[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 5-78, Department generally, as amended, was repealed 4-7-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-6.
[Amended 2-21-1984 by Ord. No. 1984-2; 8-2-1988 by Ord. No. 1988-19; 3-7-1994 by Ord. No. 1994-11; 5-19-1997 by Ord. No. 1997-9; 5-20-1998 by Ord. No. 1998-10; 12-20-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-33; 10-12-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21; 2-4-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-2; 3-25-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10; 10-12-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-30; 2-7-2011 by Ord. No. 2010-34; 4-7-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-6; 8-8-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-15; 3-4-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-3]
A.
Establishment and organization. The Department of Police, as established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118, shall be headed by the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall be responsible for the proper and efficient conduct of the Department of Police and shall have all the functions, powers, duties and responsibilities prescribed by general law, any provision of the Charter and any ordinances relating to the Department of Police. The Chief of Police shall be directly responsible to the appropriate authority, which is the Township Manager, for the efficiency and routine day-to-day operations of the Department of Police pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118. The Township Manager shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for the government of the Police Department and for the discipline of its members. The Chief of Police shall have the authority set forth under N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 (the "Police Chief Bill of Rights"). On matters of discipline, the Chief of Police shall be subject to suspension or removal with cause in accordance with law.
(1)
Police Chaplain. The Township Manager in consultation with the Chief of Police may appoint a Chaplain or Chaplains to the Police Department to render support services to the Police Department. Chaplains shall be an ordained member of the clergy in good standing in the religious body from which the Chaplain is selected. Said Chaplain shall become a member of the Police Department without rank or remuneration.
B.
Existing rights reserved. The adoption of this chapter shall not affect the term, tenure, compensation or pension rights of any person now holding any office, employment or position in the Police Department, except as provided herein.
C.
Department personnel generally.
(1)
The Police Department shall consist of the following positions:
(a)
One Chief of Police;
(b)
One Captain;
(c)
Four Lieutenants;
(d)
Seven Sergeants;
(e)
Twenty-nine patrol officers; and
(f)
Such other special patrol officers, school crossing guards, clerical positions and other titles provided for in the Annual Salary Ordinance. The current effective Salary Ordinance is on file in the office of the Township Clerk.
(2)
Final appointment and promotion powers shall rest with the Township Manager. The Township may, from time to time, leave one or more of the above positions vacant.
(3)
The Chief of Police shall:
(a)
Serve as the executive officer of the Police Department and shall command the Police Department and the personnel assigned thereto.
(b)
Instruct and direct all other members of the Police Department and shall require that all assignments be properly performed and that rules and regulations herein established be strictly followed.
(c)
Observe the work of all members of the Police Department and give such instruction and direction as may be appropriate. Further, he/she shall cause to be evaluated all members of the Police Department and give periodic reports of such evaluation to the Township Manager.
(d)
Be responsible for all property of the Township used by the police, the same shall, at all times, be in proper condition for effective use.
(e)
Be custodian for all personal property found or recovered as part of lawful police activity and shall establish rules and procedures for the care and disposal of such property.
(f)
Establish such bureaus or offices as may be required for the proper functioning of the Police Department. He/she shall have the power to assign any and all members of the Department to such duties as, in his/her judgment, shall be for the best interest of the Department and for the safety and welfare of the residents of the Township of Medford.
(g)
Enforce all the laws of the state and the ordinances of the Township and shall cause to be investigated all crimes, violations of state statutes and Township ordinances and, when appropriate, shall institute prosecution.
(h)
Write or cause to be written the necessary police directives, memos and orders as are deemed necessary to assure the proper and orderly administration of the Police Department on a daily basis.
(4)
Each Police Captain shall be superior in rank to Police Lieutenants, Police Sergeants, patrol officers and special officers and, in the absence of the Police Chief, when designated, shall perform all duties of the Police Chief.
(5)
Each Police Lieutenant shall be superior in rank to Police Sergeants, patrol officers and special officers and, in the absence of the Police Captain, when designated, shall perform all duties of the Police Captain. In the absence of the Chief of Police or Police Captain, shall perform all the duties of the Chief of Police. In the absence of a Captain or Lieutenant, a Police Sergeant, so designated, shall perform all the duties of the Chief of Police.
