[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 2-40, Department of Public Safety,
previously codified herein and containing portions of Ordinance Nos.
2009-23 and 2011-04 was repealed in its entirety by Ordinance No.
2012-30.
For statutory provisions concerning the Police Department, see
N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118.
[1991 Code § 83-1; Ord. No. 2004-15 § I; Ord. No. 2006-8 § I(A); Ord. No. 2008-23 § I; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1, 7; Ord. No. 2010-25; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A; Ord. No. 2012-14; Ord.
No. 2012-30; Ord. No. 2012-35 § 1; amended 9-14-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-20; 3-14-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
a.
There is hereby established the Department of Police of the Township of Springfield. The maximum complement of the Department of Police in the Township is as follows: a Chief of Police, who shall be the head of the department; Captains (one (1)); Lieutenants (four (4)); Sergeants (ten (10)); Corporals (four (4)); if any patrol officers shall qualify for same patrol officers (thirty-four (34)), including all patrol officers designated as a Corporal), each of whom shall be appointed pursuant to this Code and compensated as set forth in the Salary Ordinance of the Township. The Township may also employ such Special Law Enforcement Officers as allowable by law in accordance with Subsection 2-41.13.
b.
The actual complement shall be recommended to the Township Committee
and shall be appointed by the Township Committee, from time to time,
all of whom shall act and be known as Police Officers of the Township.
[1991 Code § 83-2; Ord. No. 2006-8 § I(B); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A; amended 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-04]
a.
Any person appointed a member of the Police Department shall possess
the requisite qualifications prescribed by the applicable Statutes
of New Jersey.
b.
No officer shall be removed from office except for the reasons established
and in accordance with the procedure laid down in applicable state
laws. No member of the Police Department who shall be removed from
office for cause shall be entitled to receive any salary from the
date of suspension on charges or from the date of removal where no
suspension has previously been made.
c.
All appointments to the position of Captain shall include a probationary
period of nine calendar months from the effective date of the promotion.
[1991 Code § 83-3; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(A); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A]
a.
Each member of the Police Department shall perform the duties customarily
incident to the position held and as may be prescribed by the Chief
of Police or, in case of the Chiefs illness or absence, by the officer
next in the chain of command and all other pertinent regulations,
ordinances and resolutions of the Township regulating the Police Department.
b.
The members of the Police Department shall have and exercise all
powers now or which may hereafter be conferred upon them or which
they may be empowered to exercise by the laws of the State of New
Jersey, and shall serve all process issuing out of the criminal side
of the Municipal Court of the Township.
[1991 Code § 83-4; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(A); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 3,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A; Ord. No. 2012-30]
a.
The Chief of Police or, in case of the Chiefs illness or absence,
the officer next in the chain of command shall exercise control over
the Department, its members and property, subject to the order of
the Township Committee.
b.
The Chiefs entire time shall be devoted to the duties of the office.
The Chief shall issue orders and instructions to the members of the
Police Department and shall designate the day and night hours of the
members of the Department and assign the members thereof to the hours
of duty so designated and shall make such reports in writing to the
Township Committee as it shall require. The Chief shall have the power
to suspend from duty any members of the Police Department upon charges
preferred by the Chief or by third parties. The Chief shall report
every such suspension to the Township Committee within 24 hours after
it is made.
c.
The Chief of Police shall be directly responsible to the Township
Committee as the appropriate authority for the efficiency and routine
day-to-day operations thereof, pursuant to policies established by
the appropriate authority under N.J.S.A. 40a: 14-118.
d.
The Chief of Police shall be responsible for implementing the rules
and regulations adopted and promulgated by the Township Committee
for the government of the police force and for the discipline of its
members.
[1991 Code § 83-5; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A]
The headquarters of the Police Department shall be located in
the Municipal Building. The members of the force of the Police Department
shall, unless otherwise ordered by the Chief of Police report there
for duty at the hours assigned to them.
[1991 Code § 83-6; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(A); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A]
a.
The uniforms of the Chief and of the members of the Police Department
shall be of regulation pattern, approved by the Township Committee,
and must be worn on all occasions when on duty, unless otherwise ordered
by the Township Committee.
b.
Any member of the Police Department, upon ceasing to be such member,
shall immediately surrender to the Chief of Police the officer's official
badge and other property of the Township in the officer's possession.
[1991 Code § 83-7; Ord. No. 2009-01 § I; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A]
The hours of employment of the members of the Police Department
shall not exceed 16 consecutive hours in any twenty-four-hour time
period, except in case of an emergency situation.
[1991 Code § 83-8; Ord. No. 2006-9 § I; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 1,7; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A; Ord. No. 2013-05; amended 8-8-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-17]
Pursuant to the authority vested in it by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118,
the Township Committee of the Township of Springfield does hereby
adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the governance of the
Police Department of the Township of Springfield and for the discipline
of its members, to be known as the Township of Springfield, Department
of Police, Police Rules and Regulations Manual (2023), as it may from
time to time be amended by resolution by the Township Committee of
the Township of Springfield, as allowed by law, in the form as annexed
hereto.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Manual referred to herein may be found
in the Township offices.
