A. 
There shall be and hereby is established a Fire Department of the City of Vineland, in the County of Cumberland, the head of which shall be a Director, hereinafter known and identified as the "Director of the Fire Department."
B. 
Composition; organization.
(1) 
The Fire Department shall consist of the following:
(a) 
The established volunteer fire companies as follows:
Fire Company No. 1, located at 810 East Chestnut Avenue, formerly consisted of the Pioneer Volunteer Company No. 1, Reliance Engine No. 2 and Truck Company No. 1 of the former Borough of Vineland; Fire Company No. 2 (South Vineland), located at 876 East Sherman Avenue; Fire Company No. 3 (North Vineland), located at 185 West Forest Grove Road; Fire Company No. 4 (Main Avenue), located at 1500 East Oak Road; and the Fire Company No. 5 (Panther Road), located at 4450 Italia Avenue, of the former Township of Landis; said respective fire companies representing the merged and consolidated companies under the jurisdiction and control of the City of Vineland as a result of consolidation of the former Borough of Vineland and the former Township of Landis on July 1, 1952, by a majority vote of the people of said municipalities on February 5, 1952; the established career fire company, Fire Company No. 6, located at 110 North 4th Street.
(b) 
The City of Vineland Fire Department is headquartered at 110 North 4th Street.
(c) 
The Director of the Fire Department as heretofore stated in § 56-1A above.
(d) 
A Fire Chief of the Fire Department to be designated duties as set forth in § 56-7 (hereinafter referred as the "Fire Chief").
(e) 
A Deputy Fire Chief of the Fire Department to be designated the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of the Fire Department in his/her absence. Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief shall also assist in the management and discipline of the Fire Department. The Deputy Fire Chief shall have and maintain a valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.
[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-28[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of former Subsection B(1)(e) through (i) as Subsection B(1)(f) through (j), respectively.
(f) 
Volunteer Fire District Chiefs (hereinafter referred to as "District Chiefs") as approved by the Director of the Fire Department as set forth in § 56-9 and the Fire Department organizational chart.
(g) 
Volunteer Fire Deputy Chiefs as approved by the Director of the Fire Department as set forth in § 56-10 and the Fire Department organizational chart.
(h) 
Fire Battalion Chiefs as set forth in the Fire Department organizational chart.
[Added 12-12-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-70]
(i) 
[2]Fire Captains of the Fire Department as set forth in the Fire Department organizational chart.
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(1)(i), regarding Fire Lieutenants, was repealed 12-12-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-70. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection B(1)(h) as Subsection B(1)(i).
(j) 
Firefighters in such numbers as shall be recommended by the Director of the Fire Department, with the approval of the Mayor, and designated by the City Council pursuant to budget appropriation therefor.
(2) 
Establishment of Division of Emergency Medical Services.
[Amended 5-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-31]
(a) 
Establishment. There be and is hereby established a Division of Emergency Medical Services in the City of Vineland Fire Department.
(b) 
Implementation. The Division of Emergency Medical Services shall be implemented pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:40 and N.J.S.A. 26:2H-1 et seq.
(c) 
Annual report. A report of the Division of Emergency Medical Services shall be made annually and transmitted to the Director of the Fire Department for filing with the Mayor of the City of Vineland.
(d) 
Duties. The Division of Emergency Medical Services is to provide emergency medical care and transportation within the boundaries of the City of Vineland and to other medical facilities and jurisdictions as deemed medically necessary and in accordance with a Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Vineland.
(e) 
Third-party payment plan.
[1] 
The Director of the Fire Department and the Chief Financial Officer of the City of Vineland shall be responsible for the third-party billing program for emergency medical services.
[2] 
The Director of the Fire Department, together with the Chief Financial Officer, shall review annually the cost-accounting records for services provided and to adjust the fees therefor.
[3] 
A certified copy of this section shall be filed with the Director of the Fire Department, Chief Financial Officer and applicable federal and/or state agencies.
The Fire Department shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the control, fighting and the extinguishment of any conflagration which occurs within the City limit. The Fire Department shall:
A. 
Provide fire-fighting service for the preservation of human life and property through the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services and special hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
B. 
Investigate the origin, cause and circumstance of fires and report every case of suspicion of arson to the Vineland Police Department who will then notify the Prosecutor.
C. 
Inspect and test any automatic or other fire alarm system or fire-extinguishing equipment.
D. 
Be authorized to enter upon, without fee or interference, all premises, grounds, structures, buildings, vessels and passages whenever necessary in the performance of its duties.
E. 
