[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council
of the Borough of Highland Park 9-1-2020 by Ord. No. 20-2009.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 39.
Fire Department, adopted by Ord. No. 181 (§ 2-13 of the
1987 Code), as amended.
A.
A Fire Department is established in and for the Borough to be known
as "Highland Park Fire Department." The Fire Department shall consist
of the volunteer and paid career members as confirmed by the Mayor
and Borough Council, with recommendation from the Public Safety Committee
and the Director of Emergency Services. The rate of compensation of
the paid members of the Department shall be fixed and determined by
the Borough Council.
B.
The members and officers of the Fire Department as established at
the time of the adoption of this chapter shall continue as such member
and officers until further members or officers are elected as herein
provided.
C.
The Department shall consist of companies: Ladder Company and Engine
Company, and membership shall consist of not more than 50 members
at any given time.
D.
The Fire Department Constitution and by-laws may provide for the
election of officers and new members; however, they shall not conflict
with Borough Fire Department Ordinance and that no such election shall
become effective until approved by the Mayor and Borough Council.
E.
The members of the Fire Department whose names appear upon the roll
of firefighters which shall be submitted to and approved by the Borough
Council at its first regular meeting of the month of January in each
year.
F.
The election of such Chief, Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief, Captain
and Lieutenant shall be held at fire headquarters of the Fire Department
and in such a manner as may be provided by the Constitution and By-Laws
of the Fire Department, provided that the Constitution and By-Laws
shall not conflict with the Borough Fire Department Ordinance or state
and federal statutes, if any, and if such contradiction exists, then
the latter law shall apply. The names of all officers selected by
election for office shall be submitted to Borough Council for confirmation
and reviewed for compliance with officer standards stated in this
chapter for Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain and
Lieutenant, the terms of office shall be one year from the first day
of January of the year that confirmation takes place and/or until
their successors shall be elected and confirmed. In case any person
elected to any of such offices shall not be confirmed by the Borough
Council at its next regular meeting after such election, another election
shall be ordered by the Borough Council. Resignation of any officer
shall become effective upon notification to the Borough Administrator
and which will advise the Borough Council of such resignation. In
the absence or disability of the Chief or Deputy Chief, Assistant
Chief, and Captain and Lieutenant, the Council can approve the appointment
of the Fire Chief from the recommendations of the Director of Emergency
Service (Fire Director) to the Public Safety Committee.
G.
Borough Council may appoint the Director of Emergency Services to
act in the capacity of the Borough Fire Chief, at any time with the
recommendations of the Public Safety Committee subject to approval
by the Borough Council.
H.
Probationary members shall not have the right to vote for any line
firematic officer position.
I.
The members of the Fire Department may adopt a Constitution, By-Laws
and Rules of Order, provided there shall be nothing therein contained
which shall conflict with Borough of Highland Park Fire Department
Ordinance and any state or federal law or standard or any present
or future provisions of this chapter.
J.
A candidate seeking to become a member of the Fire Department of
the Borough of Highland Park, shall make an application, and shall
be over the age 18 and under the age determined by the New Jersey
Firemen's Association a citizen of the United States and shall
be in good physical condition to perform the duties of a firefighter
in accordance with New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Standards. The
candidate shall have a medical examination conducted and signed by
a licensed practicing physician of the State of New Jersey. The candidate
shall authorize the Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park
to conduct and order a criminal history background. This will include
the authority to conduct criminal history name search, identification
checks and/or fingerprint identification checks as authorized by N.J.S.A.
53:1-20.6 and N.J.A.C. 13:59-1.2. Any and all information obtained
will be utilized only for the purpose of evaluating applicants and
their abilities for volunteer service. Upon passing the required checks
the applicant shall be reimbursed by the Borough of Highland Park
as long as a receipt is provided. Once all required examinations are
completed and passed, the applicant shall be approved by the majority
vote of the Mayor and Council of the Highland Park by appropriate
resolution, and elected by majority vote of active members of Highland
Park Fire Department where upon he/she shall be become a member of
the Fire Department and shall be given a badge and Identification
card of membership furnished by the Borough of Highland Park.
K.
Any member of the Fire Department in good standing shall be authorized
to make an application for membership to the New Jersey State Firemen's
Association and shall be entitled to any and all benefits provided
through said association.
L.
Exemption certificate. The Mayor and Council of the Borough shall
issue a certificate of exemption to any member of the Fire Department
who has served as an active firefighter for seven years under municipal
control. The Secretary of Highland Park Exempt Firemen's Association
shall certify in writing to the Mayor and Council the qualifications
of the member to be complete and in accordance with this subsection
and the laws of the State of New Jersey.
M.
All firefighters who shall remain active after receiving an exempt
certificate from the New Jersey State Firemen's Association shall
perform at least 30% of duty comprised of drills, and attendance at
fire incidents, but not to exceed 20 Fire Department drills in a year.
All firefighters who do not perform at least 30% of duty for two consecutive
years shall be expelled as an active firefighter.
N.
All probationary members of the Fire Department are required to complete
the New Jersey State Division of Fire Safety Firefighter I course
and obtain their State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Certification
prior to becoming an active member, and shall be on a probationary
period of one year before becoming an active member with the Borough
of Highland Park Fire Department.
O.
It shall be the duty of the members of the Fire Department to attend
to the fire apparatus committed to their charge and the building in
which they are kept, but nothing shall be construed as affecting the
right of the Borough to control the apparatus and the use and/or occupancy
of the fire house and building belonging to the Borough.
A.
The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park shall consist
of the following Departmental and Company fire officers.
B.
If the need arises to appoint an Assistant Incident Safety Officer(s),
or to increase the amount of fire officers in the Department to the
overall number of members in the Department, it shall comply to the
span of control standard. It will be the discretion of the Borough
of Director of Emergency Services Highland Park with recommendations
of the Borough Fire Chief of said appointment(s), and shall amend
additional Incident Safety Officer or fire officer positions by Department
policy.
C.
If the need arises for an Assistant Engineer, it will be the discretion
of the Highland Park Director of Emergency Services with recommendations
from the Fire Chiefs to make said appointments.
D.
The Chief shall keep a record of all alarms of fire within the Borough,
the cause of same, and a description of the property damaged or destroyed
and at a regular meeting of the Borough Council in the month of August
in each year he shall present a report showing the number of alarms
of fire and the number of fires which have occurred during the preceding
year, the amount of loss by fire as near as can be ascertained and
also the condition of the fire house and apparatus with such recommendations
as he may deem necessary and proper.
E.
Fire officer qualifications and duties.
[Note: Any individuals currently holding ranks in the Borough
of Highland Park Fire Department as of the adoption of this section
of this chapter shall be allowed to continue operating in the position
and will be given a six Month extension to qualify for the requirements
of the said position. All other personnel must qualify for the positions
as set forth by the ordinance.]
(1)
(Reserved)
(2)
Fire Chief.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have served as Deputy Fire Chief for at least two years
respectively.
[2]
Must have at least eight years' experience as a firefighter.
[3]
Must have New Jersey Firefighter 2 Certification issued by the
New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must have New Jersey I.M.L. Level 3 Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[5]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
[6]
Must have New Jersey Fire Officer 1 Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
The Fire Chief shall be under direction of the Director of Emergency
Services (Fire Director).
[2]
Assists Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) in writing
standard operating guidelines (SOGs) to inform, instruct, or direct
Fire Department operations.
[3]
Ensures all Departmental, county, state and federal rules and
regulations are followed at fire scene.
