[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
The Bureau of Fire shall consist of two Divisions: Career and
Volunteer. The Career Division shall consist of firefighters regularly
employed for operating fire apparatus, controlling fires, and other
Fire Department duties. The Volunteer Division shall consist of firefighters
who are trained in fire suppression and the handling of emergencies
who respond to such emergencies on their own initiative.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
The Bureau of Fire shall consist of a number of career firefighters
that are necessary to maintain an effective fire suppression force
for the protection of lives and property within the City. It shall
also consist of the nine volunteer fire companies which have been
designated by ordinance as City fire companies and such other companies
as may be admitted from time to time by authority of Council. No company
shall receive such recognition unless authorized by an ordinance of
Council.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
The Bureau of Fire shall be under the direct control of the
Director of Public Safety. Supervision of the Bureau shall lie with
the Fire Commissioner who shall report to the Director. Operation
of the Volunteer Division shall be governed by rules and regulations
adopted by Council. The Fire Commissioner shall be responsible for
enforcing such rules and regulations and maintaining discipline and
efficiency among the companies. The operation of the Career Division
shall be governed by standard operating procedures, policies and a
negotiated contract, supervised by the Fire Commissioner. The Fire
Commissioner shall also have charge of all fire extinguishing equipment
owned or controlled by the City. He shall from time to time visit
and inspect the companies and apparatus and shall keep an inventory
of all fire extinguishing equipment belonging to the City.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
There is hereby established within the Bureau of Fire the following
Table of Organization:
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
The senior line officer of the Bureau of Fire shall be the Chief,
who shall be subject to the ordinances of the City, the rules and
regulations of the Department, and any orders as may be issued to
him by the Fire Commissioner and/or Director of Public Safety.
[Ord. 52-2002, 03 § 3, passed 5-24-2003]
The City shall own and be responsible for the repair, maintenance
and replacement of all structures housing the fire-fighting apparatus
of the City companies. The City shall also be responsible for providing
and maintaining fire-fighting equipment, excluding trucks and uniforms.
Should the structure be leased, the terms and conditions of the maintenance
of the structure shall be governed by the lease agreement.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
Council shall make a yearly appropriation in an equal amount
in the name of each company to be regulated and controlled by the
Fire Commissioner, such funds to provide the level of fire protection
deemed necessary by Council.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
The City shall reimburse fire companies for the purchase of
fire trucks and such amount not exceeding 25% of the expenses incurred
in purchasing the same. No such reimbursement shall be made unless
the Fire Commissioner and a representative of Council was present
at the specification developments, negotiations and approved the purchase
of the fire apparatus. The moneys required for reimbursement as set
forth in this article shall be paid out of the Emergency Apparatus
Fund.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
(a)
Pursuant to the Firemen's Civil Service Act of May 31, 1933
(P.L. 1108) (53 P.S. § 39861 et seq.), as amended by Act
10 of January 26, 1968, (53 P.S. Sec. 39861.1), a Civil Service Board
consisting of three residents of the City is hereby established for
the examination of applicants for appointments to and promotions in
the paid Fire Bureau of the City or to otherwise administer the provisions
of the aforesaid Act.
(b)
The term of office for the members of the Board shall be four years.
However, in the case of the appointment of the first members to the
Board after the effective date of this section (Ordinance 55-1970,
71, passed November 8, 1971), one member shall serve for four years,
one member shall serve for three years and one member shall serve
for two years. The above-mentioned members shall serve until their
successors are appointed and qualified.
(c)
The members of the Board shall take and subscribe to the oath of
office prescribed by the Third Class City Code, Act of June 23, 1931
(P.L. 932) as amended (53 P.S. Sec. 35905).
(d)
The Board is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to establish
such procedures, standards and rules as it may deem necessary to insure
that the City paid fire drivers shall be the highest caliber and most
competent individuals it is possible to obtain.
(e)
Any rules, standards or procedures established under this section
by the Board shall be approved by Council by resolution as a prerequisite
to their taking effect.
[Ord. 26-1990, 91 § 1, passed 8-27-1990]
(a)
Whoever violates any of the provisions of this article or the rules
and regulations of the Bureau of Fire, as adopted and amended from
time to time, shall be fined not more than $300 and/or be imprisoned
for not more than 90 days.
(b)
Any company which violates any of the provisions of this article
or the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Fire, Volunteer Division,
as adopted and amended from time to time, shall be fined not more
than $300.
(c)
The Mayor shall have the power to collect such fines from any company
by deducting the same from the yearly appropriation. In addition,
the Mayor shall have the power to direct the company of any member
convicted of violating this article or the rules and regulations to
immediately expel such member from membership.