[New; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(D); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 4,7; Ord. No. 2012-30]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, the Township Committee is hereby
designated as the appropriate authority. The Township Committee or
its designated representative or representatives shall have full charge
of all matters pertaining to personnel administration, including serving
as hearing officer and/or appointing an independent hearing officer
to hear disciplinary charges filed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-147.
[Ord. No. 2004-15 § I; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 5,7; Ord. No. 2010-02 § I; amended 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-04]
The Police Department shall consist of two divisions: a Patrol
Division and an Investigative Division. Assignment of patrol officers
and/or other superior officers to those Divisions shall be made at
the discretion of the Chief of Police.
[Ord. No. 2010-02 § II;
amended 3-8-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-04]
a.
The position of detective/investigator is hereby established. A detective/investigator
shall conduct criminal investigations for the Investigative Division
of the Police Department while in civilian clothing and shall conduct
preparation of cases for prosecution and perform such other duties
as are from time to time assigned by the Chief of Police.
b.
While the Chief of Police may assign a patrol officer and/or other
superior officer to the Investigative Division, appointment to the
position of detective shall only be made upon the written recommendation
of the Chief of Police and the approval of a majority of the Township
Committee by resolution.
c.
A patrol officer and/or other superior officer appointed as a detective in accordance with Subsection b above shall receive the same salary as he/she would have received as a patrol officer or other superior officer unless the Township Committee, by ordinance, or the applicable collective bargaining agreement provides additional or different compensation for a detective.
d.
No person shall at any time serve in the position of detective of
the Investigation Division unless and until he has been appointed
in accordance with the provision of the within section.
[1991 Code § 165-3; Ord. No. 95-19A; Ord. No. 02-22 § I(A); Ord. No. 2005-20 § I; Ord. No. 2008-14 § I(A); Ord. No. 2009-04 § I; Ord. No. 2009-23 § 7; Ord. No. 2010-02 § II; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1A; Ord. No. 2012-24; Ord.
No. 2012-27 § 1; 7-18-2017 by Ord. No. 2016-16; amended 9-22-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-16; 7-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-16; 2-28-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-05]
(Additional fees may be charged pursuant to Subsection 2-91.2, where applicable)
|
Copies of motor vehicle accidents (per report)
|
$5
|
|
Copies of stolen property reports (per report)
|
$5
|
|
Copies of reference letter, criminal (per report)
|
$5
|
|
Copies of audio and/or video evidence, including the price of
CD/DVD/tape and postage, if any (per CD/DVD/tape)
|
$1.25
|
|
Extra copies of warrants and complaints (per page)
|
$5
|
|
Discovery - letter size paper (8 1/2" x 11") or smaller
|
$0.05 per page
|
|
Discovery - legal size paper (8 1/2" x 14")
|
$0.07 per page
|
|
Permit to purchase handgun
|
As fixed by state law (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3)
|
|
Firearms purchaser identification card
|
As fixed by state law (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-3)
|
|
Permit to carry handgun
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As fixed by state law (N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4)
|
|
Town administered outside employment NJ Motor Vehicle Services
post
|
$40 per hour
|
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Senior Citizens' building traffic post
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Consistent with labor union agreement
|
|
Springfield Board of Education and nonprofit organizations
|
Consistent with labor union agreement
|
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All other employment
| |
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Inside security
|
Consistent with labor union agreement
|
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Outside and traffic
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Consistent with labor union agreement
|
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Vehicle fees
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$30 per hour (4-hour minimum)
|
|
Additional administrative fee for MVS jobs
|
$6 per hour
|
|
Additional administrative fee on all other jobs
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$10.00 per hour
|
[Ord. No. 2012-35 § 2]
a.
Establishment and Organization. There is hereby established the position
of Special Law Enforcement Officer for the Township of Springfield.
The position of Special Law Enforcement Officer shall be a temporary
office and shall not be a permanent regular office. No Special Law
Enforcement Officer, by virtue of his or her appointment, shall be
a member of the Police Department. Such officer(s) shall serve the
Township, subject to the eligibility criteria, limitations and requirements
set forth in the Special Law Enforcement Officers Act, N.J.S.A. 40A:
14-146.8 et seq.
b.
Appointment of Special Law Enforcement Officers; Hours of Duty; Term
of Office. The Chief of Police, with the prior approval of the Township
Committee, may appoint Special Law Enforcement Officer(s) to the Township's
Police Department. The number of Special Law Enforcement Officers
appointed may not exceed 25% of the total number of regular Police
Officers. Special Law Enforcement Officer(s) shall not be permitted
to work more than 20 hours per week, except as set forth in N.J.S.A.
40A:14-146.16. The Township may designate one Special Law Enforcement
Officer to whom this limitation on hours employed shall not apply.
The term of appointment for the Special Law Enforcement Officer(s)
shall be one year.
c.
Qualifications of Special Law Enforcement Officers. No person shall
be appointed to the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer within
the Township unless he or she:
1.
Is a resident of the State during the term of appointment;
2.
Is able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently
and have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
3.
Is sound in body and of good health;
4.
Is of good moral character;
5.
Has not been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty or which
would make him or her unfit to perform the duties of his or her office;
and
6.
Has successfully undergone the same psychological testing that is
required of all full-time Police Officers in the Township.
d.