[4]
Reports to fires and establishes incident command of the incident.
[5]
Coordinates training with Director of Emergency Services (Fire
Director) for training courses for Department staff.
[6]
Confers with Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director)
on terminations or recommends the termination of personnel based upon
violations of Departmental, county, state, or federal regulations.
[7]
Recommends major disciplinary actions of personnel for violations
of Departmental, county, state, or federal regulations to Director
of Emergency Services (Fire Director).
[8]
Reviews all monthly reports (apparatus, drills, fuel, equipment
and apparatus repairs) to initiate appropriate follow-up.
[9]
Reviews information on equipment with Director of Emergency
Services (Fire Director) that requires capital expenditures for budget
consideration.
[10]
Ensures that all Fire Department rules and regulations are followed.
[11]
Assists Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) in development
of the Department's budget, to be given to Business Administrator
and Public Safety Committee.
[12]
Ensures that background checks for prospective new firefighters
are investigated, and forwards recommendations to Director of Emergency
Services (Fire Director).
[13]
May be requested to perform other duties, as the need arises.
(3)
Deputy Chief.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have served as Assistant Fire Chief for at least two years
respectively.
[2]
Must have at least seven years' experience as a firefighter.
[3]
Must have New Jersey Firefighter 2 Certification issued by the
New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must have New Jersey I.M.L. Level 3 Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[5]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
[6]
Must have New Jersey Fire Officer 1 Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities
of the Fire Division within the Department including all fire suppression,
related functions and activities.
[2]
Respond to emergency and nonemergency incidents; utilize the
incident command system to direct activities and communications in
fire and/or emergency situations; take action to mitigate hazards
and treat patients; make decisions affecting life and property under
emergency circumstances; develop tactics and strategies for major
or critical incidents.
[3]
Meets with Director of Emergency Service (Fire Director) and
Fire Chief participate in the development and implementation of goals,
objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend
and administer policies and procedures; participate in the development
of new fire ordinances.
[4]
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service
delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within Departmental policy,
appropriate service and staffing levels.
[5]
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate fire service personnel;
provides or coordinates staff training; work with employees to correct
deficiencies.
[6]
Meet with Director of Emergency Service (Fire Director) and
participate in the development and administration of the Department's
annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for equipment,
materials, and supplies.
[7]
Serve as the liaison for the Fire Companies and outside agencies;
negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues; coordinate
special community programs.
[8]
May serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and
committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary
correspondence.
[9]
Assume responsibility of the Fire Chief in his absence.
[10]
Perform related duties as required.
[11]
May be requested to perform other duties, as the need arises.
(4)
Assistant Chief.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have served as Captain for at least two years respectively.
[2]
Must have at least six years' experience as a firefighter.
[3]
Must have New Jersey Firefighter Level 2 Certification issued
by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must have New Jersey I.M.L. Level 3 Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[5]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Performs a variety of technical, administrative, and supervisory
work in directing the planning, organizing, and implementing firefighter
and officer training to satisfy the areas of prevention, suppression
and emergency medical services.
[2]
Works under the general guidance and direction of the Deputy
Fire Chief.
[3]
Supervises all officers and firefighters involved in training,
either directly or through other subordinate officers.
[4]
May act as Fire Chief during absence of Deputy Fire Chief, as
assigned.
[5]
Supervises subordinate officers in their assigned duties in
training division. Reviews, evaluates, develops and implements training
programs, policies and procedures for various Departmental operations
regarding training.
[6]
Directs and participates in Departmental training programs.
[7]
Responds to incidents assumes command in the absence of Fire
Chief and Deputy Fire Chief.
[8]
Carries out duties in conformance with federal, state, county
and Borough ordinances.
[9]
Assists in the planning and implementation of fire training
programs for the Borough in order to better carry out the policies
and goals of the Borough.
[10]
Directs the operation of Departmental in-service training activities.
Handles grievances from officers and firefighters, maintains Departmental
discipline and the conduct and general behavior of volunteer personnel.
[11]
Prepares and submits periodic training reports to the Fire Chief
regarding the Department's training activities.
[12]
Assigns personnel and equipment to such training duties and
uses as the service requires.
[13]
Meets with Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) and
other elected officials, for budget, policy and instruction for the
betterment of the Fire Department.
[14]
Attends training conferences and training meetings to keep abreast
of current trends in the field; represents the Fire Department in
a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.
[15]
May be requested to perform other duties, as the need arises.
(5)
Incident Safety Officer.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have at least three years' experience as a firefighter.
[2]
Must have a New Jersey Firefighter I Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[3]
Must have an I.M.L. Level 1 Certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
[5]
Must have passed an Incident Safety Officers Training class
issued by The National Fire Academy or through an approved training
facility.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Upon arrival of a fire scene the Incident Safety Officer shall
obtain a situation-status briefing from the Incident Commander.
[2]
Monitor conditions, hazards and risks, including conducting
a 360° primary survey noting accessibility of entry and egress
of the structure.
[3]
Ensure that a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is available and
ready.
[4]
Monitor radio transmission. Be especially alert to unclear,
incomplete or missed communications.
[5]
Set up and communicate collapse/safety zones.
[6]
Verify that an accountability system is in place.
[7]
Evaluate traffic hazards and apparatus placement.
[8]
Monitor smoke/fire conditions, fire extension, collapse potential
or any other event that could pose a threat to operating personnel
or the public.
[9]
Confirm that EMS is on scene and ensure the establishment of
firefighter rehabilitation setup/area.
[10]
Report status of hazards, risks, and conditions to Incident
Commander. If an imminent life-threating situation exists, exercise
emergency authority to stop, alter or suspend operations. If this
action is taken, report it immediately to the Incident Commander.
(6)
Engineer.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have at least three years' experience as a firefighter.
[2]
Must have a New Jersey Firefighter I Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[3]
Must have an I.M.L. Level 1 Certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
[5]
Must be mechanically inclined.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Must be mechanically inclined and be able to perform minor repairs
of Borough apparatus, such as light bulb replacement, washing apparatus,
installing brackets for equipment, tighten screws/bolts, maintain
equipment, etc.
[2]
Shall provide a report of repairs completed or repairs needed
to the Department Captain or Supervisor of paid personnel, which they
shall forward to Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director).
[3]
May be requested to perform other duties, as the need arises.
[4]
Clean and service assigned apparatus, maintaining it in a condition
of readiness, report mechanical failures or difficulties and missing
or damaged equipment to the proper authority.
(7)
Captain.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have served as Lieutenant for at least one year respectively.
[2]
Must have five years' experience as a firefighter.
[3]
Must have New Jersey Firefighter II Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must have an I.M.L. Level 2 Certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[5]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Responds to alarms received and directs routes to be taken;
directs work of fire lieutenants pending arrival of a superior officer;
may be required to be incident commander, supervises through subordinate
officers the laying of hose lines, placing of ladders, direction of
water streams, ventilation of buildings, rescuing persons, and placement
of salvage covers.
[2]
Participates in the development and implementation of goals,
objectives; recommends and implements policies and procedures.
[3]
Instructs and drills in use of tools, raising of ladders and
rescue and salvage work, etc.; also coordinates training of company
personnel at assigned training programs and seminars.
[4]
Oversees maintenance and condition of Departmental equipment,
apparatus and facilities assigned to the Fire Department, coordinate
repairs with fire company Engineer.
[5]
Participates in fire prevention and public education activities
as assigned.
