There is hereby created and established a fire department in
the city.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-36)
The members of the fire department shall be a chief of the fire
department, who shall be appointed by the city manager, and such other
officers, firefighters and employees as the city manager may from
time to time determine.
(Ordinance 1239-2019, sec. 33, adopted 8/13/19)
The chief of the department shall have power to suspend any
subordinate officers, members or employees of the department for a
violation of any rules and regulations and shall, upon executing any
such suspension, forthwith in writing, advise the city council of
same and his reasons therefor.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-38)
It shall be the duty of the chief of the department and that
of his assistants to see that the laws of the state, ordinances, orders,
rules and regulations as promulgated by the city council concerning
the fire department and the operation thereof are carried into full
force and effect and to maintain discipline in the department.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-39)
Included in the personnel of the fire department shall be such
full- and part-time paid employees as the city council may direct.
The council shall establish the hours of employment and the compensation
to be paid for such service rendered.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-40)
In the absence of the chief of the fire department, the assistant
chief shall assume the duties of the office of chief of the department.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-41)
The chief of the fire department shall diligently observe the
condition of fire apparatus and workings of the department at all
times, and shall report in writing at any time to the city council
and make such recommendations as he may desire for the efficiency
of the equipment and department.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-42)
It shall be the duty of the chief of the fire department and
his assistants, in their order of rank, whenever a fire shall occur
in the city, to immediately report to the place of such fire and take
proper measures for placing apparatus in the most advantageous position.
The assistant chief and other officers, upon arrival at a fire shall
immediately report to the chief; provided that in the absence of the
chief or assistant chief, the first officer to arrive at the fire
shall be the person in command. When superior officers arrive at a
fire, the officer of the highest rank shall assume sole command of
all other officers or members of the department, and all other persons
who may be present at the fire. Such officer in charge shall take
proper measures for extinguishing the fire and protection of property,
and for preservation of the laws of the state and ordinances and other
rules and regulations of the city respecting fires.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-43)
Whenever any building in the city is on fire, it shall be lawful
for the chief, or his assistant or acting chief, with the concurrence
of the city manager or fire marshal, to direct such building, or other
building or fences, which they may deem hazardous or likely to catch
fire and communicate to other buildings, to be torn down or blown
up or otherwise destroyed for the purpose of checking or otherwise
extinguishing such fire, and neither the city council or any individual
member thereof, nor the chief of the department, assistant chief,
or any member of the department, shall in any wise be held responsible
for the damaging of property or the destruction thereof.
(Ordinance 1239-2019, sec. 34, adopted 8/13/19)
The fire department shall have the right, in time of fire, to
place ropes or guards across all streets, thoroughfares, lanes or
alleys on which shall be situated any building on fire and at such
other points as it may deem expedient and necessary and the members
of the department who have been assigned by the chief for policing
purposes shall prevent any and all persons, except officers and members
of the fire department and owners and occupants of such buildings,
endangered by the existing fires, from entering the lines designated
by ropes or guards.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-46)
During the progress of a fire within the limits of the city
and for twenty-four (24) hours after its extinguishment, it shall
be lawful for the chief of police or any police officer of the city,
or the chief or any other officer designated by the chief in command
of any fire company, to arrest and keep in custody all suspected persons
and persons who conduct themselves in a noisy or disorderly manner,
or hinder, resist or refuse to obey any such officer while acting
in the discharge of his duty.
(Ordinance 1239-2019, sec. 35, adopted 8/13/19)
The chief of the fire department, or his immediate assistants,
shall be vested with full power and authority to command all persons
present at any fire in the city to assist in the discharge of any
duty, under their supervision, or the removal and preservation of
property, provided that such persons shall not be bound to obey such
officers unless the officers shall wear their badge of office, or
unless his official title be known or be made known to them.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-48)
It shall be unlawful for any person not a member of said fire
department to interfere with or in any manner hinder any member or
employee of said fire department in the discharge of his duties.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-49)
It shall be unlawful for any person not a member of the fire
department to handle, or in any way interfere with, any of the apparatus
belonging to or used by the fire department, either at a fire or while
traveling to or returning from a fire, or while standing in the fire
department quarters, or at any time, unless such person or persons
is requested to do so by the chief or other duly authorized officer
of the department.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-50)
There is hereby established a volunteer fire department in the
city which shall be under the direct control and supervision of the
chief of the fire department.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-51)
The volunteer fire department shall adopt such bylaws, rules
and regulations which shall be consistent with the laws of the state
and ordinances of the city, which shall be subject to approval of
the city council.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-52)
The city council shall provide each member of the fire department
with a badge descriptive of the office in which he is serving.
(1965 Code, sec. 9-53)