Duties: Classification. Any Special Law Enforcement Officer(s) shall
be a Class Two Officer and shall be authorized to exercise full powers
and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time
Police Officer. No Special Law Enforcement Officer(s) may carry a
firearm except while engaged in the actual performance of the Officer's
official duties and when specifically authorized by the Chief of Police
or, in his absence, by the chief law enforcement officer of the Township.
The use of any firearm by a Special Law Enforcement Officer shall
not be permitted until that Officer has satisfactorily completed the
training and instruction required by law. The Special Law Enforcement
Officer(s) shall have the power to arrest when on duty and as authorized
by the Chief of Police or, in his absence, the chief law enforcement
officer of the Township.
e.
Compliance with Rules and Regulations of Police Department. Every
Special Law Enforcement Officer, while on duty, shall abide by the
rules and regulations (including any and all standard operating procedures)
of the Police Department. Any violation of rules and/or regulations,
where the penalty for a Police Officer is suspension or dismissal,
may result in the immediate dismissal of the Special Law Enforcement
Officer.
f.
Fees. The Township may charge a reasonable fee for equipment and
uniforms supplied for any Special Law Enforcement Officer(s), but
may not charge a fee for the costs of training or issuing a certificate
of appointment. The Township shall not be required to compensate a
Special Law Enforcement Officer for time spent in training.
[Ord. No. 2014-16; amended 12-10-2019 by Ord. No.
2019-17; 5-11-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-14; 7-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-17]
a.
Purpose: to provide all eligible candidates for promotion with fair
notice and equal access to the promotional process; additionally,
to strive to identify the most-qualified members of the Police Department
for promotion to leadership positions within the Department and to
set forth the components of the promotional process that will be utilized
in carrying out the process.
b.
Policy. Promotion denotes vertical movement in the organization hierarchy
from one rank to another, accompanied by increases in salary. The
promotional process begins with identifying employees who have the
potential for assuming greater responsibility and who possess the
skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform at the level being
considered for promotion. This agency will use a promotional process
governed by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-130, as well as one which is in compliance
with applicable standards of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs
of Police (NJSACOP).
c.
The Police Department’s promotional policy and process, shall
be developed and implemented by the Chief of Police, consistent with
applicable New Jersey law.
d.
All promotions
within the Police Department shall be made upon the written recommendation
of the Chief of Police and the approval of the Township Committee
by resolution.
[Added 12-10-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-16; amended 9-13-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-22]
a.
Establishment and organization. There is hereby established the position
of traffic control officer for the Township of Springfield. The position
of traffic control officer shall be a temporary office and shall not
be a permanent regular office. No traffic control officer, by virtue
of his or her appointment, shall be a member of the Police Department.
Such officer(s) shall serve the Township, subject to the eligibility
criteria.
b.
Appointment of traffic control officers; hours of duty; term of office.
1.
The Chief of Police, with the prior approval of the Township Committee,
may appoint traffic control officer(s) to the Township's Police Department.
The number of traffic control officer(s) appointed may not exceed
10% of the total number of regular police officers.
2.
Traffic control officer(s) shall not be permitted to work more than
an average of 24.75 hours per week.
3.
The term of appointment for the traffic control officer(s) shall
be one year.
c.
Qualifications of traffic control officers. No person shall be appointed
to the position of traffic control officer within the Township unless
he or she:
1.
Is a resident of the state during the term of appointment;
2.
Is able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the
English language sufficiently to perform the duties of this position
and has a high school diploma or its equivalent;
3.
Is sound in body and of good health;
4.
Is of good moral character;
5.
Has not been convicted of any offense involving dishonesty or which
would make him or her unfit to perform the duties of his or her office;
and
6.
Possesses a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation
of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform
essential duties of the position.
d.
Duties. Traffic control officer(s) shall, under direction of the
Police Department, perform the routine duties of directing traffic
at major intersections or where otherwise assigned, directing traffic
by standing at an intersection and changing the traffic light by pushing
an electric button, standing in the middle of a street or intersection
and directing traffic by hand, ensuring the safe and effective flow
of traffic, overseeing the removal of stalled or damaged vehicles
that would cause a traffic tie-up, assuring the safety of pedestrians
crossing an intersection, providing information and directions to
pedestrians or motorists, and clearing a path for emergency vehicles
when necessary.
e.
Eligibility/required abilities.
1.
Any traffic control officer(s) must possess the following:
(a)
Knowledge of the problems and procedures involved in directing
traffic to meet departmental standards;
(b)
Knowledge of the procedures used in keeping records;
(c)
Knowledge of preparing reports of conditions and actions in
accordance with state procedures;
(d)
Ability to understand, remember and carry out oral and written
directions;
(e)
Ability to analyze routine problems;
(f)
Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work
methods;
(g)
Ability to report significant conditions and actions taken;
(h)
Ability to establish and maintain records;
(i)
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related
units;
2.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long
as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable
accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,
such persons may not be eligible.
f.
Compensation. Any traffic control officer(s) shall be compensated
at an hourly rate set by the Township Committee in accordance with
the salary ordinance.
g.
Compliance with rules and regulations of Police Department. Every
traffic control officer, while on duty, shall abide by the rules and
regulations (including any and all standard operating procedures)
of the Police Department. Any violation of rules and/or regulations,
where the penalty for a police officer is suspension or dismissal,
may result in the immediate dismissal of the traffic control officer.
h.