[6]
Determines methods of fire suppression; supervises laying of
hose lines, directing of water streams, pressures of streams, placing
of ladders, and ventilation of buildings, rescuing of persons, and
placing of salvage covers.
[7]
Monitors and observes that Departmental policies activities
to ensure that conduct and performance conform to Department standards.
[8]
Enforces Departmental rules, ordinances and regulations.
[9]
Completes fire incident and related reports.
[10]
May be requested to perform other duties, as the need arises.
(8)
Lieutenant.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have at least three years' experience as a firefighter.
[2]
Must have a New Jersey Firefighter I Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[3]
Must have an I.M.L. Level 1 Certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must be qualified pump operator by Departmental standards.
[5]
Must have a minimum 20 hours of incident command and/or strategies
and tactics class training.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Responds to alarms as an officer and supervises and directs
fire ground and emergency operations for assigned company, including
incident command.
[2]
Supervises, trains personnel.
[3]
Responsible for cleanliness of station and maintenance of apparatus,
tools, equipment and all other Fire Department property.
[4]
Enforces Departmental rules, ordinances and regulations.
[5]
Completes fire incident and related reports.
[6]
Participates in training exercises and classroom lectures and
prepares and conducts trainings for Department, when assigned.
[7]
Responds to fire alarms with assigned company. Performs all
activities associated with extinguishing fires and with medical treatment
at emergency scenes. Utilizes and maintains self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA).
[8]
Participates in fire prevention and public education activities
as assigned.
[9]
Attends training sessions that include firefighting techniques,
emergency medical care, and the proper use of all equipment and related
tools.
[10]
Oversees and performs various duties in the maintenance of station
facilities and auxiliary equipment.
[11]
Inspects fire equipment to ensure proper operation.
[12]
Accomplish such other duties as may be assigned from time to
time.
[13]
Responds to general public complaints, requests for information
and guidance, cooperates with surrounding communities in firefighting
and rescue efforts.
[14]
May be requested to perform other duties, as the need arises.
(9)
Fire Police.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have at least one year experience as a firefighter.
[2]
Must Have New Jersey State Certification of Fire Police Personnel.
[3]
Must have a New Jersey Firefighter I Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must complete and pass an approved Fire Police Training class,
approved by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety (N.J.A.C. 5:73-7.2).
[5]
Must have an I.M.L. Level 1 Certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[6]
Take and subscribe an oath administered by the Municipal Clerk.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
The Fire Police shall respond to all calls with the Fire Department
unless otherwise advised by Incident Commander.
[2]
The Fire Police shall obey all traffic laws when responding
to calls.
[3]
The Fire Police shall wear and use Department-issued gear as
necessary. This includes safety vest and flashlights.
[4]
The Fire Police shall contact the Incident Commander to notify
him of their arrival.
[5]
The Fire Police will block all roadways while the Fire Department
is in operation, to prevent injury to firefighters operating on a
fire incident.
(10)
Driver/operator.
(a)
Qualifications:
[1]
Must have a New Jersey Firefighter I Certification issued by
the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[2]
Must have at least one year experience as a senior firefighter.
[3]
Must have an I.M.L. Level 1 Certification issued by the New
Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[4]
Must have a valid New Jersey Driver's License, with three
years of driving experience.
[a]
Any member that has more than six driving points
or two DWI violations must be approved by Director Emergency Services
(Fire Director) and the Borough Administrator.
[5]
Must satisfy all requirements imposed under New Jersey State
Law and the municipal insurance provider.
(b)
Duties:
[1]
Certified driver/operators:
[a]
Respond driving firefighting apparatus to and from
alarms in a safe and efficient manner following laws and regulations,
operating pumps, aerial devices, power and other mechanical equipment
as required.
[b]
The driver/operator is responsible for apparatus
and inventory of tools and equipment on apparatus to and from fire
incident. If any equipment is missing the driver/operator shall advise
a Department officer; in his/her absence then the Department Chief,
and an incident report shall be filed, in the report shall identify
the last possible known location of the lost equipment. The report
shall be forwarded to a Department officer or Fire Chief to be delivered
to Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) office.
[c]
Operate, without direct supervision, various Fire
Department aerial apparatus and/or pumping apparatus with multiple
water intake and discharge situation at an emergency scene.
[d]
Perform required apparatus maintenance, cleaning
duties, inventory checks and weekly inspections. Additionally, after
every emergency response or training drill, inventories must be checked
before leaving the emergency scene or training location.
[e]
Participate in Department training sessions and
company drills.
[2]
Certified aerial/ladder operators:
[a]
Respond to alarms driving apparatus in a safe and
efficient manner, obeying all state and local laws, operator will
be required to position aerial in front of address or on corners of
structure and clear of collapse zones.
[b]
The aerial/ladder operator is responsible for apparatus
to and from fire incident; including all equipment that is on the
apparatus. If any equipment is missing an incident report must be
filed; it shall also identify the possible last known location of
the lost equipment. The report shall be forwarded to on-duty personnel,
or Department officer.
(c)
Driver/operator training requirements:
[1]
Must satisfy all requirements of in-house pump operation training,
set forth by the Department (SOG).
[2]
Attend and pass an approved pump operations class.
[3]
Completed 10 hours' behind-the-wheel training with an approved
operator for the apparatus.
[4]
Successfully complete an operator's skill test.
[a]
Must be approved by any two qualified operators,
who must be either a line officer, certified operator or certified
instructor, with final approval by Department officer.
[5]
Upon satisfactory completion of items in Subsection E(10)(c)[2], [3] and [4] and the completion of 10 hours' behind-the-wheel training, the member shall be considered a probationary driver/operator and be allowed to drive and operate the Engine so long as another certified driver/operator is on the apparatus, upon approval of the Captain of the company.
[6]
The new driver/operator's name will be forwarded to Fire
Chief and Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) to be added
to the driver's list.
(d)
Aerial/ladder operators training requirements:
[1]
Must satisfy the criteria for general operator and engine operator.
[2]
Attend and pass an approved truck operation class.
[3]
Successfully complete an operator's skill test.
[a]
Must be approved by any two qualified operators,
who must be either a line officer, certified operator or certified
instructor, with final approval by Department officer.
[4]
Complete 10 hours' behind-the-wheel training with an approved
operator for the apparatus.
[5]
Upon satisfactory completion of items in Subsection E(10)(d)[1], [2] and [3] and the completion of 10 hours' behind-the-wheel training, the member shall be considered a probationary driver/operator and be allowed to drive and operate the apparatus so long as another certified driver/operator is on the apparatus, upon approval of the Department officer.
[6]
The new driver/operator's name will be forwarded to Fire
Chief and Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) to be added
to the driver's list.
F.
Training Division: The Borough of Highland Park Training Division
shall support the training needs of the Fire Department so that its
members can achieve their operational objectives. The Training Division
shall provide support for Departmental training, both required and
elective. The Training Division shall also provide notification of
training opportunities and disseminate information to its members.
(1)
The Training Division shall:
(a)
Provide assistance to company officers in planning creation
and operation of Department drills, as requested by company officer.
(b)
Facilitate and/or help coordinate Department-wide training,
such as SCBA recertification, fit testing and other required programs.
(c)
Provide assistance in completion of required in completion of
required annual core competencies, such as pump operator/driver recertifications.
(d)
Research and recommend training courses.
(e)
Distribute information on training programs of upcoming Department
or company training.
(f)
Shall meet a minimum once a month or as the need arises.
