[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township
of Pemberton 3-4-2009 by Ord. No. 8-2009. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No.
15-2013; 2-6-2019 by Ord. No. 5-2019]
The Pemberton Township Fire and Emergency Services Department (hereinafter "Fire Department") has been established in Chapter 3 of the Pemberton Township Code. The mission of the Fire Department shall be the preservation of life and protection of property from loss by fire or any other man-made or natural disaster which may occur in the Township of Pemberton and vicinity, and to provide emergency medical services. The Fire Department is authorized to perform the following operations and activities:
A.
The Fire Department is authorized to provide fire, rescue, emergency
medical services, and other related services within Pemberton Township
and vicinity as may be necessary for the protection of persons and
property situated therein. These services may include, but are not
limited to, extinguishing fires and preventing or reducing the loss
of life, injury to persons or damage to property from fires; emergency
response and rescue at traffic accidents and building collapses; emergency
response involving hazardous materials; fire prevention and other
public education programs; providing support for extended emergency
operations; and providing other assistance as requested during other
dangerous situations.
B.
The Fire Department may also conduct and participate in training
activities that are deemed necessary by the Fire Chief or his/her
designee to maintain proficiency in providing service.
C.
The Fire Department may also respond to calls to provide service
to jurisdictions outside of this municipality as required by county
and state mutual-aid regulations that are approved by the Mayor.
D.
The Fire Department may also conduct regular and special meetings,
work details, maintenance activities, and public education programs.
E.
The Fire Department may also participate in other activities as may
be approved by the Fire Director or the Fire Chief.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No.
15-2013]
The Fire Department shall consist of the following volunteer
personnel:
A.
One Fire Chief;
B.
One Assistant Fire Chief;
C.
Two Deputy Fire Chiefs;
F.
One EMS Captain;
G.
One Fire Police Captain;
I.
Not more than six Fire Police Lieutenants;
J.
Not more than two EMS Lieutenants;
K.
The active firefighter members of the recognized Pemberton Volunteer
Fire Company;
L.
The Fire Police members of the recognized Pemberton Volunteer Fire
Company;
M.
The Junior Firemen's Auxiliary members of the recognized Volunteer
Fire Company;
N.
Active emergency medical technician members of the recognized Pemberton
Volunteer Fire Company;
O.
Such other classes of members within and recognized by the Volunteer
Fire Company with the approval of the Director of the Fire Department.
The Fire Department shall be headed by a Department Director
in accordance with the provisions of the Faulkner Act, in particular,
N.J.S.A. 40:69A-43(b). Unless a different Director is appointed by
the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Township Council, the
Business Administrator shall serve as Director of the Fire Department.
The Director shall serve during the term of office of the Mayor appointing
him and until the appointment and qualification of his successor.
A.
The Fire Chief shall be the chief operating officer of the Fire Department,
and he shall be directly responsible to the Director for the efficiency
and routine day-to-day operations thereof pursuant to rules and regulations
and policies and procedures established by the Director.
B.
The Director shall adopt rules and regulations and policies and procedures
concerning the conduct and duties of the officers and other volunteer
personnel of the Fire Department, the kinds of uniforms and insignia
to be worn by them, the markings and insignia on marked fire vehicles,
and such other matters as may be necessary for the proper government,
control, discipline, and regulation of the Fire Department.
C.
The rules and regulations and policies and procedures adopted by
the Director shall be known as the "Fire Department Rules and Regulations"
and shall be binding upon each officer and other volunteer personnel
of the Fire Department.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No.
15-2013]
A.
There shall be one volunteer fire and emergency medical services
company in the Township of Pemberton which shall be called the "Pemberton
Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Company" (hereinafter "Volunteer
Fire Company") and which shall extinguish fires and provide other
emergency services, including but not limited to emergency medical
services, in Pemberton Township. As a condition of being recognized
as the official municipal fire company, the Volunteer Fire Company
shall enter into a contract with Pemberton Township.
B.
The contract between Pemberton Township and the Volunteer Fire Company
shall, among other terms and conditions deemed proper, require the
Volunteer Fire Company to acknowledge and agree that the members of
the organization are under the supervision and control of the Township
in accordance with this chapter and the rules and regulations and
policies and procedures adopted by the Director of the Fire Department.
C.