Fees. The Township may charge a reasonable fee for equipment and
uniforms supplied for any traffic control officer(s) but may not charge
a fee for the costs of training or issuing a certificate of appointment.
The Township shall not be required to compensate a traffic control
officer for time spent in training.
For statutory provisions concerning the Fire Department, see
N.J.S.A. 40A:14-7.
[1991 Code § 59-1; Ord. No. 02-28 §§ I(A), (D); Ord. No. 2007-02 § I; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
There is hereby established the Fire Department of the Township
of Springfield. The Department shall consist of the following officers:
a Fire Chief, who shall be the head of the Department; Deputy Chief;
Captains; firefighters consisting of paid and volunteer members, each
of whom shall be appointed pursuant to this Code.
[1991 Code § 59-2; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(A); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 6, 7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B; Ord. No. 2012-30 § 2]
The Chief of the Fire Department shall be the head of the Department;
shall be subject, in the performance of the duties of Chief, only
to the rules, regulations and orders of the Township Committee.
a.
The Fire Chief shall issue all orders and instructions to, shall
have power to designate the tour of duty of, and in all other respects
shall have control, management and direction of, the members of the
Fire Department.
b.
The Chief shall be responsible for the possession, maintenance and
use of all of the Department's apparatus and equipment for the purpose
of furnishing fire protection to the Township.
c.
The Chief shall have complete authority to direct, regulate and control
all persons who shall engage in or assist in the extinguishment of
fires or in furnishing fire protection.
d.
The Chief shall render a full report in writing of the matters pertaining
to the duties of the office for the preceding year at the regular
meeting of the Township Committee in the month of January in each
year. The Chief shall also make a report in writing at each regular
monthly meeting of the Township Committee of all matters pertaining
to the duties of the office for the preceding month, setting forth
the place at which the Department was called upon to furnish fire
protection, the character of the buildings involved and the estimated
amount of damage occasioned by the fire.
e.
The Chief shall have the power to suspend from duty any member of
the Fire Department upon charges preferred either by the Chief or
by a third person. The Chief shall report every such suspension, within
24 hours after which it was made, to the Township Committee.
[1991 Code § 59-3; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
The Deputy Chief shall perform the duties of the Fire Chief
in the absence of the Chief, subject to all other pertinent regulations,
ordinances and resolutions of the Township regulating the Fire Department.
[1991 Code § 59-4; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
The Captain shall be next in rank to the Deputy Chief. The Captain
shall perform the duties of the Deputy Chief in the absence of the
Deputy Chief and shall be subject to all pertinent regulations, ordinances
and resolutions of the Township regulating the Fire Department.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection 2-42.4A, Firefighter/Aide
to the Fire Chief, previously codified herein and containing portions
of Ordinance Nos. 2007-17 and 2009-23 was repealed in its entirety
by Ordinance No. 2010-10.
[1991 Code § 59-5; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B; Ord. No. 2012-30 § 2]
a.
The headquarters of the Fire Department shall be located in the firehouse.
The members of the Department shall report there for duty at the hours
assigned to them unless otherwise directed by the Chief of the Fire
Department.
b.
The schedule of actual duty of the Fire Department shall be arranged
so that each paid member shall be on actual duty for an average of
forty (40) hours per week in any eight-week cycle. Duty schedules
shall be arranged by the Fire Chief with the approval of the Township
Committee.
c.
The volunteer members and paid members shall work as one unified
Fire Department. The Fire Chief shall schedule the volunteer members
to serve in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Township
and Fire Department. The duty schedules for volunteer members shall
be arranged by the Fire Chief with the approval of the Township Committee.
[1991 Code § 59-6; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
a.
The Chief of the Fire Department and other members thereof shall
wear uniforms of regular pattern to be approved by the Township Committee.
Uniforms shall be worn on all occasions by the members of the Department
while on duty, unless otherwise ordered by the Township Committee.
b.
All members of the Fire Department, upon ceasing to be such members
for any cause, shall immediately surrender to the Chief their official
badges and all other Township property which may be in their possession.
[1991 Code § 59-7; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
a.
A permanent member of the Fire Department may be removed from office
or demoted only for cause and after a hearing before the Township
Committee upon written charge or charges. The hearing shall be at
a time and place fixed by the Township Committee. The Chief of the
Fire Department shall serve or cause to be served the notice of hearing
and copy of charges hereinabove referred to upon the member of the
Fire Department against whom charges have been instituted at least
24 hours before the time fixed for the hearing. In the event that
charges are instituted against the Chief of the Fire Department, a
like notice of hearing and copy of charges shall be served upon the
Chief by the Township Clerk.
b.
No members of the Fire Department who shall be removed from office
for cause, upon hearing, shall be entitled to receive any salary or
compensation from the date of suspension upon the charges or from
the date of removal where no suspension has occurred.
[1991 Code § 59-8; Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B; Ord. No. 2013-06]
a.
The Township Committee shall prescribe and establish rules and regulations
for the government and discipline of the Fire Department by resolution.
Violations of the rules and regulations shall be punished as per N.J.S.A.