(2)
The Training Division members: The Training Division shall consist
of the seven members, which will come from within the ranks of the
Fire Department and the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director)
shall be the seventh member. The members shall be:
G.
No person shall be eligible for the appointment to Assistant Chief
unless he/she has served one or more years as Captain. The Assistant
Chief, after a full one-year term, shall become the Deputy Chief of
the Fire Department. The Deputy Chief, after a full one-year term,
shall become the Chief of the Fire Department. Said Chief shall serve
a full one-year term. The Fire Chief, Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief
shall be formally appointed at the reorganization meeting of the Borough
of Highland Park by the Mayor with the Council's consent.
H.
In case of resignation of the Chief, Deputy Chief or Assistant Chief,
the aforementioned procedure will be adhered to, with an election
of a new member immediately to fill the open position; in the event
no member meets the requirements, or no one's accepts the position,
then said position shall remain open until end of year.
I.
The Assistant Chief, Captains, Lieutenant and Fire Police shall be
elected by their respective fire companies and shall be appointed
to said positions.
J.
Fire Police personnel shall be under the supervision of the incident
commander.
A.
It shall be the duty of the Director of Emergency Services (Fire
Director) with the assistance of the Fire Chief and Paid Fire Supervisor
to recommend to the Chairperson of the Public Safety Committee the
purchase of all apparatus, equipment, etc., for approval by Borough
Council.
B.
The Fire Department shall appoint a Length of Service Award Program
(LOSAP) Administrator who shall be a firefighter from within the Department.
The said position shall perform all duties requested which pertain
to maintaining records. The salary for this position will be $400
annually or can be modified by the Director of Emergency Services
(Fire Director) as a policy.
A.
The Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) and/or the Fire
Chief in all cases of emergency shall have sole control over all equipment
of the Fire Department and any apparatus belonging thereto, and any
person belonging to said Department who shall refuse to obey a lawful
order of the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) or Fire
Chief regarding the use of such equipment shall be removed immediately
from a fire scene and may be expelled from membership in accordance
with this chapter.
B.
The Chief, in all cases of emergency, shall take prompt and efficient
measures/action to ensure public safety and protection of property.
He shall at such times have sole and absolute control of the incident,
personnel, and mutual aid units assisting the Department.
C.
No fire apparatus belonging to the Borough shall be taken beyond
the limits of the Borough without the consent of the Borough Council
and/or their designee except in the case of any fire outside the limits
of the Borough. The Mayor or any member of the Public Safety Committee,
and/or their designee, the Chief or Director of Emergency Services
may permit such apparatus to go outside the limits of the Borough
to render aid in extinguishing fires.
D.
The Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director), Fire Chief, and/or
officers of the Borough of Highland Park Fire Department are hereby
empowered and required to take charge of any building or buildings
which may be on fire to admit only so many and such persons who are
not firefighters to said building as they may deem necessary for the
extinguishing of the fire and the preservation of all evidences and
personal property, and to give orders for and to supervise the removal
of all goods and the preservation of all endangered property and to
prevent occupancy by any individual if the building or buildings are
deemed unsafe for occupancy by the Borough Construction Office or
Middlesex County Fire Marshal.
E.
All fire apparatus shall be under the control of the Director of
Emergency Services (Fire Director) and Fire Chief, and in their absence
the Fire Supervisor of the Borough of Highland Park Fire Department.
During a fire it shall be the duty of the driver/operator to insure
proper operation of the apparatus and equipment under his/her supervision.
Said driver/operator shall immediately report the damage or loss of
any apparatus or equipment to his/her superior officer, and complete
a Borough of Highland Park incident report; said report shall be forwarded
to the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) office after
approved by Department officer.
F.
Any person who shall maliciously cause the destruction of any Fire
Department property such as hose, fire apparatus or equipment, etc.,
shall upon conviction of such act pay the cost of replacement and
or repair of damaged or destroyed property, and the cost of prosecution.
G.
The Captain of the Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park
shall immediately, after the first week in December of each year,
deliver to the Fire Chief a correct inventory of apparatus and equipment
of said company. It shall be the duty of the Chief to submit said
inventories to the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director),
who shall review reports from the Chief and submit the completed inventory
worksheets to the Borough Administrator and Borough Clerk.
A.
The members of the Borough of Highland Park Fire Department are required
to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while
operating on the fire ground. In addition to their personal demeanor,
members are further required to follow all policies, ordinances and
guidelines adopted by the Borough of Highland Park and the Highland
Park Fire Department. In situations where members do not adhere to
these requirements, officer will take appropriate steps in promoting
compliance.
B.
Progressive discipline provides for an increase in punishment for
each subsequent offense committed by any given member. These steps
have been adopted to ensure that all members will be treated fairly
and impartially. There shall be four steps in the Borough of Highland
Park Fire Department progressive discipline guideline.
(1)
Oral warning: When it has come to the attention that an individual
member has failed to adhere to a certain section or entire policy,
ordinance or guideline implemented by the Highland Park Fire Department
and that the failure constituted a minor infraction, the officer will
be responsible for issuing an oral warning. The purpose of the oral
warning provides an opportunity for the member to be explained his/her
infraction and promotes compliance in the future. Documentation will
be filed and forwarded it to the Director of Emergency Services (Fire
Director) office, for placement in the member's file.
(2)
Written reprimand: When it has come to the attention that an individual
member has failed to adhere to a certain section or entire policy,
ordinance or guideline implemented by the Highland Park Fire Department
and that the failure is a repetitive nature or would constitute a
serious offense, a documented account of the incident will be made
and place in the members personnel file for an undetermined amount
of time. The written reprimand and length of time the letter remains
in the member's personnel file shall be discussed with the Borough
Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) for
his recommendations for determining if a written reprimand will be
issued and how long it will stay in the member's personnel file.
(3)
Suspension: The Borough Fire Chief shall advise the Borough of Highland
Park Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) of the request
to suspend from duty any member or members of any company who shall
refuse or voluntarily neglect to obey or execute any order from the
officer in charge of any fire or drill, or who shall neglect or refuse
to be controlled or governed by the terms of this subsection or by
any the rules and regulations of the Department, or for the good of
the Department.
(4)
Dismissal and termination: When it has come to the attention that
an individual member has failed to adhere to a certain section or
entire policy, ordinance or guideline implemented by the Highland
Park Fire Department and that the failure is of a repetitive nature,
or a written reprimand has already been issued for the same or similar
offense, or that the incident in question constitutes a serious offense
or a crime, under New Jersey Law, the member will be immediately suspended
by the Borough Fire Chief or Borough Director of Emergency Services
(Fire Director). A hearing shall be conducted within 45 days of the
complaint; the Highland Park Business Administrator and Public Safety
Committee shall be advised of the matter, and be part of final decision
of termination.
C.
No person dismissed or terminated from the Fire Department shall
be eligible for re-election or employment as a member of the Fire
Department of the Borough of Highland Park.
A.
Any owner, operator, bailee or custodian of a motor vehicle or bicycle,
passing or attempting to pass, challenging to race, obstructing or
in any way interfering with the process of any fire apparatus on its
way to or from any emergency response shall, upon conviction, pay
to the Borough of Highland Park a fine not exceeding $500. A fire
officer or anyone acting in his capacity shall file the complaint
for a violation of such section with the Highland Park Police Department
or the Middlesex County Fire Marshal who shall be the sole judge of
whether the act constitutes a violation of this section and a summons
shall be issued in municipal court.
B.