Notwithstanding Subsections A and B of this section, the Volunteer Fire Company organization shall have the widest latitude in the management of its building(s) and in the conduct of its internal affairs, consistent with the purpose for which it was organized and maintained, but not inconsistent with this chapter and the rules and regulations and policies and procedures adopted by the Director. This section shall not preclude the Fire Department from obtaining assistance outside of the contract with the Volunteer Fire Company to accomplish its mission.
D.
Internal management. The constitution and bylaws of the Volunteer
Fire Company shall conform to the provisions of this chapter. The
Volunteer Fire Company may adopt or amend bylaws, provided that the
bylaw does not conflict with this chapter, and any rule or regulation
or policy or procedure adopted by the Director. By way of example,
active firefighters, fire police and emergency medical technicians
shall not be suspended or terminated without the approval of the Director.
Every new or amended bylaw of the Volunteer Fire Company must be reviewed
and approved by the Director.
E.
Elections. Volunteer Fire Company elections shall be held in the
fourth quarter of the calendar year, but not later than November 30.
The term of each elected officer shall commence on January 1 each
year.
F.
Oath. Every Fire Department officer and every officer elected by
the Volunteer Fire Company shall take and subscribe to an oath or
affirmation setting forth that the officer possesses the qualifications
for service. The oath or affirmation shall be taken before the Mayor
or Municipal Clerk of Pemberton Township or any other person authorized
by law to administer oaths and affirmations.
G.
Financial statements. The fiscal year of the Volunteer Fire Company
shall be the calendar year, unless otherwise approved by the Director.
An annual financial statement covering the prior fiscal year, bearing
the signatures of the President and Treasurer and attested by the
Secretary, shall be provided to the Fire Chief by each organization
under its seal and shall show in detail the sources of all receipts
and the purposes of all disbursements made from funds received from
Pemberton Township. Financial statements shall be submitted to the
Fire Chief in time to be transmitted by him or her as part of the
Fire Chief's annual report to the Director. An audit may be requested
by and at the discretion of the Business Administrator or Chief Financial
Officer. The Volunteer Fire Company may also be required by the Business
Administrator or Chief Financial Officer to show details concerning
the sources and expenditures of funds received from persons and entities
other than Pemberton Township.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009; 2-20-2013 by Ord. No.
3-2013; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013; 10-23-2013 by Ord. No. 18-2013; 3-2-2016 by Ord. No. 1-2016]
A.
Qualifications for membership as a member of the Pemberton Township
Volunteer Fire Department.
(1)
No person shall be appointed as an active member, including firefighter,
fire police officer, or emergency medical technician, of the Fire
Department unless he or she:
(a)
Is a citizen of the United States;
(b)
Is not less than 18 years of age;
(c)
Is a resident of the State of New Jersey for not less than 90
days preceding the date of application;
(d)
Is sound in body and of good health sufficient to perform the
functions and responsibilities of a firefighter, fire police officer,
or emergency medical technician in accordance with the job/duties
description approved by the Director;
(e)
Has a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate and
is able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently;
(f)
Has not been removed or resigned under duress of removal as
a member of any volunteer fire company organization or first aid organization
inside or outside Pemberton Township within the preceding 48 months,
unless this provision is otherwise waived for cause in the sole discretion
of the Director;
(g)
Is of good moral character as defined by the "Manual for Supervision
of the Pemberton Township Fire Department";
(h)
Has completed an application under oath or affirmation on a
form approved by the Director;
(i)
Has not have been convicted of any criminal offense involving
moral turpitude, or any criminal offense involving a violation of
N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1 (arson and related offenses), N.J.S.A. 2C:33-3 (false
public alarms), N.J.S.A. 2C:35-1, et seq. (Comprehensive Drug Reform
Act of 1987), or N.J.S.A. 2C:36-1 (drug paraphernalia); and
(j)
Has, at the time of application, a driver's license valid
in New Jersey, which driver's license shall be maintained at
all times during membership. Current active firefighters and fire
police officers who do not have, as of the effective date of this
section, a driver's license valid in New Jersey shall be exempt
from this requirement.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, each applicant shall submit to
the Fire Chief the applicant's name, address, fingerprints and
written consent for a criminal history record background check to
be performed. The Director is authorized to exchange fingerprint data
with and receive criminal history record information from the State
Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation consistent with applicable state and federal
laws, rules and regulations.
(3)
Membership shall not be denied because of an applicant's race,
creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age
or physical handicap.
B.
Probationary period for members of the Pemberton Township Volunteer
Fire Department.