40A:14-19 as amended.
b.
The Committee shall establish by resolution and may amend and repeal
by resolution such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary
for the government and efficient working of the entire Department.
The rules and regulations, when adopted, shall be posted within five
days after the adoption thereof in the room in the Municipal Building
assigned to the Fire Department and copy thereof delivered to each
and every member of the Department within five days after the adoption
of the rules or regulations or any amendment or repeal thereof. Failure
to post rules shall not invalidate such rules.
c.
Promulgation of Revised Fire Manual (2013). Pursuant to the authority
vested in it by N.J.S.A. 40A:14-7, and Ordinance 2010-10, the Township
Committee of the Township of Springfield does hereby adopt and promulgate
rules and regulations for the governance of the Fire Department of
the Township of Springfield and for guidance and the discipline of
its members, to be known as the Township of Springfield, Fire Department
Manual (2013), as it may from time to time be amended by resolution
by the Township Committee of the Township of Springfield, as allowed
by law, in the form as annexed hereto.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Manual referred to herein may be found
in the Township offices.
[Ord. No. 2005-20 § I; Ord. No. 2008-14 § I(B); Ord. No. 2009-23 §§ 2,7; Ord. No. 2010-10 § I; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
Fee to receive package for application to the Fire Department
for test and employment by Career Department $75.
Town administered outside employment Springfield Board of Education
and nonprofit organizations $45 per hour.
All other employment $60 per hour.
Additional administrative fee on all jobs $7.50 per hour.
[Ord. No. 2010-10 § 2; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B; Ord. No. 2012-07 § 1]
a.
Appointment of paid members to the Fire Department shall be made by the Township Committee in accordance with local and State laws. All appointees to the paid Fire Department shall serve an initial probationary period of 12 months prior to becoming a permanent member of the Fire Department. The Township may remove an appointee at any time during the probationary period. Appointment of paid members to the Fire Department shall first be made from the volunteer members of the Township Fire Department, who have served as active firefighters for at least two years next preceding such appointment. The appointees shall not be under 21 or over 40 years of age at the time of appointment. The Township shall select a candidate from the top three based on the criteria described in Subsection c below.
b.
If no such volunteer member is available for such appointment the Township Committee may consider any other duly qualified applicant for appointment. All applicants for appointment shall submit to a criminal history background check and psychological examination. The Township shall select a candidate from the top three based upon the criteria described in Subsection c below.
[Amended 11-22-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-25]
c.
In addition to the requirements contained in New Jersey Statues,
the Township shall consider the following criteria when making appointments
of paid members of the Fire Department.
1.
Springfield Fire Department ("SFD") Volunteer Firefighter Service
Credits Points shall be established using the following work performance
evaluation of qualified firefighters having served for at least two
years next preceding an appointment to a paid position.
(a)
SFD Officers will provide written evaluations of the qualified
volunteer firefighters to measure: Mastery of Skills and Job Knowledge,
Communication, Dependability, Career Development, Self-Confidence,
Customer Service, Safety, Role Model, Experience, Seniority and Judgment.
(b)
The ratings shall be applied to a schedule awarding between
three and 10 service credit points to a candidate's passing examination
score.
2.
All candidates for Probationary Career Firefighter shall possess
a NJ Division of Fire Safety Firefighter 1 Certification.
3.
Written examination of 100 questions worth one point each that measures
the skills, abilities, and personal characteristics that comprise
a successful firefighter shall be conducted by an entity which specializes
in providing Fire Department hiring and promotion procedures, examinations,
products and services. Candidates shall have 2 1/2 hours to complete
the examination. Candidates shall achieve a passing score of 70% on
the written examination before proceeding with the physical examination
elements of the selection procedure.
4.
Physical Agility/Strength Examination by Springfield Fire Department
utilizing the following elements. Candidates must successfully complete
elements (a) and (b), below, prior to proceeding with the remaining
elements. Successful completion of elements (a) and (b), below, shall
be based on predetermined standards established by the Fire Chief,
which standards shall be based on reasonable, customary and legitimate
expectations of a firefighter and shall be communicated to the candidates.
Seventy points shall be considered passing. Failure to pass this portion
of the examination shall eliminate a candidate from further consideration.
(a)
Half-Mile Run in 4.25 minutes (Pass/Fail).
(b)
Seventy-Five-Foot Aerial Ladder Climb (Pass/Fail).
(c)
Dummy Drag (Timed). Candidate shall earn 25 points for dragging
a 125 pound mannequin for 75 feet in seven seconds or less. Candidate
shall lose one point for each 1/2 second (rounded to the nearest 1/2
second) greater than seven seconds in which task is completed.
(d)
Roof Ladder Serpentine (Timed). Candidate shall earn 25 points
by completing a 200-foot course carrying a fourteen-foot ladder in
25 seconds or less. Candidate shall lose one point for each one second
(rounded to the nearest second) greater than 25 seconds in which task
is completed.
(e)
Hose Drag (Timed). Candidate shall earn 25 points by dragging
a one 150-foot length 2.5 inch fire hose 50 feet in seven seconds
or less. Candidate shall lose one point for each 0.5 second (rounded
to the nearest 0.5 second) greater than seven seconds in which task
is completed.