Operate a training program to maintain and improve the fire-fighting efficiency of the members of the Fire Department.
F. 
Administer and enforce the Fire Prevention Bureau as provided in § 372-3, Enforcing agency, of Chapter 372, Fire Prevention, of the Code of the City of Vineland.
A. 
All officers, subordinates and firefighters in the respective companies comprising said Fire Department immediately prior to the passage of this chapter shall continue in his/her respective capacities and shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the Department to the same extent as new members.
B. 
For the greater efficiency of the Department and to provide proper and adequate fire protection throughout the City of Vineland, said Fire Department shall have six companies divided into five districts. Each company will be known and designated as "Company No. 1," "Company No. 2," "Company No. 3," "Company No. 4," "Company No. 5" and "Company No. 6."
A. 
The Fire Department of the City of Vineland shall be headed by a Director, who shall be known as the "Director of the Fire Department of the City of Vineland."
B. 
Said Director shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council of the City of Vineland and shall serve only during the term of office of the Mayor appointing him.
C. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall be technically qualified by training and experience in management and familiar with budgeting, grant writing and supervision of employees. The Director shall have not less than 10 years' experience in public safety (e.g., firefighter, emergency management officer, emergency medical technician); firefighter experience is preferred but not mandatory. In lieu of the 10 years' experience, the Director shall have five years' experience in public safety and shall have graduated with a degree from an accredited college or university related to the qualifications specified herein.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-52]
A. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall have general administrative authority over the Department of Fire. He/she shall recommend to the appointing authority the appointment of subordinate officers and employees of said Department under his/her jurisdiction, which are herein or which may hereafter be authorized by ordinance, subject to the provisions of the laws of the State of New Jersey. The Director of the Fire Department shall be required to serve in that capacity for such time as necessary to carry out the duties of the Director of the Fire Department as specified herein.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-52; 2-8-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
B. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall prepare and submit to the Council of the City of Vineland, for its approval, a manual or set of rules and regulations for the administration, control and discipline of the Fire Department and all of its officers and members. Upon approval by resolution of the City Council, said rules and regulations shall go into effect, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to each officer and member of the Department.
C. 
The Director of the Fire Department may discipline fire officers and firefighters within the Fire Department with input from the Fire Chief.
D. 
The Director of the Fire Department may, with the approval of the Mayor, remove such fire officers and employees, subject to the provisions of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 11, Civil Service.
E. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall serve as the liaison to the City administration and receive direction from the Mayor.
F. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall prepare the Fire Department budget and provide oversight on the expenditures of approved funds and payroll.
G. 
The Director of the Fire Department may issue administrative orders of the Fire Chief.
H. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall approve all fire line officers for each company with input from the Fire Chief.
I. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall preside at and serve as the hearings officer with input from the Fire Chief on suspensions and dismissals from the Fire Department unless otherwise directed by the Business Administrator and/or City Solicitor with the consent of the Mayor.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-52]
J. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall review and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines and general orders proposed by the Fire Chief.
K. 
The Director of the Fire Department shall develop, implement and revise administrative and personnel related SOPs as needed.
L. 
When the Director also holds a certification as a Fire Official issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, he/she shall also assist in the performance of the necessary duties of the Fire Official as specified in N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. and the Code of the City of Vineland § 372-1 et seq.
[Added 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-52]
M. 
The Director shall also assist the local enforcing agency in the enforcement of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:270-19 et seq. and the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq.
[Added 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-52]
A. 
When the Fire Chief is not also the Director of the Fire Department, orders or instructions regarding management, budgets, supervision and/or department policies shall be issued to the Fire Chief by the Director with the approval of the Mayor. All such orders or instructions shall be recognized, carried out and obeyed by the Fire Chief and all other members of the Fire Department. Such orders or instructions shall not in any way conflict with the provisions of any ordinance or law.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-52]
B. 
The Fire Chief shall have control and general supervision and direction of the Department of Fire for the preservation of human life through the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services and special hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
A. 
When the Fire Chief is not also the Director of the Fire Department, the Fire Chief shall assist the Director of the Fire Department in the discharge of duties of the Director of the Fire Department, and he shall have such other duties provided by law, under the direction and authority, however, of the Director of the Fire Department.
B. 
The Fire Chief shall have control and general supervision and direction of the Department of Fire for the preservation of human life and property through the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services and special hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
C. 
The Fire Chief shall be directly responsible to the Director of the Fire Department for the efficiency and routine day-to-day operations of the Fire Department.
D. 