(1)
Every newly approved member of the Volunteer Fire Company that is
subject to this section shall be required to satisfactorily complete
a six-month probationary period in accordance with the rules and policies
adopted by the Director in the "Manual for Supervision of the Pemberton
Township Fire Department."
(2)
The initial six-month probationary period may be extended for an
additional six months by either the probationary member's Battalion
Chief or by the Fire Chief.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 25-7, Qualifications for
State Relief Association active membership, was repealed 12-16-2009
by Ord. No. 33-2009.
[Amended 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
The Volunteer Fire Company that is subject to this chapter may
have such other classes of members as may be prescribed in the company's
bylaws, including but not limited to contributing members and adult
auxiliary members.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 25-9, Transfers, as
amended, was repealed 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013.
The Director shall prescribe rules and procedures permitting
the reinstatement of any member of the Fire Department who terminates
his or her residence but who resumes residence not more than six months
later.
[Amended 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
A.
Creation of Junior Firemen's Auxiliary. The Volunteer Fire Company
may establish a Junior Firemen's Auxiliary, whose members shall
not be required to perform duties which would expose them to the same
degree of hazard as an active member.
B.
Rules and regulations. Each member of the Junior Firemen's Auxiliary
shall be governed by the following rules and regulations:
(1)
A junior member shall be not less than 16 nor more than 18 years
of age and shall reapply for membership in the Volunteer Fire Company
upon aging out of junior status.
(2)
A junior member shall wear full turnout gear while riding apparatus
and performing emergency services duties.
(3)
At no time during an emergency shall a junior member enter a burning
structure or be exposed to any other form of hazard.
(4)
A junior member may deliver such items as hand lights, exhaust fans,
axes and pike poles, and supplies from fire apparatus to the active
members performing emergency services, but only to those active members
outside the structure or hazard area.
(5)
At the scene of a fire or other emergency, a junior member may roll
hose and help repack hose onto the fire apparatus.
(6)
Once a fire has been extinguished, a junior member may, upon instruction
of and at the direction of a chief officer, assist with interior rehabilitation
operations.
(7)
Under the instruction and at the direction of an officer, a junior
member during drills may perform certain duties such as holding water
lines, ladder work, practice rescue work and engine/pumper operations.
(8)
A junior member shall assist in keeping the apparatus, emergency
services buildings and grounds clean and also shall assist in all
organization activities.
C.
Parental consent. Each junior member candidate shall obtain written
permission to join the Junior Firemen's Auxiliary from his or
her parents or legally appointed guardians. The written permission
shall be acknowledged or proved in the manner required by law for
deeds to real estate to be recorded. A copy of these rules and regulations
and any additional rules and regulations imposed by the Volunteer
Fire Company or Fire Department shall be provided to the parents or
guardians and shall be signed by same as part of the application process.
Upon a parent or guardian's withdrawal of consent, a junior member
will cease to be a member of the Junior Firemen's Auxiliary.
A.
Term of office and qualification. A fire police officer shall be
appointed for a term of office not to exceed five years. Prior to
assuming his or her duties, a fire police officer shall qualify by
completing the approved New Jersey state fire police training program
and by taking and subscribing to an oath that he or she will justly,
impartially and faithfully discharge his or her duties to the best
of the member's ability and understanding. Such oath shall be
administered by the Township Clerk and subscribed to in triplicate,
with the Township Clerk retaining one copy and the other copies being
provided to the Battalion Chief and Fire Chief. The Fire Chief shall
appoint all fire police officers.
[Amended 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
B.
Duties. Fire police officers shall perform their duties under the
general direction of the incident commander in the vicinity of the
fire or other emergency. The duties of fire police officers include:
(1)
The protection of property and contents;
(2)
Establishing and maintaining fire lines;
(3)
Performing traffic control duties as assigned, from the fire station
to and from the vicinity of the fire, fire drill or other emergency
call, until the arrival of a duly authorized police officer; and
(4)
In the absence of other investigating authorities, the investigation
of all causes of fire and preservation of all evidence pertaining
to questionable fires until said evidence may be turned over to the
proper investigating authorities.
C.
Fire police officers shall wear PPE and the authorized fire police
badge on the left side of the outermost garment at all times while
performing fire police duties.
[Amended 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
A.
The office of Chief of the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Department
is hereby created and shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor
upon the recommendation of the Director from a list of qualified candidates
submitted by the selection committee.
B.