No fire member shall at any time take any fire apparatus or equipment
in their charge beyond the Borough limits for any purpose whatsoever,
except that of mutual aid and vehicle maintenance, without express
permission of the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director),
or the Borough Fire Chief.
C.
The Borough of Highland Park Mayor and Council may at any time after
consulting the Borough Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director)
of the Highland Park Fire Department, and with sufficient reason,
demand and take into their hands and possession all such hoses, fire
apparatus and equipment purchased by the Borough for the individual
company, providing that the aforesaid does not in any way or manner
endanger life and the destruction of property within the corporate
limits of the Borough of Highland Park.
D.
All members of the Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park
shall be covered by Workmen's Compensation and Employer's
liability insurance coverage while in the performance of their duties
as Firefighter in accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey
Workmen's Compensation Act, N.J.S.A. 34:15-74 and driver's
liability by the Borough of Highland Park in accordance with the laws
of the State of New Jersey.
With respect to fire and fire-related activities, except those
responsibilities now or hereafter designated by state law or regulation,
or by local ordinance for the Chief, and Director of Emergency Services
(Fire Director), Fire Supervisor (Lieutenant) and/or Fire Inspector,
if applicable, his successors in the chain of command as set forth
herein, in all cases shall have the sole and absolute control and
command over all persons attached to the Department, and he/she shall
direct their operations at all fires and fire-related emergencies
so as most effectively to prevent the destruction of life and property.
In the absence of the Chief, or Director of Emergency Services, his
or her successors in the chain of command as set forth herein shall
take prompt and efficient measures and use the means of the Department
to extinguish the same and shall also have the sole and absolute control
over all the apparatus of the Department and over all persons aiding
or assisting in the Department in such cases. In all cases as per
State of New Jersey Incident Management System, the first arriving
emergency resource (command car, engine, officer, career personnel,
etc.) shall initiate the IMS by formally establishing command and
shall continue in command until properly relieved or may elect to
pass command to another member who meets NJ State I.M.L. Level 1 certifications.
The Chief and/or Fire Supervisor shall keep a record of all
alarms of fire within the Borough, and forward them monthly to the
Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) with a description
of the property damaged or destroyed and at a regular meeting of the
Borough Council in the month of August in each year, or have all reports
and information turned over to the Borough Administrator for the Council
meeting. The report should provide the number of alarms of fire and
the number of fires which have occurred during the preceding year,
the amount of loss by fire as near as can be ascertained and also
the condition of the fire house and apparatus with such recommendations
as he may deem necessary and proper.
A.
The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park acknowledges
that use of technology by emergency service organizations provides
several useful benefits including training and the acquisition of
useful information for the betterment of the organization and its
members. It also allows for the dissemination of information to the
public for recruitment, safety education and public relations purposes.
As such, the Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park embraces
the usage of instant technology to that end.
B.
This policy establishes the Fire Department of the Borough of Highland
Park social media and instant technology use procedures and protocols,
which are intended to mitigate associated risks from the use of this
technology where possible and to comply with Senate and General Assembly
of the State of New Jersey Bill S-199.
C.
This policy applies to all members of the Fire Department of the
Borough of Highland Park, consultants and contractors performing business
on behalf of the Fire Department.
D.
For the purposes of this policy, the term "instant technology" is
defined as resources including, but not limited to, instant messaging,
texting, paging and social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace,
LinkedIn®, Twitter, YouTube and any
other information sharing services, websites and/or blogs whether
currently available or developed in the future.
E.
The Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) shall approve
all Department social media pages after review with the Borough Fire
Chief. All social media content shall adhere to all applicable laws,
regulations and policies including the records management and retention
requirements set by law and regulation.
F.
The Internet and other information-sharing devices are global entities
with no control of users or content. Therefore, available resources
may contain material of a controversial nature. The Fire Department
of the Borough of Highland Park is not responsible for information
found on these sources.
G.
The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park understands the
value of such technology, but also understands the concerns and issues
raised when information is released that violates privacy concerns
or portrays this organization to the public in an illegal or negative
manner (intentional or unintentional). Therefore, no information,
videos or pictures gathered while on Fire Department business (this
includes emergency calls, meetings, drills, details, trainings or
anything obtained on organization property or at organization functions)
may be shared or posted in any format without the approval and written
consent of the Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director) or the
Borough Fire Chief.
H.
Under this restriction, members and employees are prohibited from
disseminating or transmitting in any fashion photographs or images
of individuals receiving emergency medical assistance. Any such transmission
may violate New Jersey State laws and/or the HIPPA privacy rights
of such individuals and may result in a criminal and/or civil proceeding
being commenced against members and employees violating this provision
of the policy.
I.
This policy is not intended to limit your right to freedom of speech
or expression; but as we are a public entity, it has been put in place
to protect the rights of this organization, its members and the public
we are sworn to protect. Members and employees are advised that their
speech directly or by means of instant technology either on or off
duty and in the course of their official duties that has a connection
to their professional duties and responsibilities may not be protected
speech under the First Amendment. Speech that impairs or impedes the
performance of the Fire Department undermines discipline and harmony
among co-workers or negatively affects the public perception of the
Department may be sanctioned.
J.
As a basic concept constitutional concept of law, a public employee
may comment on a matter of public concern. However, airing personal
workplace grievances does not raise a matter of public concern.
K.
In that regard, members and employees must follow the following guidelines
when discussing the Fire Department on social media websites:
(1)
Do not make any disparaging or false statements or use profane language.
(2)
Do not make any statements or other forms of speech that ridicule,
malign, disparage or otherwise express bias against any race, religion
or protected class of individual.
(3)
Make clear that you are expressing your personal opinion and not
that of the Fire Department.
(4)
Do not share confidential or proprietary information.
(5)
Do not violate Fire Department policies including the Code of Ethics.
(6)
Do not display Department uniforms or similar identifying items without
prior written permission.
(7)
Do no post personal photographs or provide similar means of personal
recognition that may cause you to be identified as a firefighter,
officer or employee of the Department or District without prior written
permission.
(8)
Do not publish any materials that could reasonably be considered
to represent the views or positions of the Department without authorization.
L.
The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park owns the right
to all data and files in any owned computer, network, cell phone or
other information system. The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland
Park also reserves the right to monitor electronic mail messages (including
personal/private/instant messaging systems) and their content, as
well as any and all use of the Internet and of computer equipment
used to create, view, or access email and Internet content. Members
and employees must be aware that the electronic messages sent and
received using Borough of Highland Park equipment are not private
and are subject to viewing, downloading, inspection, release, and
archiving by Department Officers at all times. The Fire Department
of the Borough of Highland Park has the right to inspect any and all
files stored in private areas of the network or on individual computers
or storage media in order to assure compliance with policy and state
and federal laws.
M.
Inappropriate use of the Internet and instant technology while on
Fire Department business may result in disciplinary actions, up to
and including termination as member of the Fire Department of the
Borough of Highland Park.
N.
Borough of Highland Park computer equipment is to be used for Fire
Department business and purposes in a professional and businesslike
manner.
A.
The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park shall follow
the Borough of Highland Park policy to maintain a drug-free workplace
for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy working
environment for all employees; ensuring the reputation of the Borough
government and its employees within the community; and preventing
accidental injuries to persons or property.
B.
The Fire Department of the Borough of Highland Park will follow the
Borough of Highland Park policy to provide a safe and healthy work
environment and shall comply with the Public Employees Occupational
Safety Act (PEOSHA). The Borough of Highland Park is equally concerned
about safety of the public. Consistent with this policy, employees
will receive periodic safety training and will be provided with appropriate
safety equipment. Employees are responsible for observing safety rules
and using available safety devices including personal protective equipment.