The Fire Chief shall preserve the discipline of the Department and provide instruction to the subordinate Fire Department personnel in the performance of his/her duties in connection with the services provided.
E. 
The Fire Chief, or his/her designee(s), shall inspect all equipment in each station on at least a monthly basis, to see that all equipment is clean, in its proper place and ready for service. A complete report of the same shall be maintained by the Fire Chief or his/her designee(s).
F. 
The Fire Chief with input from the Director of the Fire Department shall:
(1) 
Develop standard operating procedures, guidelines and general orders with the approval of the Director of Fire.
(2) 
Develop firefighter safety and health programs and operational programs with the approval of the Director of Fire.
(3) 
Recommend to the Director of Fire the appointment, discipline and removal of fire officers, firefighters and employees.
(4) 
Recommend and advise the Director of Fire on the budget of the Fire Department and assist with the financial administration of the Department.
(5) 
Oversee the Fire Department's role in fire prevention programs.
(6) 
Ensure that all fire officers and firefighters are properly trained.
(7) 
Provide the Director of Fire with monthly or other periodic reports on the operations of the Fire Department as may be required.
A. 
The career firefighter staff of the Fire Department shall consist of those career firefighters in the employ of the Department at the time of the passage and adoption of this chapter and such other and additional career firefighters as may hereafter be designated by the Council of the City of Vineland.
B. 
The present career firefighters staff shall continue to enjoy the privileges and legal status afforded them by statute.
C. 
All career firefighter staff of the Department shall be subject to discipline, suspension and removal for the good of the Department in the manner prescribed by law (Title 11 of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated); provided, however, that the Director of the Fire Department may, after a formal hearing, prescribe reprimand, extra duty, deduction in pay or reduction in rank, depending upon the gravity of the offenses.
D. 
All career firefighters staff shall receive such salaries as may be fixed by the Council of the City of Vineland in the compensation schedules heretofore adopted or hereafter to be adopted in the Schedule of Classified Positions and Applicable Salary Ranges in the Civil Service of the City of Vineland.
E. 
The personnel of the career firefighter staff of the Fire Department shall consist of the ranks of Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Battalion Chief and Captain and such other employees as recommended by the Director of the Fire Department to the Mayor and City Council.
[Amended 12-12-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-70]
A. 
Each volunteer company shall be in direct charge of a District Chief, who shall be elected by the active volunteer members of each respective company and approved by the Director of the Fire Department.
B. 
Each District Chief shall be responsible to the Director of the Fire Department for the efficient operation of his/her station.
C. 
Each District Chief shall preserve the discipline of his/her company and provide instruction to the subordinate Fire Department personnel in the performance of his/her duties in connection with the emergency services provided.
D. 
Each District Chief, or his/her designee(s), shall inspect all equipment in his/her charge each month to see that all equipment is clean, in its proper place and ready for service. A complete report of the same shall be made each month to the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
E. 
Each District Chief shall keep or cause to be kept a record of the fire and training attendance of each member of his/her station and shall submit such to the Fire Chief or his designee. For this purpose and for other clerical work of his/her station, the District Chief may appoint one of his/her station members to assist in the performance of these clerical duties.
F. 
Each District Chief shall assist and make recommendations to the Fire Chief on the control, general supervision, development of standard operating procedures, guidelines and general orders and the direction of the Department of Fire for the preservation of human life through the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services and special hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
A. 
Each volunteer company shall elect from its members a Deputy Chief, who shall, in the absence of his/her District Chief, exercise the same duties and have the same powers as devolve upon the District Chief. At all other times, the Deputy Chief shall perform such duties as the District Chief may direct.
B. 
In addition to the District Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs as aforesaid, the active members of each company shall elect from among its members a Captain, Lieutenant(s) and such other officers as may be necessary and expedient for the efficient operation of each station.
A. 
The membership of the Fire Department shall consist of the Fire Companies herein organized and any new firefighters who may be approved for membership by resolution of the City Council of the City of Vineland. No person shall become a member unless:
B. 
Volunteer staff:
(1) 
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Members must be at least 18 years of age and not older than 45 years of age to be accepted into the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. Members over the age of 45 may still join, but will not be entitled to the benefits of membership in the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
(2) 
Possess or be actively acquiring, within five years of joining the Department, a high school diploma, GED certificate or graduating from a vocational school. Current members who do not possess the required diploma or certificate are exempt from this requirement.
(3) 
Submit an application to the City of Vineland.
(4) 
Possess a valid New Jersey driver license.
