The purpose of this chapter is to establish and recognize the
Eastern Berks Fire Department ("Fire Department") as an official fire
organization of the Township; to provide for governance of the Fire
Department; to set forth rules, regulations and authorized activities
of the Fire Department, its members and employees; and to recognize
the Eastern Berks Fire Department Relief Association.
Eastern Berks Fire Department is hereby recognized as an official
volunteer fire department of Washington Township.
The Fire Department shall be governed pursuant to its adopted
bylaws, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated
herein by reference. The bylaws may be amended from time to time by the Fire
Department, in accordance with the bylaws, without the consent or
approval of the Township.
The Fire Department is hereby authorized to provide the following;
provided, however, the Township shall have no liability therefor:
A. Such
services to the Township as may be reasonably necessary for the protection
of property and persons situate therein, which include but are not
limited to: extinguishment and prevention of personal injury and death
from fire, protection of property from damage or destruction by fire,
and response to motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous
materials incidents and other dangerous situations.
B. Nonemergency
and public service functions, including but not limited to water removal
from properties after storms and assistance in the removal, and abatement
and/or prevention of damage or injury to persons or property, whether
due to natural causes or man-made situations.
C. Conducting
and participating in such training activities or drills, either within
the Township or outside of the Township, as may be deemed necessary
by the Fire Department to maintain proficiency in providing service.
D. Any
other activities or services as permitted by the bylaws and local,
state and federal law.
Members of the Fire Department are authorized to do the following
in addition to actually participating in the activities of the Fire
Department as authorized above, or in going to or returning from any
activity:
A. Engage
in any type of drill, training, ceremony, practice, test or parade
when duly called for by the Fire Department.
B. Engage
in the performance of any other duty or lawful activity authorized
by the Fire Department.
C. Any
other activities or services as permitted by the bylaws and local,
state and federal law.
The Eastern Berks Fire Department Relief Association is hereby
recognized as the relief association for the Eastern Berks Fire Department.
The Eastern Berks Fire Department Relief Association is designated
as the proper association to receive the appropriate portion of the
relief funds distributed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant
to its bylaws, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
made a part hereof.