Failure to do so constitutes grounds for disciplinary action. Any
occupational or public unsafe condition, practice, procedure or act
must be immediately reported to the Department Head. Any on-the-job
accident or accident involving Borough of Highland Park facilities,
equipment or motor vehicles must be reported immediately. [Note: Under
OSHA Standards a volunteer is considered an employee of the municipality
to which he/she provides service.]
C.
It is the policy of the Fire Department of the Borough of Highland
Park to prohibit harassment of an employee by another employee, management
representative, supplier, volunteer or business invitee on the basis
of the race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital
status, civil union status, domestic, partnership status, affectional
or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or breastfeeding,
sex, gender identity or expression, disability or atypical hereditary
cellular or blood trait of any individual, or because of the liability
for service in the Armed Forces of the United States or the nationality
of any individual. The Borough of Highland Park prohibits harassment
of any kind from occurring in the workplace or at any other location
at which Borough of Highland Park sponsored activity takes place.
The purpose of this policy is not to regulate personal morality or
to encroach upon one's personal life, but to demonstrate a strong
commitment to maintaining a workplace free of harassment. If an employee
is witness to or believes that the employee has experienced sexual
harassment or any other kind of harassment, they must immediately
notify their supervisor or Department Head, and file a Department
Incident Report. Violation of this harassment policy will subject
employee to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge.
A.
Accidents: Any member involved in motor vehicle accident while operating
a Fire Department vehicle may be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
The Police Department will be notified of an accident involving Fire
Department vehicle and an incident report and police report will be
filed. The Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services (Fire Director)
shall be notified.
B.
Cell phone usage: The use of a cellular phone, by the driver, while
driving a Fire Department vehicle is prohibited.
A.
Local enforcement. Pursuant to Section 11 of the Uniform Fire Safety
Act, P.L. 1983, c. 383 of the Laws of the State of New Jersey, the
New Jersey Uniform Fire Code shall be enforced locally in the Borough
of Highland Park, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. and N.J.A.C.
5:70-1 et seq., by the County of Middlesex as the county enforcing
agency.
B.
Definition of local enforcing agency. The local enforcing agency
shall be the County of Middlesex, Department of Public Safety and
Health.
C.
Powers and duties. The County of Middlesex, pursuant to above, shall
enforce the Uniform Fire Safety Act, codes and regulations adopted
for all buildings, structures and premises within the established
boundaries of the Borough of Highland Park and shall faithfully comply
with the requirements of the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the Uniform
Fire Code.
D.
Powers and duties of fire official. In addition to the duties set
forth in Uniform Fire Safety Act, P.L. 1983, c. 383 of the Laws of
the State of New Jersey and Uniform Fire Code, the fire official shall:
E.
Additional required inspection and fees. In addition to the inspections
or fees required pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the regulations
of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the following additional
inspections and fees shall be required.
A.
Except for one- and two-family owner-occupied dwellings used exclusively
for dwelling purposes, the County of Middlesex shall inspect annually
all buildings, businesses, structures or premises to ascertain and
cause to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, contribute
to the spread of fire, interfere with firefighter operations, or endanger
life or any conditions constituting violations of the provisions of
intent of this chapter or other fire safety or life-safety requirements.
Upon completion of such inspection and the abatement of violations,
the County of Middlesex shall issue to the owner or occupant of the
building, structure or premises a fire safety certificate of compliance.
B.
New businesses are required to have a new business fire inspection
and all subsequent reinspections prior to opening the new business
to the public. If no imminent hazard(s) set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.16
exists, the fire official or Fire Inspector shall allow a business
to open prior to reinspection.
C.
Registration and fees. The owner(s) of all buildings, businesses, structures or premises required to be inspected under Subsection A shall register with the County of Middlesex annually. Such registration shall be made on forms provided by the County of Middlesex. It shall be a violation of this code for an owner to fail to return such forms within 30 days of issuance. Every property owner required to file a registration statement shall file an amended registration within seven days after the occurrence of any change which would render any information contained in a registration statement inaccurate. With the exception of life-hazard uses registered pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:70, registrations shall be accompanied by fees in accordance with the fees charged by the County of Middlesex, Department of Public Safety and Health.
(1)
Waivers.
(a)
The following users shall be exempt from the local permit and
registration fees:
[1]
The Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
[2]
The Highland Park First Aid Squad.
[3]
Place of worship. This shall apply to uses where the actual
religious service takes place, uses for religious education purposes
or uses of an occasional nature.
[4]
Contractors and construction firms, when the activity is part
of work performed under a valid permit issued by the Building Department.
[5]
Borough of Highland Park.
[6]
Highland Park Board of Education.
(b)
Notwithstanding any exemption from local permit and registration
fee set forth in this subsection, there shall be no exemption from
any permit or registration requirement or from any other provisions
of this section.
(2)
Special events. When determined by the fire official to be necessary
for the purpose of public safety to have a Fire Inspector present
during special events, the owner, operator, organizer, sponsor, person,
or organization responsible for said event shall compensate the cost
of said Inspector at the rate of $100 per hour for the duration of
the event.
D.
Permits and fees. Fees for the following shall be those charged by
the County of Middlesex, Department of Public Safety and Health:
(1)
Trade shows, craft shows, exhibits, expositions, auctions, art sales,
concerts, wrestling matches, festivals, dinners, dances, balls and
similar events, including non-school-type uses in school buildings,
cultural centers and convention centers, and any other uses requiring
inspection by the fire official, County of Middlesex or Fire Inspector.
(2)
Asphalt (tar) kettles per job site.
E.
Fire alarms and reporting.
(1)
The fire official or his or her designee shall investigate, or cause
to be investigated, the activation of any fire alarm, fire detector
or fire protection system occurring within the Borough. The fire official
or his or designee shall determine the cause for such activation and
determine whether the alarm, detector or protection system has been
properly restored to full service.
(2)
Failure to report: It shall be a violation of this section for any
person or persons, having knowledge of same, to fail to immediately
report to the Highland Park Fire Department the activation of any
fire protection system or device; the occurrence of any fire; any
attempted arson; or the spill or leakage of any flammable or combustible
liquid or gas or of any hazardous material.
F.
Board of Appeals. Pursuant to Sections 15 and 17 of the Uniform Safety
Act, P.L. 1983, c. 383 of the Laws of the State of New Jersey, any
person aggrieved by any order of the County of Middlesex shall have
the right to appeal to the Construction Board of Appeals of the County
of Middlesex.
G.
Fire lanes.
(1)
Requirement, designation: Fire lanes shall be designated as follows
for the efficient and effective use of fire apparatus, access for
firefighting, and/or the egress of occupants.
(a)
Where needed:
[1]
The fire official(s) of the local enforcing agencies may establish
fire areas on property devoted to public and private use, in accordance
with N.J.A.C. 5:70-3.2(a)3, including, but not by way of limitation,
shopping centers, strip malls, bowling alleys, drive-in theaters,
houses of worship, swimming pools, offices, warehouses, factories,
restaurants, night clubs, etc., and similar uses.
[2]
The number, location, width, length, and markings shall be at
the discretion of the appropriate fire official.
[3]
Consideration is to be given to the size, type, and location
of the building or buildings, the number of persons using and occupying
the premises, existing means of egress and ingress, the total area
of the property including the size of parking lot or lots, and all
other relevant factors.