(6)
Each Police Sergeant shall be superior in rank to patrol officers and special officers and be responsible for seeing that all laws of the State of New Jersey and ordinances of the Township of Medford are duly observed and enforced and that the public peace is maintained. Each Sergeant shall also be responsible for the protection of life and property and for the health, safety, welfare and general well-being of the citizens and residents of the Township.
(7)
Each patrol officer shall be responsible for seeing that all laws of the State of New Jersey and ordinances of the Township of Medford are duly observed and enforced and that the public peace is maintained. Each patrol officer shall also be responsible for the protection of life and property and for the health, safety, welfare and general well-being of the citizens of the Township.
D.
General responsibilities of all Department members and employees. In addition to the specific responsibilities specified by rank, each member of the Police Department shall:
(1)
Uphold the Constitution and the laws of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the State of New Jersey, the ordinances of the Township of Medford and the lawful orders of the Chief of Police.
(2)
Carry out the orders of the Chief of Police and of other superior officers, whether such orders are verbal or written.
(3)
Maintain order and preserve the peace, prevent crime, protect life and property and detect and arrest criminals.
(4)
Provide emergency services for sick and injured persons.
(5)
Recover missing property.
(6)
Regulate and control traffic.
(7)
Such other responsibilities and obligations as shall be periodically designated by the Chief of Police.
E.
Qualifications and requirements for employment:
(1)
Except as otherwise provided by law or elsewhere in this chapter, any person appointed as a police officer or a special officer shall:
(a)
Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New Jersey.
(b)
Be of sound body and of good health sufficient to satisfy the Board of Trustees of the Police and Fireman's Retirement System of New Jersey as to his or her eligibility for the membership in the retirement system.
(c)
Be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently.
(d)
Be of good moral character and free from conviction of any crime constituting an indictable offense or offense involving moral turpitude.
(e)
Provide proof of a high school diploma or an approved high school equivalency certificate.
(f)
Exhibit a valid New Jersey driver's license.
(g)
Not have made false statements of a material fact or practiced or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in his application, in his tests or in securing any appointment herein.
(h)
Be no less than 21 or no more than 35 years of age at the time of appointment.
(2)
No person shall be appointed as a member of the Police Department unless he or she shall have:
(a)
Filed a written application, on the form prescribed by the Chief of Police, with supporting documents as requested.
(b)
Satisfactorily passed both a written and physical examination as prescribed by the Chief of Police. It shall be understood that a candidate that has successfully graduated from an academy certified by the Police Training Commission has met this qualification.
(c)
Satisfactorily passed a medical examination and passed a psychological examination conducted by a medical doctor and a psychologist approved by the Township.
(d)
Submitted to a complete background investigation with results satisfactory to the Chief of Police.
(e)
Submitted to and satisfactorily passed a drug screening in accordance with the Attorney General's guidelines and Police Department policy.
(3)
Every member of the Police Department, prior to entering upon the performance of his/her duties in the office or position of Chief of Police, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, police officer or special officer, shall take and subscribe to an oath of affirmation to truly, faithfully and impartially execute his duties to the best of his skill and understanding. Such oath or affirmation shall be filed with the Township Clerk within 10 days after such appointment. Further, all proper employment forms must be completed and filed prior to entering upon such duties.
(4)
Promotions within the Police Department.
(a)
The Township of Medford endeavors to promote the most qualified candidates to positions of higher ranks. Promotions shall be based upon merit, experience, education and demonstrated ability and performance. Upon receiving authorization from the Township Manager, the Chief of Police shall institute a promotional process in accordance with the policies established within the Police Department.
F.
Probationary appointments.
(1)
All new officers appointed to the Police Department shall be appointed for a probationary period of one year, and no person holding such a probationary appointment as a police officer shall be given or accept a permanent appointment in the Police Department unless such person has successfully completed a police training course approved by the New Jersey Police Training Commission.
(2)
Whenever a probationary period of employment shall have been fully completed by an appointee to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police and Township Manager the appointee shall thereupon have been duly appointed to the contemplated office for an indefinite term, the time during which such appointee shall have served under the probationary appointment shall constitute part of his length of service in the office to which he/she shall be appointed.