(5) 
Successfully pass a medical examination administered by the Fire Department's contracted occupational healthcare provider. The medical examination will be performed utilizing NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters.
(6) 
Successfully pass a criminal background investigation, a drug screen, a driver license abstract investigation and other tests as may be required by the City of Vineland.
(7) 
Successfully complete a course of training and obtain a Firefighter I certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. Candidates currently possessing the said certification shall take a challenge examination. The Fire Department's training officer or his/her designee will administer the challenge examination.
(8) 
Complete all additional training as may be required by state and/or Fire Department regulations and procedures.
(9) 
Perform periodic proficiency assessments to demonstrate skills and abilities necessary for the Fire Department operations in accordance with the most current Fire Department standard operating procedure.
(10) 
Members shall comply with the rules and regulations of the relief association, particularly those regulations which preclude the membership of a volunteer in more than one fire company relief association.
C. 
Career staff.
(1) 
Career service competitive positions are made from eligible lists compiled and approved by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Candidates are ranked according to the result of an examination or education/experience. Any employee who is not hired from such a list to fill a position in the Career Service, Competitive Division, is considered a provisional appointment. All hiring procedures are subject to the N.J.A.C. Title 4A, and N.J.S.A. 11A.
(2) 
Requirements are:
(a) 
A citizen of the United States.
(b) 
Resident preference.
(c) 
High school or an equivalence certificate or vocational school graduate.
(d) 
Between the age of 18 and 35. Volunteer firefighters are not to exceed 40 years of age prior to an appointment date.
(e) 
Successfully pass a medical examination administered by the Fire Department's contracted occupational healthcare provider. The medical examination will be performed utilizing NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Firefighters.
(f) 
Successfully pass a criminal background investigation, a drug screen, a driver license abstract investigation, a psychiatric exam and other tests as may be required by the City of Vineland.
(g) 
Possess a valid New Jersey driver license.
(h) 
Successfully complete a course of training and obtain a Firefighter I Certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. Candidates currently possessing the said certification shall take the challenge examination. The Fire Department's training officer or his/her designee will administer the challenge examination.
(i) 
Complete all additional training as may be required by state and/or Fire Department regulations or procedures.
(j) 
Perform periodic proficiency assessments in accordance with the most current Fire Department standard operating procedure.
D. 
Any member of the Department may be suspended or discharged from the Department by the Director of the Fire Department at any time the Director may deem such action necessary for the good of the Fire Department. On written request of such member to the Director, he shall be given a public hearing on the charges against him.
A. 
The Department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment which it now has and such as may be required from time to time to maintain its efficiency and properly protect life and property from fire and other hazards.
B. 
Recommendations of apparatus and equipment needed shall be made by the Director of the Fire Department and shall be purchased in such a manner as may be designated by the City Council.
C. 
All apparatus and equipment of the Department shall be safely, properly and conveniently housed in such places as may be designated by the Director of the Fire Department.
D. 
Suitable arrangement or equipment shall be provided for notifying all members of the Department so that they may promptly respond.
E. 
No person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private purposes, nor shall any person willfully and without proper authority take away or conceal any article used in any way by the Department.
F. 
No person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed or handle any apparatus or equipment belonging to the Department unless accompanied by or having the special permission of an officer or authorized member of the Department.
G. 
No apparatus shall be hired out or permitted to leave the City of Vineland except in response to a mutual aid call in a neighboring community, without the consent of the Director of Fire Department or his designee.
A. 
Each member of the Department shall be issued an identification card his/her rank and that he/she is to be considered essential personnel.
A. 
All personal vehicles of members of the Fire Department shall be governed by N.J.S.A. 39:3-54.12 when responding to an alarm.
B. 
No unauthorized person with any vehicle shall follow within 600 feet of any apparatus belonging to the Department nor park any vehicle within 300 feet of any fire.
C. 
No person shall drive any vehicle over fire hose except upon specific orders from the officer in charge where the hose is being used.
No person shall park any vehicle or otherwise cause any obstruction to be placed within 50 feet of the entrance to any fire station or other place where fire apparatus is stored or within 10 feet of any fire hydrant.
The personnel of each volunteer station of the Fire Department shall consist of the ranks of district chiefs, deputy chiefs, captains, lieutenants, firefighters, fire police, and such other positions as recommended by the Director of Fire Department to the Mayor and City Council.
It is hereby made the special duty of the Chief of Police and/or other police officers who may be on duty and available for fire duty to respond to all fire alarms and assist the Department in the preservation of human life and property, in regulating traffic, maintaining order and in enforcing observance of all sections of this chapter.