The association known as the Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Department
is hereby recognized as a lawful association organized for the extinguishment
of fires and protection of life and property within the city.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-52)
The volunteer fire department shall operate under the authority
and control of the city and its officers and members shall possess
the following powers and duties:
(1)
City
Fire Marshal.
The city fire marshal shall have ultimate
responsibility and authority over city-employed and volunteer firemen
alike at the scene of any fire and at all training drills of the department;
he is to direct operations, make definite assignments to individuals
and make and enforce such rules and regulations as he deems necessary
to meet emergency situations at the scene of a fire or training drills;
it shall be his duty to take charge of the volunteer fire department
at all fire calls; lead them to the fire and then, to the best of
his ability, control and direct them in their efforts; he shall also
have the duty of establishing the order of rank in which others will
assume command at the scene of the fire or at training drills in his
absence.
(2)
Membership
of City-Employed Firemen.
City-employed firemen, including
the fire marshal, may hold active membership in the volunteer fire
departments and enjoy all the privileges of membership including that
of voting; however, not more than three (3) paid firemen may be members
of the same volunteer company, and each paid fireman shall, at the
time of his employment, be assigned to the company in which the membership
of paid firemen is smallest if it is his desire to join.
(3)
Control
Over Public.
During a fire within the city, active members
and officers of the volunteer fire department shall have full authority
and power to execute and enforce all orders and regulations of the
city fire marshal concerning the control and conduct of the general
public at the scene of an emergency. Upon order of the fire marshal
any officer or active member of the volunteer fire department may
arrest and keep in custody any persons who conduct themselves in a
noisy or disorderly manner or who hinder, resist or refuse to obey
any order of the city fire marshal.
(4)
Right
of Employee.
While fighting fires within the city, active
members and officers of the volunteer fire department shall be considered
employees of the city and shall enjoy all the rights, (except stipend)
privileges and immunities of regular city employees.
(5)
Insignia.
The city shall provide distinct insignia for the automobiles
and persons of all officers and active members of the volunteer fire
department for the purpose of recognition during emergences; it shall
be unlawful for any person not an active member of the volunteer fire
department to display such insignia.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-53)
The city fire marshal shall have full authority and control
over the general public at the scene of a fire and during a fire is
hereby vested with full authority:
(1)
Ropes
and Guards.
To have ropes and guards placed across all
streets, thoroughfares, lanes or alleys on or near which shall be
situated near any building on fire and at such other points as he
may deem expedient and necessary, and the members of both the regular
fire department and the volunteer fire department who have been assigned
by the marshal for policing purposes shall prevent any and all persons,
except officers and members of the fire department and owners and
occupants of the premises endangered by the existing fire, from entering
the lines designated by the ropes or guards.
(2)
Conscription.
To command all persons present at any fire in the city to assist
in the extinguishment of the fire or to perform any service designed
to preserve or protect life or property.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-54)
It shall be unlawful for any person not an active member of
the regular fire department or the volunteer fire department to block
streets or obstruct traffic so as to impede or hinder the travel or
work of any officer or active member of either the regular fire department
or the volunteer fire department. It shall likewise be unlawful for
any unauthorized person to in any way interfere with the equipment
or firemen in the performance of their duty; should the police department
be unable to enforce any portion of this article effectively, the
chief of police is hereby authorized to appoint members of the regular
fire department and the volunteer fire department as fire policemen,
and any such person appointed fire policeman shall have the same powers
and authorities as regular policemen for as long as the emergency
shall exist or until relieved by the chief of police.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-55)
It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to handle,
take, use or in any way interfere with any of the equipment or apparatus
belonging to either fire department, and it shall be further unlawful
for any member or officer of either the regular fire department or
the volunteer fire department to make unauthorized or personal use
of any equipment or property belonging to either fire department.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-56)
The city shall furnish the volunteer fire department with the
equipment and apparatus which in the judgment of the city council
is necessary and proper. Such equipment and apparatus shall be kept
in such place or places as the city council shall from time to time
provide, and the company to which same may be assigned shall keep
such equipment in constant readiness for use.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-57)
The city council may at its discretion provide for the relief
of members of the volunteer fire department temporarily or permanently
disabled in the discharge of their duties, shall have the right to
provide for the organization and administration of a pension fund
to provide for old, disabled and infirm members of the volunteer fire
department under such system, rules and regulations as may be deemed
advisable whenever the finances of the city will justify the undertaking
of this service and shall be subject to the laws of the state.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-58)
The bylaws of the volunteer fire department, approved by the
members of the volunteer fire department, are hereby approved by the
city council.
(1974 Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11, Section 11-59)
