the department to maintain efficiency and provide for protection of life and property. Any funds received as a donation for services performed by the department for protection of life and property shall be deposited with the department and appropriated as recommended by the fire chief and approved by the city council. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).
2.56.090 Mutual aid systems – Contracts with other governmental jurisdictions.
The city is authorized to enter into agreements or contracts with other governmental jurisdictions to provide protection of life and property with the recommendation of the fire chief. (Ord. 972 § 1, 2000).