[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Pemberton 3-4-2009 by Ord. No. 8-2009. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES:
Police Department — See Ch. 41.
Construction codes — See Ch. 86.
Unfit buildings — See Ch. 92.
Fire prevention — See Ch. 107.
[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;
D. 
Not more than four Battalion Chiefs pursuant to § 25-14C;
E. 
Not more than four Fire Captains pursuant to § 25-14D;
F. 
One EMS Captain;
G. 
One Fire Police Captain;
H. 
Not more than eight Fire Lieutenants pursuant to § 25-14E;
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.
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.