(3)
No person appointed to any office in the Police Department for a probationary period shall thereby possess or acquire any right of status of tenure of office and every such probationary employment shall be subject to termination at any time during the probationary period, with discretion of the Township Manager, in consultation with the Chief, with or without cause. Upon the termination of the probationary period of employment, the appointee shall forthwith return to the Township (unless the appointee, upon the expiration of the probationary period, shall be offered employment for an indefinite term) all uniforms, badges and equipment received by him for use in connection with his probationary employment.
(4)
At or before the end of the probationary period, the Township Manager, in consultation with the Chief, may discontinue the service of any such appointee, if the working test indicated that the appointee is unable or unwilling to perform the duties of his position satisfactorily or is of such reputation, habits and dependability as not to merit continuance, in the police service. Failure to qualify in the use of police weapons or inability to understand the functioning, application and use of any police equipment or to have unsatisfactory service ratings shall be sufficient cause for discontinuation of any such appointee. Discontinuance may also be made for cause other than those enumerated, or without cause. In each such case, the Township Manager, in consultation with the Chief, shall give written notice to the appointee whose service is discontinued, of the action taken, together with the reason thereof. The Township shall pay to the appointee the appropriate salary that shall have been earned by him/her in the course of such probationary employment.
G.
Reduction in personnel. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-143, the Township Council, if it shall deem it necessary for the reasons of economy, may decrease the number of members and officers of the Police Department or their grades or ranks. In case of demotion from the higher ranks, the officers or members to be so demoted shall be in the inverse order of their appointment. When the service of members or officers is terminated, such termination shall be in the inverse order of their appointment. Any member or officer who is demoted or whose service is terminated by reason of such decrease shall be placed on a special employment list; and in the case of subsequent promotions a person so demoted shall be reinstated to his original rank; and in the case of termination of service and new appointment, prior consideration shall be given to persons on said special employment list.
H.
Mandatory retirement. Any member of the Police Department who attains the age of 65 years shall be retired forthwith no later than the last day of the calendar month when said age is attained.
I.
Special police officers.
(1)
The Township Manager, whenever he/she shall deem it necessary, and after consultation with the Chief of Police, may appoint one or more special police officers for terms not exceeding one year and revoke such appointments without cause or hearing. Their powers and duties shall be according to law and shall cease at the expiration of the terms for which they were appointed or upon revocations of their appointments.
(2)
No special police officer shall carry weapons when off duty. Every special police officer shall have his/her fingerprints taken and they shall be filed with the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He/she shall be under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Police. He/she shall comply with the rules and regulations of the Police Department. Before any such appointment is made, the Chief of Police shall ascertain the eligibility and qualifications of the applicant and make a report thereon to the Township Manager.
J.
Discipline. No permanent member of the Police Department shall be suspended, removed from office, fined, or reduced in rank other than for good and just cause as provided in New Jersey Statutes and the Police Department's rules and regulations.
K.
Uniforms and equipment. The uniforms and equipment of the Police Department shall be furnished by the Township of Medford and remain its property. The members of the Department receiving uniforms and equipment shall be held responsible for the same and, upon leaving the service for any reason, shall turn in to the Chief of Police all property belonging to the Township. The reasonable value of any property, including uniforms and equipment, not so returned shall be assessed against the member and may be deducted from the amount of salary or wages due such member.
L.
Disposal of property recovered. Where tangible personal property comes into the possession of persons in the Police Department and where the owner or his/her whereabouts is unknown and cannot be ascertained or where said owner shall refuse to receive such property, then the said property shall be held for a minimum of six months, except in the case of a motor vehicle, which shall be for a minimum of three months. In such cases, the Township officials may then provide for sale, in whole or part, of any such property at public auction after notice of a designated time and place therefor not less than 10 days prior thereto published in a circulation within the Township. Perishable items may be sold without reference to said waiting periods. Money received from the sale of such property shall be paid into the Township treasury. All unclaimed money coming into possession of the Police Department shall be turned over within 48 hours to the Township Treasurer for retention in a trust account and, after six months, if unclaimed may be transferred into the Township Treasury.
M.
Off-Duty Jobs Program.