(f)
Stair Climb (Timed). Candidate shall earn 25 points for carrying
a coiled fifty-foot length of 1.75 inch fire hose up three flights
of stairs in seven seconds or less. Candidate shall lose one point
for each 0.5 second (rounded to the nearest half-second) greater than
seven seconds in which task is completed.
5.
Oral Interview. The top 10% or top 10 candidates, whichever is greater,
after conclusion of the written examination and physical agility/strength
examinations shall be selected for oral interviews. Interviews shall
be conducted by the same three-person panel selected by the Fire Chief,
which shall consist of a tour officer, a career firefighter and a
member of executive membership (i.e., Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Administrator
or Public Safety Director). Each candidate shall be asked the same
five questions prepared by an entity which specializes in providing
Fire Department hiring and promotion procedures, products and services.
Each question shall be worth 10 points. Scores shall be based on a
candidate's thoroughness/completeness of answer, communication ability,
knowledge of subject matter, interpersonal and decision-making skills.
6.
Background Check. The candidate(s) being considered for hiring by
the Governing Body will be subjected to a criminal background check.
7.
Mental Fitness Assessments by a Forensic Psychologist: Any candidate
being considered for hiring by the Governing Body will be scored in
one of the following categories: Recommended for hire, Recommended
with reservations, Not recommended, or Recommended against hire. Candidates
determined to be "not recommended" or "recommended against hiring"
shall not be eligible for hire.
8.
National Fire Protection Association ("NFPA") 1582 Medical Assessment.
Any candidate being considered for hiring by the Governing Body shall
be medically evaluated based on the NFPA 1582 Standard on Comprehensive
Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments. Successful completion
of the medical assessment shall be a prerequisite to hiring.
[Ord. No. 2010-10 § III; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
Appointment of volunteer members to the Fire Department shall
be made by the Township Committee in accordance with the laws of this
State. All applicants for appointment shall submit to a criminal history
background check and psychological examination. All applicants for
appointment shall satisfy the training standards, safety standards,
rules and regulations of the Township Fire Department. All appointed
volunteer members shall continue to satisfy the training standards,
safety standards, rules and regulations of the Township Fire Department
during their respective service as a volunteer member.
[Ord. No. 2010-10 § IV; Ord. No. 2011-04 § 1B]
The amount appropriated in the budget of the Township as compensation
to volunteer members of the Fire Department for each year shall be
apportioned among the volunteer members according to the number of
fire alarms in which each volunteer member attended and participated.
[Ord. No. 2012-07 § 2; Ord. No. 2014-06]
a.
Promotion to Fire Chief. Promotion to the rank of Fire Chief shall
be determined on the basis of qualifications, resume evaluation, interview
and experience. In order to be eligible for the position of Fire Chief,
an individual must have served as Deputy Chief for any period of time
or as Fire Captain for at least two full years at the time of the
examination. The individual selected for promotion shall serve a probationary
period of nine months, during which, he/she may be returned to his/her
prior position.
1.
Qualifications/Resume Evaluation. Each candidate may submit a resume
to the Public Safety Director by a prescribed date, which will be
reviewed and graded by a panel consisting of the Administrator and
Fire Chief. Each resume will be graded on a scale of zero through
10, 10 being the highest or best score. Grades shall be based on an
evaluation of the candidates: (1) Education; (2) Leadership; (3) Administrative;
(4) Operational; and (5) Training. Failure of a candidate to submit
a resume by the prescribed date will result in a score of zero.
2.
Interview. The interview shall consist of questions to be administered
by the outgoing Fire Chief, Administrator and Public Safety Director.
Each candidate shall answer the same questions. Each question shall
be weighted equally with points awarded based on thoroughness/completeness
of answer, communication ability and knowledge of subject matter.
Fifty total points may be awarded for the oral interview.
3.
The candidates shall be ranked by point score and the Township Committee
shall select an eligible candidate from the top three.
4.
Promotional Assessment by a forensic psychologist. The candidate(s)
being considered for promotion by the Governing Body will be scored
in one of the following categories: Recommended for promotion, Recommended
with reservations, Not recommend, or Recommended against promotion.
Candidates determined to be "not recommended" or "recommended against
hiring" shall not be eligible for promotion.
b.
Promotion to Deputy Fire Chief. Promotion to the rank of Deputy Fire
Chief shall be determined on the basis of qualifications, resume evaluation,
personnel file evaluation, interview and experience. In order to be
eligible for the position of Deputy Fire Chief, an individual must
have served as a Fire Captain for at least one full year at the time
of the examination. The individual selected for promotion shall serve
a probationary period of nine months, during which, he/she may be
returned to his/her prior position.
1.
Qualifications/Resume Evaluation. Each candidate may submit a resume
to the Chief, by a prescribed date, which will be reviewed and graded
by a panel consisting of the Township Administrator, a Public Safety
Expert selected by the Township and Fire Chief. Each resume will be
graded on a scale of zero through 20. Twenty being the highest or
best score. Grades shall be based on an evaluation of the candidates:
(1) Education; (2) Leadership; (3) Administrative; (4) Operational;
and (5) Training. Failure of a candidate to submit a resume by the
prescribed date will result in a score of zero.
2.