(b)
Existing fire lanes: Any and all fire lanes created by prior ordinance are hereby continued in effect and when repairs or modifications are made to such fire lanes, they shall be brought into conformity with this code, as much as shall be practical in the appropriate fire official's judgment. The standard for exercise of said judgment shall conform to those contained in Subsection G(1)(a) above.
(2)
Markings: The owner shall, within 30 days of being given a notice
to do so by the fire official, mark the lane(s) as follows:
(a)
Signs, with minimum dimensions of 12 inches by 18 inches, constructed
of metal and with raised red letters a minimum of two inches in size
on a white background shall be posted at a level of at least seven
feet above grade, indicating "NO PARKING ANY TIME," "PARKING IN DESIGNATED
STALLS ONLY," "NO STOPPING OR STANDING," or "NO PARKING THIS SIDE"
at the fire official's discretion after giving due consideration
to the needs of the fire service and the public. Immediately under
these signs shall be another sign, with minimum dimensions of 12 inches
by six inches, saying "FIRE LANE" or "FIRE LANE NO ON-STREET PARKING."
Spacing of signs shall be even with a minimum of one sign for every
100 feet of fire lane or part thereof, or as ordered by the appropriate
fire official. All signs and markings must be unobstructed and visible
for a distance of at least 100 feet when viewed from a position approximately
five feet above the ground when in the fire lane.
(b)
The area of a fire lane on improved areas shall be delineated
along its entire length with yellow lines 18 inches in width. Between
the yellow lines shall be marked "NO PARKING ANY TIME" in yellow letters
18 inches in height. The number of times this wording is to be repeated
shall be at the discretion of the appropriate fire official, with
the recommended spacing to be at one-hundred-foot intervals and spaced
so as to be between and alternate with the metal signs required above.
If the designated fire lane abuts a curb, the curbing shall be yellow
in color where it abuts the fire lane.
(c)
FIRE AREA
FIRE LANE
NO ON-STREET PARKING
NO PARKING ANY TIME
NO STOPPING OR STANDING
PARKING IN DESIGNATED STALLS ONLY
Definitions: For the purposes of the fire lane enforcement,
the following terms are defined:
Shall mean the same as "fire lane."
An area necessary to provide safety for the public or to
provide proper access for Fire Department operations in the event
of an emergency.
Shall mean that a vehicle may not be parked along the street
unless loading or unloading passengers or materials with a time limit
of three minutes.
Shall mean that a vehicle may not be parked within the designated
area unless loading or unloading passengers, or materials with a time
limit of three minutes.
That no vehicle may be stopped or standing within the designated
zone whether or not attended or unattended, with or without the motor
running, or brakes set.
Shall mean that a vehicle may only be parked within an area
so designated for parking.
(3)
Size: Fire lanes for vehicle access shall be a minimum of 18 feet
in width or as approved by the appropriate fire official. Fire lanes
for egress of occupants shall be a minimum of at least the width of
the exit way served.
(4)
Notification: Once a fire lane has been designated by the appropriate
fire official, approved as provided above and properly marked by the
owner of the premises, the appropriate fire official shall notify
the Police Department, Construction Code Agency, and Municipal Court
Clerk in writing of the existence and location of the designated Fire
Lane(s).
(5)
Unpaved areas: Unpaved fire lanes installed on public or private
property shall comply with the "Fire Lane Typical Details" installation
methods blueprint available from the County of Middlesex Engineering
Department and be approved by the appropriate fire official. Selection
of a method to be used as per the typical details shall be subject
to the approval of the appropriate fire official. Signs and markings
shall be provided as required by the appropriate fire official and
this code.
(6)
Restricted areas: Gates, chains, or other approved methods utilized
to prevent unauthorized access to fire lanes shall be approved by
the appropriate fire official prior to installation, provided such
restrictions will not impede access by firefighting apparatus. The
appropriate fire official shall determine whether any changes or deviations
from the appropriate methods may be utilized.
(7)
Installation, maintenance: Fire lanes shall be installed and maintained
by the owner of the premises or a designee in conformity with the
provisions of this chapter. Fire lanes in existence prior to the enactment
of this chapter shall be required to conform to the provisions herein
at the discretion of the appropriate fire official. Fire Lanes must
be accessible for fire apparatus use at all time.
(8)
Parking, standing, and obstruction prohibited:
(a)
Designated fire lanes shall be maintained free of snow and obstructions,
including vehicles, at all times.
(b)
The appropriate fire official and/or his designee shall have
the authority to remove or have removed such obstructions or vehicles
as may violate the above section, at the expense of the owner of the
premises in the case of obstructions or at the expense of the owner
of the vehicle. The presumption of ownership may be overcome by proof
furnished to the satisfaction of the Municipal Court or Superior Court,
Law Division, that some other person was the actual offender.
(c)
It shall be a separate violation of this code for any driver
or operator of any motor vehicle to fail to present a driver's
license and/or vehicle registration upon demand of any person authorized
to enforce this chapter when requested as part of the enforcement
procedure.
(9)
Notice of violation: The appropriate fire official(s) or fire inspectors
may complete a municipal summons, or a notice of violation, and said
summons or notice of violation shall be issued to all offenders by
personally serving same upon any offender, or, if the offender is
not attendant to the vehicles, shall leave the notice under the windshield
wiper or otherwise attached to the vehicle in a manner reasonably
calculated to ensure that the offender received said notice upon his
or her return to the vehicle.
(10)
This chapter shall supersede any and all provisions of any other
ordinance promulgated for the enforcement of parking in fire lanes.
Enforcement shall only be done by personnel from either the Department
of Public Safety or the appropriate local enforcement agencies. Personnel
enforcing these provisions shall be either uniformed or carry appropriate
identification.
H.
Construction activities. All combustible refuse, rubbish and debris
shall be cleaned up and deposited in a noncombustible refuse container.
All refuse container(s) shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from
any building, structure and lot line or combustible material storage
location.
I.
Key box requirements.
(1)
All buildings or structures protected by fire alarms shall be provided
with a key box approved by the fire official. The key box shall contain
keys to provide access to all areas of the building or structure and
shall be installed in a location approved by the fire official; such
key box shall only be utilized in response to a report of a fire or
fire protection system activation or other emergency call.
(a)
The key box shall be located in a lighted location not higher
than 5 1/2 feet above grade and shall be provided with a monitor
tamper switch.
(b)
Key boxes shall be installed within 90 days of receiving a notice
from the fire official.
(c)
Key box keys shall be issued to the fire official. Each individual
receiving keys shall be responsible for the security of same at all
times.
(d)
Buildings or structures occupied 24 hours a day, seven days
per week, by personnel processing keys to all areas and residential
occupancies, and financial institutions shall be exempt from the requirements
of this subsection; provided, however, that residential complexes
containing locked common areas and/or master key capabilities shall
be provided with a key box.
(2)
All buildings or structures that have an elevator equipped with an
elevator recall must provide the elevator recall key in a key box
installed in a location readily accessible to the Fire Department.
J.
Penalties.
(1)
Any person or persons who violates any provision of the subsection
is subject to municipal summons of not less than $200 nor more than
$2,000.
(2)
Failure to file a registration application pursuant to Subsection C shall subject the person(s) responsible for said payment to a penalty in the amount equal to double the registration fee, but not less than $200 or more than $2,000.