(1) AUTHORIZED SERVICES or AUTHORIZED WORK NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OFFICER SCHOOL DISTRICT THIRD-PARTY CONTRACTOR TOWNSHIP
Definitions.
The police services authorized by this section.
An organization that has been deemed by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization, and presents a certification thereof.
A sworn police officer employed by the Township of Medford in its Police Department.
The Medford Township School District, Lenape Regional School District or Burlington County Vocational Technical School.
Any business, organization, association, or individual, other than the Township of Medford or the Medford Township School District, whether public or private, that enters into a contract with the Township for the services of an officer or officers to provide security, traffic control and other police-related services for the third-party contractor's business, project or function.
The Township of Medford.
(2)
Authorization.
(a)
Sworn officers employed by the Township in its Police Department may be authorized by the Township Manager and the Chief of Police to provide security, traffic control and other police-related services to third-party contractors, nonprofit organizations and school districts during times when officers are not scheduled for a tour of duty by the Police Department; provided, however, that all such work performed and the arrangements therefor are made pursuant to this section. Special police officers may perform the services authorized by this section only when full-time officers are unavailable.
(b)
Officers performing authorized services shall wear a Police-Department-issued uniform and shall use other Police Department equipment as the Chief of Police or the Chief's designee may authorize or require.
(c)
It is the express intention of this section that, to the extent permitted by law, officers who are injured while performing authorized services shall be entitled to the benefits provided by the Police and Firemen's Retirement System.
(3)
Program administration.
(a)
The Off-Duty Jobs Program shall be administered by the Medford Township Police Department under general oversight from the Township Manager and Chief of Police in accordance with the parameters established herein.
(b)
The Department may hire a third-party vendor to manage the Off-Duty Jobs Program. The Department shall procure the services of a third-party vendor consistent with the provisions of the N.J. Local Public Contracts Law.[1] The third-party vendor shall charge the fees established in § 71-9, along with an administrative fee for its services. Said fees shall be collected by the third-party vendor at the time of the application and be held in a trust account pending disbursement in accordance herein.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.
(c)
The Department shall periodically provide the third-party vendor with seniority lists to enable the Off-Duty Jobs Program to be managed and administered jointly by the Department and the third-party vendor.
(d)
The Department shall require the third-party vendor to post a fidelity bond to ensure that it will properly bill and collect payment from third-party contractors, nonprofits and school districts, and make timely payments to the Township to enable it to pay police officers who worked the assignments, including collecting and remitting charges for mandatory state or federal contributions from said pay.
(e)
The Department shall require the third-party vendor to keep a separate ledger for Township Off-Duty Jobs Program transactions that is subject to inspection by the Township CFO or auditor, along with forwarding monthly records of the off-duty jobs service requests, officer assignments (including times and hours worked), use of Township police vehicles (by license plate or vehicle number) and vehicle job assignments, and any payroll records inclusive of mandatory state or federal contributions.
(4)
Program rules.
(a)
Insurance. Third-party contractors, nonprofit organizations and school districts shall provide the Township with a certificate of insurance, naming the Township and the Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund (Burlco JIF) as additional named insureds, and an indemnification agreement, as to the Township and the Burlco JIF. Said certificate of insurance shall indicate that the third-party contractor, nonprofit organization or school district has sufficient workers' compensation insurance to meet the statutory requirements and general liability insurance in the amount of not less than $1,000,000.
(b)
Control of officers. The Chief of Police shall be responsible for directing and supervising officers who perform authorized work, and shall retain the discretion to manage "off-duty jobs" assignments so as not to adversely impact police operations, staffing, and/or overtime costs.
(c)
Recurring vendors. For recurring third-party contractors, defined as public or private entities whose mission or business model frequently rely upon police departments for traffic control or traffic safety, such third-party contractors may file an application with the Department or third-party vendor, as applicable, to hire police officers through the Off-Duty Jobs Program no later than 48 hours prior to the time of the job assignment, barring a bona-fide emergency.
(d)
Other parties. All other third-party contractors and nonprofit organizations may file an application with the Department or third-party vendor, as applicable, to hire police officers through the Off-Duty Jobs Program no later than 10 calendar days prior to the time of the job assignment.