Interview. The Interview shall consist of questions to be administered
by a panel consisting of the Fire Chief, Township Administrator and
a Public Safety Expert selected by the Township. Each candidate shall
answer the same questions. Each question shall be weighted equally
with points awarded based on thoroughness/completeness of answer,
communication ability and knowledge of subject matter. Sixty total
points may be awarded for the oral interview.
3.
Personnel File Evaluation. The Township finds that an individual's
past performance is a substantial consideration in the promotional
process. As such, an individual's performance evaluations, commendations
and disciplinary history must be reviewed as part of the promotional
process. Personnel files will be reviewed and graded by a panel established
by the Fire Chief, consisting of the Fire Chief, Administrator and
a Public Safety Expert selected by the Township, prior to the written
examination. Each personnel file will be graded on a scale of zero
through 20 (20 being the highest or best score). Grades shall be based
on an evaluation of the candidates: (1) performance evaluations; (2)
disciplinary history; (3) commendations and (4) attendance record.
4.
The candidates shall be ranked by point score. At any time a promotion
is made, the Township Committee shall utilize the "Rule of Three"
and appoint any one of the remaining top three scoring candidates.
Consistent with Gallagher v. Mayor and Council of the Twp. of Irvington,
190 N.J.Super 394, 400 (App.Div.1983), application of N.J.S.A. 40A:
14-9.6 is limited to the single instance when a tie produces an impasse
in the appointing process, i.e., a tie in the test scores of a resident
and a nonresident for third place on the list. Because the rule-of-three
necessitates eliminating one of the tied candidates, N.J.S.A. 40A:
14-9.6 operates to eliminate the nonresident.
5.
Promotional Assessment by a Forensic Psychologist. The candidate(s)
being considered from promotion by the Governing Body will be scored
in one of the following categories: Recommended for promotion, Recommended
with reservations, not recommended, or Recommended against promotion.
Candidates determined to be "not recommended" or "recommended against
hiring" shall not be eligible for promotion.
6.
For the purposes of this subsection, "Public Safety Expert selected
by the Township" shall mean an individual, not currently employed
by the Township, with recognized expertise in public safety obtained
through (a) career fire officer experience, (b) experience providing
fire department hiring and promotion procedures, examinations, products
and services; (c) experience as a firefighter instructor at a recognized
fire academy or similar institution; or (d) substantial experience
as a Municipal or County Director of Public Safety.
c.
Promotional procedure for the rank of Fire Captain.
[Amended 5-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
1.
Notification. Notification of intention to promote a firefighter
to the rank of Fire Captain is as follows:
(a)
The Township will allow a minimum of eight weeks' notice from
the date of the announcement of the promotional process to the date
the written exam is given. This is at the discretion of the Fire Chief
in cases of emergency.
(b)
Notification shall be contained in a written announcement which
will be posted at Fire Headquarters and will be issued to each eligible
candidate via Fire Department email.
(c)
Eligible firefighters shall indicate in writing, or departmental
email, to the Chief of Fire, or designee, their intention to take
part in the examination process, within 10 days of the posting.
2.
Eligibility. The eligibility requirements for rank of Fire Captain
are the following:
(a)
Firefighters having achieved five complete years of service
as a sworn firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department, after
the deduction of any unpaid suspension time, as of the date of the
announcement of the promotional process, are eligible for the promotional
process.
3.
Process. The process to determine the firefighter to be promoted
to the rank of Fire Captain is as follows:
(a)
Written examination.
(1)
There will be a written examination administered by a public
safety expert. A list of study materials will be posted 10 days after
the initial notification. The written exam will be aimed at the level
of supervision being sought and is to be administered to all eligible
candidates at the same time and place. Examination times will be scheduled,
where possible, to allow eligible candidates sufficient rest prior
to the exam.
(2)
The maximum score for the written examination shall be 100 points.
(b)
Oral examination.
(1)
There will be an oral examination developed by a public safety
expert.
(2)
A panel of no less than three public safety experts shall conduct
the oral examination of the candidates.
(3)
Each question shall be graded based on thoroughness and completeness
of the answer, communication ability, knowledge of the subject matter,
interpersonal skills and decisionmaking ability.
(4)
The maximum score for the oral examination shall be 100 points.
(c)
Education. Education points shall be determined on a basis of
1/2 point given for each three credited firematic courses offered
in a college program leading to a degree in fire science and/or public
administration.
(d)
Seniority. Seniority shall be determined as follows:
(1)
For each year of service, 1/2 point shall be given.
(e)
Personnel file evaluation. The Township finds that an individual's
past performance is a substantial consideration in the promotional
process. As such, an individual's performance evaluations, commendations
and disciplinary history must be reviewed as part of the promotional
process. A candidate's personnel file will be reviewed by the Fire
Chief and the candidate. A loss of one point shall be incurred for
each official reprimand, suspension from duty, demotion to a lower
grade or instance of being found guilty of departmental charges.
4.
For the purposes of this Subsection 2-42.13c, "public safety expert" shall mean an individual or entity selected by the Fire Chief, not currently employed by the Township, with recognized expertise in public safety obtained through:
(a)
Career fire officer experience;
(b)
Experience providing Fire Department hiring and promotion procedures,
examinations, products and services;
(c)
Experience as a firefighter instructor at a recognized fire
academy or similar institution; or
(d)
Substantial experience as a Municipal or County Director of
Public Safety.