Qualifications. In order to be eligible for appointment, a candidate
for Fire Chief shall have received a high school diploma or GED; shall
be a resident of Pemberton Township; shall have been a New Jersey
certified firefighter for a minimum of 14 years; shall have served
at least five years as a chief officer; shall hold IMS Level 3 certification;
and shall have obtained such other training or certifications required
by the State of New Jersey. Additionally, all candidates for Fire
Chief shall be required to successfully complete such other training
in leadership, personnel management, budgeting, and other management
skills as may be required by the Director in accordance with the Rules
and Regulations.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
C.
Term. The Fire Department's first Fire Chief shall serve for
a term that ends on December 31, 2012. Commencing on January 1, 2013,
the Fire Chief shall serve a four-year term and until a successor
is appointed.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
D.
Vacancy. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Fire Chief, the
Assistant Chief shall serve as Acting Fire Chief until a new Fire
Chief is appointed for the unexpired term of the person who vacated
the office.
E.
Duties.
(1)
In all cases of fire or other emergencies that threaten danger or
destruction, the Fire Chief shall take prompt and efficient measures
and use all of the means of the Fire Department to extinguish the
fire or mitigate the emergency. The Fire Chief shall, at such time,
and on all occasions of fire or emergency alarms, have sole and absolute
command over all members of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief shall
have sole control and command of all apparatus and persons aiding
and assisting the Fire Department in cases of actual fire or other
emergencies.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
(2)
The Fire Chief shall periodically inspect all apparatus and satisfy
himself or herself that it has been properly cleaned, maintained and
made ready for use when needed. The Fire Chief shall call upon a sufficient
number of active firefighters to assist in the work of maintaining
the readiness of the fire service. The Fire Chief shall make or cause
to be made frequent visits at each fire station for the purpose of
making inspections at regular intervals and shall keep a record of
such inspections by date, time, and detail as to the conditions then
existing.
(3)
The Fire Chief shall render to the Director an annual report providing,
in detail, a record of the services performed by the Fire Department
during the prior year which states the known cause of each fire, the
loss estimated to have been sustained, and the amount of insurance
carried, if known. The annual report shall also include complete information
on the organization’s personnel, equipment, apparatus and real
estate and shall be accompanied by the financial statement of the
Volunteer Fire Company. The Fire Chief shall also include recommendations
for the maintenance and improvement of the fire service. The Fire
Chief shall make such other reports as directed by the Director, Business
Administrator or Mayor.
[Amended 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
(4)
The Fire Chief shall be responsible for the proper and effective
management, discipline, and training of members of the Fire Department,
subject to the rules and regulations and policies and procedures adopted
by the Director.
(5)
The Fire Chief shall approve all tools, appliances, apparatus and
equipment used by the Fire Department.
(6)
The Fire Chief may adopt standard operating guidelines for the proper
and effective operation of the Fire Department, provided that no standard
operating guideline shall conflict with the rules and regulations
and policies and procedures adopted by the Director.
(7)
The Fire Chief shall faithfully obey and enforce all rules, regulations,
policies, procedures, and orders of the Fire Department.
A.
Assistant Fire Chief.
(1)
There shall be one Assistant Fire Chief, who shall be appointed by
the Mayor upon the recommendation of the Director from a list of qualified
candidates submitted by the selection committee.
(2)
Qualifications. In order to be eligible for appointment, a candidate
for Assistant Fire Chief shall have received a high school diploma
or GED; shall be a resident of Pemberton Township; shall have been
a New Jersey certified firefighter for a minimum of 12 years; shall
have served at least three years as a chief officer; shall hold IMS
Level 3 certification; and shall have obtained such other training
or certifications required by the State of New Jersey. Additionally,
all candidates for Assistant Fire Chief shall be required to successfully
complete such other training in leadership, personnel management,
budgeting, and other management skills as may be required by the Director
in accordance with the Rules and Regulations.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
(3)
Term. The Fire Department's first Assistant Fire Chief shall
serve for a term that ends on December 31, 2012. Commencing on January
1, 2013, the Assistant Fire Chief shall serve a four-year term and
until a successor is appointed.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
(4)
Vacancy. If the Assistant Fire Chief position becomes vacant before the expiration of his or her term, the Fire Chief shall designate an Acting Assistant Fire Chief, who shall serve until such time as the Mayor appoints a successor in accordance with Subsection A(1) above. However, in the event that the unexpired term is less than six months, the Fire Chief may designate an Acting Assistant Chief for the unexpired term from an eligibility list consisting of the Deputy Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs.