(e)
The Department and Township Administration shall negotiate a side-bar agreement with the respective police unions outlining the terms of police officers' participation in the Off-Duty Jobs Program including provisions for suspending or terminating the program if participation in the program impedes the Township's ability to adequately staff the Police Department.
[Amended 12-16-1986 by Ord. No. 1989-29; 6-12-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-14; 2-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-2; 12-12-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-18; 12-11-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-29; 3-25-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10; 7-31-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-20; 4-7-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-6; 12-18-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-23; 12-21-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-19; 4-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-2]
A.
Fire personnel.
B.
The Township Fire Chief shall be selected and appointed by the Township Manager in accordance herein. The Deputy Chiefs shall report to the Fire Chief. In the absence of the Fire Chief or vacancy of that position, the Deputy Chiefs shall report to the Township Manager or their designee.
C.
The Department shall be comprised of the Union Fire Company, Taunton Fire Company, career fire personnel, Medford Emergency Medical Services and career emergency medical technicians. Said organizations shall consist of officers as prescribed by the Fire Chief and as many active members as the Township shall prescribe. The five aforementioned units shall operate within the Township of Medford as one department under the name of "Medford Fire-EMS" and will operate under the specific operational direction of the Fire Chief.
(1)
Deputy and Battalion Chiefs.
(a)
Deputy and Battalion Chiefs shall be elected by their respective station's active membership. The names of those individuals elected to the Deputy and/or Battalion Chief positions shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief for review, approval and appointment. Candidates may be withheld from approval in the following instances:
[1]
Member was removed from position with the Township in the last three years, or resigned other than in good standing or in lieu of disciplinary action;
[2]
Member is unfit or does not meet Township qualifications as defined in the Standard Operating Guidelines ("SOG") and the Township's Policies and Procedures Manual.
(b)
The Fire Chief may remove a Deputy Chief, officer, or any other volunteer officer of the volunteer section in the event of unsatisfactory performance, misconduct or any other reason deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief in accordance with the Standard Operating Guidelines.
(2)
Career Chief and Deputy Chiefs shall be appointed pursuant to the promotional procedure set forth herein.
(3)
Fire personnel hierarchy shall be as follows:
(a)
One Fire Chief (career);
(b)
Deputy Chief (one per station and one from career service);
(c)
Battalion Chief (one per station);
(d)
Captain (not to exceed one per station and one from career service); and
(e)
Lieutenant (not to exceed three per station and not to exceed two from career fire service and one from career EMS).
(4)
All officers either career or volunteer shall meet the minimum qualifications as established in the most current version of the Medford Fire-EMS SOPs Section 3000. The fire company bylaws shall not be used to supercede the requirements of the SOPs or this section.
(5)
Career officers may advance in rank as long as they have served in their current rank for at least a minimum of six months and they meet the qualifications as set forth.
(6)
Each fire company shall continue to determine how many line officer positions shall be required to adequately cover operations, except as set forth in Subsection C(3)(a) through (e) above, with the advice of the Township Fire Chief and/or with the approval of the Township Manager for review, approval and appointment. Appointees shall be read during a Township Council meeting.
(7)
The volunteer Deputy Chiefs shall fill the junior line officers position with the appropriate personnel that have proper credentials and qualifications in accordance with the standard operating guidelines and the Township Policies and Procedures Manual.
D.
The Department shall be manned by a combination of paid personnel and volunteers. There shall be up to 20 paid positions. Paid appointees shall not be able to act as volunteers. These positions shall be filled in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-44.
(1)
The hours of work for paid firefighters within the Department of Fire shall be in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-52, and the collective bargaining agreement. Paid firefighters may be subject to recall in addition to their regular work hours at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
(2)
All firefighters appointed to paid positions shall be required to have served at least two years active with Medford Fire-EMS, or otherwise meet the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40A:14-44. Any paid member leaving the Fire Department prior to the end of two years (from the date of full-time nonprobationary employment) shall be required to provide reimbursements and setoffs, consistent with departmental rules and regulations, and SOGs.
(3)
The Fire Chief shall establish rules and regulations concerning the training, qualifications, and employment of paid firefighters within the Department.
(4)
All appointees to paid firefighter positions shall be required to meet all post-appointment, licensing, educational, and training requirements as established by the Fire Chief.
E.