(3)
Failure to pay the required registration fees shall subject the person(s)
responsible for said payment to a penalty in the amount equal to the
unpaid fee. Payment of the fee after imposition of the penalty shall
not absolve the owner from responsibility for the penalty nor shall
payment of the penalty be deemed to absolve the owner from the obligation
to pay the fee.
A.
Whenever the appropriate Fire Marshal shall determine that on-site
fire inspector(s) or firefighting personnel shall be required for
fire watch as a result of fire protection system failure or deficiencies,
or fire safety at any occupancy or event to ensure the safety of the
public or emergency responders, the owner or occupant responsible
shall obtain a permit for the use or event.
(1)
The Fire Marshal shall determine the number of inspectors and/or
firefighting personnel required.
(2)
The Fire Marshal shall determine the hours that the fire inspector(s)
and/or firefighting personnel will be on duty.
(3)
The permit fee shall cover the expenses incurred by the local enforcing
agency.
(4)
The fee for the permit shall include:
(a)
Compensation for fire inspector(s) at $35 per hour Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; $55 per hour for holidays, Saturdays,
Sundays, and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. weekdays.
(b)
The rate for use of vehicles shall be $25 per hour.
(c)
Reimbursement rates for other related services, equipment, or
expenses shall be provided to the owner by the Fire Marshal prior
to the scheduled use or event.
(5)
The Fire Marshal or designee(s) shall have right of access to the
premises and area surrounding it without interference from the property
owner.
(6)
Failure to secure a permit shall be punishable by a penalty equal
to amount of the permit plus $100 for the first offense, amount of
the permit plus $250 for the second offense, amount of the permit
plus $500 for the third and each subsequent offense.
(7)
A permit shall be required for each separate event or date of the
activity requiring such a permit.
(8)
Any occupancy or event requiring fire apparatus and firefighting
personnel on site to ensure the safety of the public and/or other
occupants, and/or to ensure the safety of any building and/or exposures
shall reimburse the appropriate fire district. Fees shall be $150
per required fire apparatus unit per occurrence and $20 per hour per
firefighter manning apparatus.
A.
Private fire hydrants, connections, and appliances shall be installed
and maintained in accordance with this section, NFPA #24 and the regulations
of the County of Middlesex.
B.
Blocking fire hydrants or connections: No person shall obscure from
view, damage, deface, obstruct or restrict the access to any fire
hydrant or any Fire Department connection for the pressurization of
fire suppression systems, including fire hydrants or Fire Department
connections that are located on public or private streets and access
lanes, or on private property. Minimum clearance to any fire hydrant
or connection shall be 10 feet in all directions.
C.
Use of appliances: A person shall not obstruct, remove, tamper with
or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant except under permit from the
County of Middlesex, or fire appliances required to be installed or
maintained under the provisions of this code except for the purpose
of extinguishing fire, training or testing purposes, recharging, making
necessary repairs, or when permitted by the appropriate fire official.
In all situations other than fire extinguishment, notification and
approval of the appropriate fire official shall be required prior
to such activity. Whenever a fire appliance is removed as herein permitted,
it shall be replaced or reinstalled as soon as the purpose for which
it was removed has been accomplished. Defective and nonapproved fire
appliances or equipment shall be replaced or repaired as directed
by the fire official. Use of hydrants for training by Fire Departments
is exempt from this section.
D.
Public water supply: The appropriate fire official shall inform the
County of Middlesex as to the location of any apparent inadequacies
of the water distribution system deemed detrimental to fire protection
in the provision of adequate fire flows and distribution of hydrants.
A fire hydrant shall not be removed from service until notification
to the appropriate fire official has been made. The appropriate fire
official will cooperate with the Borough's Emergency Service
Director (Fire Director) in this matter to see that reasonable protection
is maintained.
E.
Private yard systems: All new and existing oil storage plants, lumber
yards, amusement or exhibition parks, educational or institutional
complexes, residential, commercial, or industrial occupancies, or
occupancies and uses involving high fire or life hazards, or which
have lot depths greater than 150 feet from a public street or which
require flow delivery points beyond the public water distribution
system shall be provided with properly spaced fire hydrants. Such
fire hydrants shall be capable of supplying fire flows as required
by the appropriate fire official and shall be connected to a water
system in accordance with fire protection and other applicable standards.
The appropriate fire official shall designate and approve the number
and placement of fire hydrants with the cooperation of the Fire Departments.
The appropriate fire official shall require the installation of sufficient
fire hoses and specialized firefighting equipment such as nozzles,
deluge sets, foams, etc., as he shall determine is necessary and shall
require the establishment of a trained fire brigade when the hazard
involved requires such measures. Private hydrants shall not be placed
into or removed from service until approved by the appropriate fire
official.
F.
Fire hydrants - local standards: Subsections F(1) through F(4) shall be considered minimum standards for the installation and placement of public or private fire hydrants in newly constructed areas and shall be used as a guide in upgrading existing areas already protected by fire hydrants and water mains.
(1)
Public hydrants.
(a)
Hydrants in detached single-family residential zones shall be
spaced with a hydrant installed at each intersection and one every
400 feet along the roadway(s) measured along the roadway edge, or
as approved by the appropriate fire official. Fire hydrant placement
shall be in accordance with Residential Site Improvement Standards,
N.J.A.C. 5:21-5.4.
(b)
Hydrants in residential townhouse, condominium, cluster and
multifamily zones shall be spaced with a hydrant at each intersection
and one every 400 feet along the roadway(s) edge, or as approved by
the appropriate fire official. Fire hydrant placement shall be in
accordance with Residential Site Improvement Standards, N.J.A.C. 5:21-5.4.
(c)
Hydrants in business, commercial, and industrial zones shall
be spaced with a hydrant at each intersection and one every 300 feet
along the roadway(s) edge, or as approved by the appropriate fire
official.
(2)
Private hydrants: Hydrants installed on private property shall be located and spaced according to the occupancy and site design requirements based on firefighting needs with Subsection F(1) utilized as the minimum standard requirement. The top bonnet of all private hydrants shall be painted yellow to conform to the County of Middlesex standards.
(3)
Additional requirements: All hydrants shall be equipped with four-inch
outlets of National Standard threads; to be adaptable to Borough of
Highland Park Fire Department, and located within 24 inches of a curb,
roadway, fire lane or parking area; be provided with an individual
control valve; and shall be installed in accordance with the standards
of the American Water Works Association and NFPA #24, the more stringent
of the two to govern in any conflicting areas. All hydrants shall
meet the requirements of and be approved for installation by the County
of Middlesex.
(4)
Approval: The appropriate fire official shall approve the placement
of all fire hydrants prior to the commencement of the installation.
G.
Fire Department connections: All new Fire Department connections
shall be placed within 100 feet of a public fire hydrant on the front
side of the building being protected. Existing Fire Department connections
shall be brought into conformity with this section whenever there
is a change of use in the building or major work is done on the fire
protection systems.
H.
Fire Department connection signage: All Fire Department connections
shall be provided with a two-foot-by-two-foot red sign with three-inch
white reflective letters. The sign shall state "FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION"
and the type of system covered, for example: automatic sprinklers,
standpipes, etc.
All ordinances and resolutions, or part thereof, inconsistent
with this chapter are hereby repealed.
If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause or provision
of this chapter shall be judged by the Courts to be invalid, such
adjudication shall apply only to this section, paragraph, subsection,
clause or provision so adjudged and the remainder of this chapter
shall be valid and enforceable.
This chapter shall take effect upon final adoption and publication
as required by law.
