[Adopted 10-14-1924 (Ch. 40, Art. I, of the 1966 Code)]
[Amended 11-14-1972 by Ord. No. 603; 11-25-1997 by Ord. No.
97-1076; 11-9-1999 by Ord. No. 99-1134]
No person shall hereafter become a member of
the Department unless such person is eligible for such appointment
in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Statutes. Such person
shall be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States,
a resident of the Borough at the time of the appointment, sound in
body, of good health, able to read, write and speak the English language
well and intelligently and of good moral character. He shall be physically
fit to perform the duties of a firefighter, which fact shall be evidenced
by a certificate issued by a practicing physician of the state after
physical examination by such practicing physician shall have established
such physical fitness.
[Amended 5-27-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1388]
The Chief, Deputy Chief, Company Captain and
Lieutenant together with three Fire Commissioners not members of the
Council, appointed by the Mayor, shall constitute the Fire Commission,
which shall meet monthly or more often for the transaction of business
of the Department, said Commission to have absolute control over Department
when not in active service.
Any member of the Department may be retired
at the age of 60 years with the consent of his company and the Fire
Commission; in like manner any active member may be dropped from active
roll who shall, in the judgment of the Fire Commission and the Mayor
and Council, be mentally or morally unfit for active service.
The Fire Department is required to adopt bylaws
and rules for its conduct, with necessary changes from time to time,
subject to approval of the Mayor and Council.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The bylaws are on file in the Borough offices.
[Amended 8-11-1964 by Ord. No. 475; 5-27-2014 by Ord. No.
2014-1388]
The Chief, Deputy Chief, Captains and Lieutenants
are to be elected by the active firemen, subject to the approval of
the Mayor and Council, at the annual election to be held the first
Tuesday in December of each year.
[Amended 5-27-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1388]
The Mayor and Council shall have power to remove
the Chief and Deputy Chief, after public trial by the Fire Commission,
10 days after the filing of such charges.
Annual inspection of the Department may be held
at a time and place designated by the Mayor and Council.
The Chief shall be responsible to the Fire Commission
and the Mayor and Council, for the proper operation of the Department,
the care and maintenance of all fire apparatus and such other duties
as state laws and Borough ordinances may provide for.
The Chief shall report to the Mayor and Council
on their regular meeting night the condition of all fire apparatus,
together with a copy of the Department log as to fires, damage, etc.,
for the month past.
The Fire Department may consist of one or more
companies as may be necessary from time to time, subject to approval
of the Mayor and Council.
All requisitions for repairs and supplies must
be made to the Chief, who in turn will present the same to the Fire
Commission for approval, but in case an apparatus becomes disabled,
immediate repairs shall be made at the direction of the Chief, who
will render a report to the Fire Commission.
The officers in command shall see that all apparatus
in their care is in perfect condition at all times; they shall also
preserve discipline at all times, and enforce compliance with the
rules and orders of the Chief.
Membership certificates showing date of election
will be granted to all members of the Department, signed by the Mayor,
Council and Chief.
Certificates of exemption will be given to active
members of the Department who have served the time prescribed by law
and who are recommended by the Chief.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II)]
No person shall drive any kind of vehicle over a fire hose or
interfere in any way with a fire apparatus on its way to a fire or
at a fire, under penalty of $1,000 for each offense.
If any member is expelled by a majority vote
of the members of his Company or Department, such action shall be
reported to the Fire Commission.
[Amended 5-27-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1388]
In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office
of Chief, the Fire Commission shall immediately call for the election
of his successor, and, in the meantime the Deputy Chief shall assume
the duties of Chief until the new Chief is elected and his election
confirmed by the Mayor and Council.
This article shall take effect as required by
law.