(5)
Duties. The Assistant Fire Chief shall assist the Fire Chief in overseeing
and managing Fire Department business and shall perform additional
tasks as may, from time to time, be assigned to him or her. In addition,
the Assistant Fire Chief shall be second in command of the Fire Department
and shall assume the responsibilities of the Fire Chief in the absence
of the Fire Chief.
B.
Deputy Fire Chiefs.
(1)
There shall be two Deputy Fire Chiefs, who shall be appointed by
the Mayor upon the recommendation of the Director from a list of qualified
candidates submitted by the selection committee.
(2)
Qualifications. In order to be eligible for appointment, a candidate
for Deputy Fire Chief shall have received a high school diploma or
GED; shall be a resident of Pemberton Township; shall have been a
New Jersey certified firefighter for a minimum of 11 years; shall
have served at least two years as a Battalion Chief; shall hold IMS
Level 3 certification; and shall have obtained such other training
or certifications required by the State of New Jersey. Additionally,
all candidates for Deputy Fire Chief shall be required to successfully
complete such other training in leadership, personnel management,
budgeting, and other management skills as may be required by the Director
in accordance with the Rules and Regulations.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
(3)
The Fire Department's first Deputy Fire Chiefs shall serve for
a term that ends on December 31, 2012. Commencing on January 1, 2013,
the Deputy Fire Chiefs shall serve a four-year term and until a successor
is appointed.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
(4)
Vacancy. If any Deputy Fire Chief position becomes vacant before the expiration of his or her term, the Fire Chief shall designate an Acting Deputy Fire Chief who shall serve until such time as the Mayor appoints a successor in accordance with Subsection B(1) above. However, in the event that the unexpired term is less than six months, the Fire Chief may designate an Acting Deputy Fire Chief for the unexpired term from an eligibility list consisting of the Battalion Chiefs.
(5)
Duties. The Deputy Fire Chiefs shall assist the Fire Chief and Assistant
Fire Chief in overseeing and managing Fire Department business and
shall perform additional tasks as may, from time to time, be assigned
to him or her. In addition, one of the Deputy Fire Chiefs shall assume
incident command in the absence of the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire
Chief.
C.
Battalion Fire Chiefs.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
(1)
The Volunteer Fire Company shall elect not more than four Company
Chiefs who shall be known as "Battalion Fire Chiefs."
(2)
Qualifications.
(a)
Qualifications. In order to be eligible for election or appointment,
a candidate for Battalion Fire Chief shall have received a high school
diploma or GED; shall have been a New Jersey certified firefighter
for a minimum of five years; shall have served at least two terms
as a Captain, excepting persons holding a Company Chief position on
the effective date of this chapter; shall hold IMS Level 2 or greater
certification; and shall have obtained such other training or certifications
required by the State of New Jersey. Additionally, all candidates
for Battalion Fire Chief shall be required to successfully complete
such other training in leadership, personnel management, budgeting,
and other management skills as may be required by the Director in
accordance with the "Manual for Supervision of the Pemberton Township
Fire Department."
(b)
Notwithstanding the foregoing qualifications, any person who
held the title Assistant Chief or Deputy Chief within any of the volunteer
fire company organizations recognized on or before December 16, 2009,
shall be deemed qualified for appointment as a Battalion Fire Chief.
(3)
Each Battalion Fire Chief shall serve for a two-year term beginning
on January 1 of even-numbered years.
(4)
Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the Volunteer Fire Company's
bylaws.
(5)
Duties. The Fire Chief shall prescribe duties of Battalion Fire Chiefs.
New duties may be added from time to time, and existing duties may
be changed, modified or rescinded. Each Battalion Fire Chief may be
given firefighting-related administrative responsibility over one
or more fire stations or subdivisions of the Fire Department. Battalion
Fire Chiefs shall make inspections of all apparatus, tools, equipment
and fire stations assigned to them at intervals determined by the
Fire Chief and shall provide written reports thereof to the Fire Chief.
A Battalion Fire Chief shall provide to the Fire Chief no later than
the fifth day of each month a complete report for every incident his
or her company was dispatched to during the previous month, even if
the company did not actually respond to the call.
D.
Captains.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009; 2-20-2013 by Ord. No.
3-2013; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
(1)
The Volunteer Fire Company shall select not more than four Captains
from among its qualified members.
