As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ACTIVE-DUTY PERSONNEL
A person actively participating in a department as a firefighter,
EMS, driver/operator, HAZMAT, wildland, or other specialized function
who is at least 18 years of age for firefighter, driver/operator,
HAZMAT/technical rescue or wildland or 16 years of age for EMS and
in the process of licensure according to state requirements. The person
must be physically capable of essential and marginal functions of
his/her duties and maintain a physical condition necessary for lifting
a minimum of 40 pounds, climbing stairs or ladders; operating motorized
equipment and vehicles; work in confined spaces; work at heights;
work around heavy equipment.
APPEAL
Written request that a decision of a grievance be reconsidered
at a further stage in the grievance procedure.
APPLICANT
A person who has made formal application on an official County
application form for a position within an Otero County Fire or EMS
Department.
COUNTY BUSINESS
The performance of duties of a County volunteer at a location
authorized by the County.
DEMOTION
Any downward movement, whether voluntary or involuntary.
DISCIPLINARY PROBATION
A probationary period for a minimum of 30 days that any volunteer
may be placed on for disciplinary reasons.
DISMISSAL
An action which terminates an individual's volunteer
status with the County.
DUE PROCESS
The right granted to a volunteer to post-disciplinary hearings
for actions of suspension, demotion or dismissal.
FIRE CHIEF
Person who has the responsibility of supervising and administrating
a Fire or EMS Department of County government as determined and designated
by the County.
GRIEVANCE
A complaint by a volunteer concerning actions taken by management.
GRIEVANCE REVIEW
A review conducted at the request of a volunteer who is grieving
a dismissal, demotion or suspension, as set forth in this personnel
policy.
HEARING OFFICER
The individual who is charged with the responsibility of
hearing and deciding allegations of improper promotion, post-disciplinary
action matters of demotion, suspension and dismissal.
MEDICAL DISABILITY DISMISSAL
The dismissal of any volunteer from County volunteer status
when the person is unable to perform the essential functions of the
position, due to a medical condition, and when the person has corroborating
documentation of this condition from a licensed physician.
PROBATIONARY MEMBER
A volunteer who has not yet completed the three-month probationary
period or a volunteer who has been placed on probation for disciplinary
reasons.
PROMOTION
Any upward movement within the department.
RETIREMENT
The withdrawal of a volunteer from the County volunteer system
upon meeting the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) eligibility
conditions for normal retirement.
SUPPORT MEMBER
A person participating in a department as a support member
who is at least 14 years of age and physically capable of supporting
active-duty personnel on emergency calls by assisting in functions
such as: rehab, radio operators, equipment repair and maintenance,
planning/logistics or other administrative functions. The person must
be physically capable of essential and marginal functions of his/her
duties and maintain a physical condition necessary for assigned duties
and responsibilities, which may include standing or sitting for extended
periods of time, operating assigned office or technical equipment,
repetitive motions as required to operate assigned equipment, lifting
objects at least five pounds but not exceeding 40 pounds in weight,
occasional stooping and bending as appropriate to an office environment,
walking on uneven ground at a fire scene environment. A person operating
as this type of member is not qualified to operate on an emergency
scene as active-duty personnel.
SUSPENSION
A forced leave of absence for disciplinary reasons, or pending
investigation of allegations made against a volunteer, or for pending
determination of the grievance procedure.
TRAINEE
A person participating in a department as a trainee who is at least 14 years of age and physically capable of being a trainee for any division listed in §
69-27. The person must be physically capable of essential and marginal functions of his/her duties and maintain a physical condition necessary for assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include standing or sitting for extended periods of time, operating assigned office or technical equipment, repetitive motions as required to operate assigned equipment, lifting objects at least 15 pounds but not exceeding 40 pounds in weight, occasional stooping and bending as appropriate, walking on uneven ground at a fire scene environment. A person operating as this type of member is not qualified to operate on an emergency scene as active-duty personnel.
TRANSFER
The voluntary or involuntary movement of a volunteer within
a department and/or from one department/office to another within the
County.