[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors
of the Township of Palmer 8-21-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-365. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
The Township of Palmer, by and through its Board
of Supervisors, by virtue of the authority set forth in Section 1803
of the Second Class Township Code,[1] as amended, enacts and ordains as follows.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 66803.
All whereas clauses referred to above shall
be incorporated herein by reference.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The whereas clauses are on
file in the Township offices.
The previous positions of Fire Administrator
and Fire Chief shall be consolidated into one position of employment
known as the "Fire Commissioner."
A.
The position of Fire Commissioner shall be a paid
employment position of Palmer Township, and the individual designated
to serve that position shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors
of Palmer Township.
B.
The Fire Commissioner shall serve solely at the discretion
and pleasure of the Board of Supervisors of Palmer Township.
C.
The Fire Commissioner shall also be subordinate to
the position: of Township Manager.
[Amended 11-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-481]
The Fire Commissioner shall be the chief executive
officer of the Palmer Municipal Fire Department.
A.
The position of Fire Chief shall be eliminated with
all responsibilities of the previous position of Fire Chief being
assumed by the Fire Commissioner.
B.
The position of Fire Administrator shall be eliminated
with all previously imposed responsibilities of that position being
assumed by the Fire Commissioner.
A.
The Fire Commissioner shall be subject to the power
and authority of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors, and the
Fire Commissioner shall be in charge at all fires, emergencies, drills
and demonstrations related to firesafety and fire prevention in Palmer
Township.
B.
The Fire Commissioner shall possess all rights, powers,
and duties vested in a Fire Chief in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
to include, without limitation:
[Amended 11-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-481]
(1)
Full
administrative and operational control;
(2)
Development
and administration of annual budget;
(3)
Approval
of membership, supervision, and discipline of firefighters and officers
of the Palmer Municipal Fire Department; and
(4)
Development
and enforcement of standard operating guidelines, rules, regulations,
procedures and practices.
C.
The Fire Commissioner shall report monthly in writing
to the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors on all activities and
fire calls.
D.
The Fire Commissioner shall have overall and final
responsibility for all operating records and equipment, including
his assignment and shall see to replacement or repair of defective
equipment.
E.
The Fire Commissioner shall be entitled to the respect
of the members of the Department.
[Amended 11-6-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-481]
The Fire Commissioner shall reside within five
driving miles of Palmer Township boundaries. Immediately upon his
appointment, the Fire Commissioner may appoint a Fire Marshal, Deputy
Chief, Battalion Chief for each station, and Captain(s) for each division.
Immediately upon his appointment, the Fire Commissioner
may appoint a Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Marshal and one or more
Assistant Chiefs for each division.
A.
The provisions of this ordinance shall preempt and
shall supersede any provisions of the bylaws of the Palmer Municipal
Fire Department, Inc. which are inconsistent with the terms of this
ordinance.
B.
The bylaws of the Department shall be amended within
90 days of the enactment of this ordinance to further implement the
intent of the Board of Supervisors and directives of this ordinance.