(2)
Qualifications. In order to be eligible for election or appointment,
a candidate for Captain shall have received a high school diploma
or GED; shall have been a New Jersey certified Firefighter I for a
minimum of two years; shall have served at least two terms as a Lieutenant;
shall hold IMS Level 1 or greater certification; shall have successfully
completed a Fire Officer I course or an equivalent blend of 54 hours
of approved equivalent course in management, leadership, and strategy
and tactics; shall at a minimum be a qualified driver/operator of
a Class A pumper; and shall have served as a Lieutenant for at least
one full term in a volunteer fire company organization that was or
is subject to this chapter.
(3)
The term of office for a Captain shall be as prescribed in the Volunteer
Fire Company's bylaws.
(4)
Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the Volunteer Fire Company's
bylaws.
(5)
Duties. The Captain shall assist the Battalion Fire Chief in the
day-to-day operation of their respective fire stations. In the absence
of a chief officer, the Captain who arrives first on the fire ground
shall assume command until relieved by a superior officer.
E.
Lieutenants.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009; 2-20-2013 by Ord. No.
3-2013; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 15-2013]
(1)
The Volunteer Fire Company shall select not more than eight Lieutenants
from among its qualified members.
(2)
Qualifications. In order to be eligible for election or appointment,
a candidate for Lieutenant shall have received a high school diploma
or GED; shall have been a New Jersey certified Firefighter I for a
minimum of three years; shall hold IMS Level 1 or greater certification;
shall at a minimum be a qualified driver/operator of a Class A pumper;
and shall have successfully completed a minimum of 18 hours'
additional training in emergency and fire ground operations.
(3)
The term of office for a Lieutenant shall be as prescribed in the
Volunteer Fire Company's bylaws.
(4)
Vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the Volunteer Fire Company's
bylaws.
(5)
Duties. The Lieutenant shall assist the Battalion Fire Chief and
Captain in the day-to-day operation of their respective fire stations
and shall perform special tasks as assigned. In the absence of a superior
officer, the Lieutenant who arrives first on the fire ground shall
assume command until relieved by a superior officer.
The company titles "Assistant Chief" and "Deputy Chief" shall be the equivalent of "Company Chief," "Battalion Fire Chief," and "chief fire officer" for purposes of determining qualification for appointment as Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and Battalion Fire Chief as set forth in §§ 25-13, 25-14, 25-15, and 25-16.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
Each volunteer fire company organization that is governed by
this chapter shall adopt disciplinary procedures consistent with those
found in the Rules and Regulations.
A.
When actual vacancies occur in the positions of Fire Chief, Assistant
Fire Chief, and Deputy Fire Chief, and within 90 days prior to expiration
of a term, an ad hoc selection committee shall be appointed by the
Director to screen eligible candidates for potential appointment.
B.
Composition. The selection committee shall consist of five persons:
two former chief officers who served as a chief of any Pemberton Township
volunteer fire company organization; one chief officer from another
municipality's volunteer or paid fire department; one civilian
with experience in management; and one member of the Township Council.
C.
Applications. Candidates shall submit resumes and/or standardized
applications as determined by the selection committee. A candidate
who does not meet all of the prerequisites for appointment shall not
be considered for further processing, unless the Fire Director deems
it necessary to readvertise the position again and waives requirements
necessary to fill a vacancy.
[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 33-2009]
D.
Interviews. The selection committee may interview all eligible candidates
or may limit interviews to the best-qualified applicants.
E.
Final recommendation. The selection committee shall submit the names
of no more than three qualified candidates for each position to the
Director. The Director and/or Mayor may conduct further interviews
of the finalists prior to making an appointment.
A.
After adoption of this chapter, an Advisory Committee shall be appointed
by the Mayor to oversee the progress of implementing this chapter
and to render general advice to the Mayor concerning the fire service.
The Advisory Committee shall consist of five volunteer members, with
not fewer than two members being residents of Pemberton Township who
also serve as active firefighters of a volunteer fire company organization
that is subject to this chapter. The Advisory Committee shall meet
at scheduled times with the Mayor, Business Administrator, Director,
and Fire Chief to provide advice and measure progress in implementing
this chapter.
B.
The first group of Advisory Committee members shall serve for a term
expiring December 31, 2009. Thereafter, the Advisory Committee members
shall serve a term commencing on the date of their appointment until
December 31 in the same year they are appointed.