No person shall be eligible to become an active member of the Fire Department, either as a paid member or as a volunteer member, unless such person:
(1)
Is a citizen of the United States and of good moral character.
(2)
Shall be at least 18 years of age (and in the case of paid members 21 years). Junior members shall not be deemed full active members and shall serve at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
(3)
Shall be physically fit to perform the duties of a firefighter, and such fitness shall be evidenced by a certificate of a practicing physician of the State of New Jersey, issued after a physical examination of such person at no cost to the member.
(4)
Shall be required to submit to an annual physical examination and agility test to confirm that the firefighter is physically fit to perform said duties during the length of his or her employment or volunteer commitment, which test shall be implemented and reviewed by the head of the Department at no cost to the member.
F.
Volunteer positions. No person qualified as set forth above shall be admitted, as a volunteer, to membership in either fire company included in said Department of Fire and EMS unless such person shall have made a volunteer's application to the fire company involved and shall have been approved by the Department of Fire-EMS and confirmed by the Township Council of the Township of Medford by resolution or motion adopted at a regular Township meeting.
G.
Paid positions.
(1)
The paid positions are hereby titled firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Chief. The amount of annual salary for the positions shall be established by the Township Manager and Township Council, and in accordance with law.
(2)
The hiring of personnel for the positions of paid firefighters, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Chief shall be the responsibility of the Township Manager, who shall have the authority to prepare and implement a job description for the positions as he or she sees fit, in accordance with the following procedures and minimum requirements:
(a)
Firefighter.
[1]
Certifications/licenses:
[a]
Candidates must have their certification as a firefighter from the State of New Jersey or other certifying organization acceptable to the Fire Chief;
[b]
Candidates must have a NJIML-1 certification.
[c]
Candidates must have a current New Jersey State EMT certification.
[d]
Candidates must possess a valid New Jersey driver's license.
[2]
Health-related requirements:
[a]
Candidates must pass a medical physical to be conducted by an examiner selected by the Fire Chief;
[b]
Candidates must pass a psychological examination to be conducted by an examiner selected by the Fire Chief;
[c]
Candidates must pass an agility test or equivalent agility test to be deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief;
[d]
Candidates must be capable of being self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) qualified, as determined by an examiner qualified to make such a determination and selected by the Fire Chief.
[3]
Written/oral requirements:
[a]
Candidates must complete a written examination from a recognized and appropriate testing agency to be administered by the Fire Chief;
[b]
Candidates must successfully complete job interviews to be conducted by the Fire Chief and any other individuals that the Fire Chief elects to take part in the interviewing process.
[4]
Background investigation. Candidates must pass a background investigation conducted by the Fire Chief, or his or her designee.
(b)
Firefighter Lieutenant.
[1]
A Lieutenant Firefighter shall be appointed by a promotional process conducted by the Fire Chief or his/her designee. A Lieutenant Firefighter shall be appointed from existing paid firefighters. The Lieutenant shall meet the requirements as established in SOP 3007.
[2]
At all times, the employee filling the position of Firefighter Lieutenant shall possess the minimum requirements established for the position of paid firefighter.
[3]
Written/oral requirements:
[a]
Candidates must successfully complete job interviews to be conducted by the Fire Chief and any other individuals that the Fire Chief elects to take part in the interviewing process.
[4]
Background investigation. Candidates must pass a background investigation conducted by the Fire Chief, or his or her designee.
(c)
Firefighter Captain.
[1]
A Captain Firefighter shall be appointed by a promotional process conducted by the Fire Chief or his/her designee. A Captain Firefighter shall be appointed from existing paid firefighters. The Captain shall meet the requirements as established in SOP 3008.
[2]
At all times, the employee filling the position of Firefighter Captain shall possess the minimum requirements established for the position of paid firefighter and Lieutenant.
[3]
Written/oral requirements:
[a]
Candidates must successfully complete job interviews to be conducted by the Fire Chief and any other individuals that the Fire Chief elects to take part in the interviewing process.
[4]
Background investigation. Candidates must pass a background investigation conducted by the Fire Chief, or his or her designee.
(d)
Deputy Chief.