5.
The final total point score shall be determined by the raw score(s)
of the written exam score, oral exam score, education, personnel file
evaluation and seniority points.
6.
After the results of the examination are made known, the names and
grades shall be posted within one week and kept on file in the office
of the Fire Chief and a copy forwarded to the Township Administrator.
7.
The candidates shall be ranked by point score. At any time a promotion
is made, the Township Committee shall utilize the "rule of three"
and appoint any one of the remaining top three scoring candidates.
Consistent with Gallagher v. Mayor and Council of the Twp. of Irvington,
190 N.J. Super 394, 400 (App. Div. 1983), application of N.J.S.A.
40A:14-9.6 is limited to the single instance when a tie produces an
impasse in the appointing process, i.e., a tie in the test scores
of a resident and a nonresident for third place on the list. Because
the "rule of three" necessitates eliminating one of the tied candidates,
N.J.S.A. 40A:14-9.6 operates to eliminate the nonresident.
8.
The candidate selected for promotion shall serve a probationary period
of 12 months, during which he/she may be returned to his/her prior
position.
9.
A list of eligible candidates from each examination shall be maintained
for a period of two years from the date the scores are posted or until
the list is exhausted. This two-year period may be extended at the
Fire Chief's discretion.
[Ord. No. 2013-11]
a.
All new privately owned or public nonresidential buildings in the
Township, or existing nonresidential buildings which undergo a substantial
renovation which requires that a new certificate of occupancy be issued
or which is subject to a change in use as defined in the Uniform Construction
Code or has a change in tenancy shall be equipped with a rapid response
key box at a location approved by the Township Fire Official. The
key box shall be a UL type and size approved by the Township Fire
Official.
b.
Relative to the "change in tenancy" referenced in Subsection a above, the Township Fire Official shall have the right to waive the requirement to install the required rapid response key box if the Township Fire Official finds, in his/her sole judgment, that the new tenancy is of the size, type or other characteristic that can safely exist without the installation of the said rapid response key box.
c.
Rapid Response Key Boxes Contents. The rapid response key boxes shall
contain the following:
d.
Time for Compliance. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any new nonresidential building or existing building which is required to install a rapid response key box hereby until the rapid response key box called for therein has been installed and the same contains the items referred to in Subsection 2-42.14b above.
[1991 Code § 91-1]
There is hereby reestablished a Department of Recreation of
the Township of Springfield, hereinafter referred to in this section
as the "Department."
[1991 Code § 91-2]
There is hereby reestablished an office of Director of Recreation,
who shall be the head of the Department of Recreation and is hereinafter
referred to in this chapter as the "Director."
[1991 Code § 91-3; Ord. No. 94-1]
The Director shall be appointed by, report to and serve at the
pleasure of the Township Committee, with salary fixed by ordinance.
Prior to completion of the probationary period, the Director shall
be evaluated by the Township Committee to determine if the Director
will be granted permanent status or dismissed. Upon granting of permanent
status, the Director shall serve a term of three years. Any vacancy
existing in the office of the Director may be filled for the balance
of the unexpired term by the Township Committee.
[1991 Code § 91-4]
The Department may consist of other employees as required, who
shall be appointed, promoted or dismissed at the pleasure of the Township
Committee upon recommendation of the Director and whose salaries shall
be fixed and determined by the Township Committee.
[1991 Code § 91-5; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(C)]
The Department of Recreation shall, subject to the overriding
control of the Township Committee, perform the following functions:
a.
Plan, control, manage, coordinate and operate all public parks, playgrounds,
recreational places and facilities under the jurisdiction of the Township
government.
b.
Provide a year-round program of recreational activities, including
athletic, cultural, artistic and other programs consistent with the
recreational interests of the Township residents and approved budgets
therefor.
c.
Promote cooperation with the Springfield Board of Education with
regard to recreational programs administered by the Department.
d.
Recommend to the Township Committee adoption and administration of
rules and regulations for the conduct of all persons utilizing recreational
facilities while participating in programs or activities sponsored
by the Department, including recommendations for penalties for violations
thereof.
e.
Cooperate with other municipal departments, service clubs and other
organizations in furthering recreational and cultural interests in
the Township.
f.
Recommend to the Township Committee the amount of and methods of
collection of fees to cover participation in athletic, recreational
or cultural programs sponsored by the Department.
[1991 Code § 91-6; Ord. No. 02-28 § I(A)]
The Director shall perform the following duties:
a.
Take charge of and be responsible for the work of the Department.
b.
Be responsible to the Township Committee for the proper custody and
preservation of the records and property under the Department's control
and be answerable to the Township Committee for the faithful performance
of the duties of the office.
c.
Prepare detailed annual plans and budget recommendations for maintenance
and operation of all parks, playgrounds and facilities for recreational
and cultural programs sponsored by the Township.
d.
Administer and expend departmental funds in accordance with the budget
appropriations and ordinances.
e.
Be a member of and attend all meetings of the Recreation Committee
and take into consideration its requests and proposals when preparing
the annual and long-range plans and budget recommendations to be presented
for final approval by the Township Committee.