[1]
The Deputy Chief shall be appointed by a promotional process conducted by the Fire Chief or his/her designee. A Deputy Fire Chief shall be appointed from existing paid firefighters. The Deputy Chief shall meet the requirements as established in SOP 3010.
[2]
Qualifications for promotion:
[a]
At least 21 years old and a citizen of the United States.
[b]
Resident of the State of New Jersey or agrees to become one at the time of appointment.
[c]
Holds a valid New Jersey drivers license.
[d]
Ability to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently.
[e]
Is of good moral character and free from conviction or any crime or offense involving moral turpitude.
[f]
Possesses a high school diploma or equivalent.
[g]
Has at least two years experience at the rank of Lieutenant or higher with a paid and/or volunteer Department.
[h]
Certification as an EMT - B.
[i]
Certification as a New Jersey firefighter or equivalent.
[j]
Certification as a Level 2 Fire Instructor in the State of New Jersey.
[k]
Possesses a valid Incident Management Level III certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.
[l]
Licensed as a Uniform Fire Code Inspector/Official.
[m]
Haz-Mat Awareness, Operations.
[n]
Fire investigator certification issued by New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[o]
Leadership I, II, III.
[p]
MCTO DM, P, T.
[q]
Certification as NJDFS Fire Officer I.
[3]
Health-related requirements:
[a]
Candidates must pass a medical physical to be conducted by an examiner selected by the Fire Chief;
[b]
Candidates must pass a psychological examination to be conducted by an examiner selected by the Fire Chief;
[c]
Candidates must pass an agility test or equivalent agility test to be deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief;
[d]
Candidates must be capable of being self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) qualified, as determined by an examiner qualified to make such a determination and selected by the Fire Chief.
[4]
Written/oral requirements. Candidates must successfully complete job interviews to be conducted by the Fire Chief and any other individuals that the Fire Chief elects to take part in the interviewing process.
(e)
Fire Chief.
[1]
The Fire Chief shall be appointed by a promotional process. The Fire Chief shall meet the requirements as established in SOP 3011.
[2]
Qualifications for promotion:
[a]
At least 21 years old and a citizen of the United States.
[b]
Resident of the State of New Jersey or agrees to become one at the time of appointment.
[c]
Holds a valid New Jersey driver's license.
[d]
Ability to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently.
[e]
Is of good moral character and free from conviction or any crime or offense involving moral turpitude.
[f]
Possesses a high school diploma or equivalent.
[g]
Has at least three years of combined experience at the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, or Deputy Chief with the Department.
[h]
Certification as an EMT (NJ).
[i]
Certification as a New Jersey firefighter.
[j]
Certification as a Level 2 Fire Instructor in the State of New Jersey.
[k]
Possesses a valid Incident Management Level III certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs.
[l]
Licensed as a Uniform Fire Code Inspector/Official.
[m]
Haz-Mat Awareness, Operations, On Scene Incident Commander.
[n]
Fire investigator certification from the State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
[o]
Leadership I, II, III.
[p]
MCTO DM, P, T and STICO or equivalent.
[q]
Certification as a NJDFS Fire Officer I.
[r]
Preferred to have Firefighter II (NJ cert).
[3]
Health-related requirements:
[a]
Candidates must pass a medical physical to be conducted by an examiner selected by the Township Manager;
[b]
Candidates must pass a psychological examination to be conducted by an examiner selected by the Township Manager;
[c]
Candidates must pass an agility test or equivalent agility test to be deemed appropriate by the Township Manager;
[d]
Candidates must be capable of being self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) qualified, as determined by an examiner qualified to make such a determination and selected by the Township Manager.
[4]
Written/oral requirements. Candidates must successfully complete job interviews to be conducted by the Township Manager and any other individuals that the Township Manager elects to take part in the interviewing process.
[5]
A career firefighter may jump one rank if the needs of the Department dictate same.
[6]
The Fire Chief in consultation with the Township Manager may appoint a firefighter to an acting officer capacity if the needs of the Department dictate same.
(f)
Fire Marshal.
[1]
The Fire Marshal shall be appointed pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:71-3.2, the Fire Marshal shall be a Certified Fire Official/Fire Inspector of the State of New Jersey.
[2]
The Fire Chief in consultation with the Township Manager shall appoint a Fire Marshal from the paid firefighters of the Township of Medford Department of Fire-EMS.
[3]
The Fire Marshal shall be appointed when a vacancy exists due to promotion, retirement, or when the Fire Chief removes the Fire Marshal for just cause.
H.
EMS Personnel.
I.
Emergency medical services shall continue to be provided by a combination of paid employees and volunteers.
J.
Members.
(1)
Members shall be comprised of the volunteers of the Medford Emergency Medical Services, Inc. ("Squad"), and paid personnel.
(a)
The Township acknowledges that the Squad is a not-for-profit organization. As a not-for-profit organization, it shall observe the not-for-profits laws and be permitted to participate in fundraising activities.
(b)
Members of the Squad and paid personnel are governed by established Standard Operating Guidelines and the Township Policies and Procedures Manual.
(3)
All officers either career or volunteer shall meet the minimum qualifications as established in the most current version of the Medford Fire-EMS SOPs Section 3000. The Medford EMS Squad bylaws shall not be used to supercede the requirements of the SOPs or this ordinance.
(4)
Career officers may advance in rank as long as they have served in their current rank for at least a minimum of six months and they meet the qualifications as set forth.
(5)
The Medford EMS Squad shall continue to determine how many line officer positions shall be required to adequately cover operations, except as set forth in Subsection J(2)(a) through (d) above, with the advice of the Township Fire Chief and/or with the approval of the Township Manager for review, approval and appointment. Appointees shall be read during a Township Council meeting.
(6)
The volunteer Deputy Chief and Battalion Chief shall be elected by the membership. The names of those individuals elected to the Deputy Chief and Battalion Chief shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief for review, approval and appointment. The volunteer Deputy and Battalion Chief shall fill the junior line officers position with the appropriate personnel that have proper credentials and qualifications in accordance with the standard operating guidelines and the Township Policies and Procedures Manual. Candidates may be withheld from approval in the following instances:
(a)
Member was removed from position with the Township in the last three years, or resigned other than in good standing or in lieu of disciplinary action;
(b)
Member is unfit or does not meet Township qualifications as defined in the Standard Operating Guidelines ("SOG") and the Township's Policies and Procedures Manual.
(7)
The Fire Chief may remove a volunteer Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain, Lieutenant or any volunteer or paid EMT in the event of unsatisfactory performance, misconduct or for any other violation of policies and/or procedures set forth in the SOGs and the Township's Policies and Procedures Manual.
K.
Qualifications.
(1)
In addition to such other qualifications as heretofore established by ordinance or by general law, all members of the EMS providing emergency medical services shall be limited to those individuals who meet and maintain those qualifications to provide prehospital emergency care and/or rescue services as established by ordinance or by general law.
(2)
The objective of the EMS is the protection and preservation of life through providing emergency medical services. The age of active members hereafter joining the squad shall be at least 18 years of age, except for junior members who shall not be deemed fully active members but shall serve at the discretion and direction of the Chief. The Fire Chief shall also have the right to require a doctor's certificate from any current or prospective member at any time as to their physical fitness and ability to fulfill emergency medical service responsibilities. Further, all members must comply with any and all federal, state or other rules and regulations pertaining to technical emergency medical service qualifications for membership.
(3)
No person shall be eligible to become an active member of the EMS, either as a paid member or as a volunteer member, unless such person:
(a)
Is a citizen of the United States and of good moral character.
(b)
Meets all investigative criteria as set forth by the Township Council for the Township of Medford.
(c)
Shall be physically fit to perform the duties, and such fitness shall be evidenced by a certificate of a practicing physician of the State of New Jersey, issued after a physical examination of such person.
(d)
Psychological exam for full-time career personnel.
L.
Paid employees.
(1)
No individual who is paid by the Township, either on a full-time or part-time basis, to perform emergency medical services may serve as an officer of the volunteer Medford emergency medical squad, nor may such individual volunteer time to the Medford emergency medical squad. This provision is intended to protect the employment rights of those individuals who are employed by the Township to perform said services.
(2)
Paid personnel shall be managed and supervised in the day-to-day operations by career fire staff.
(3)
The hours of work for paid employees shall be dictated by the Fire Chief and Township Manager in accordance with law.
(4)
The Fire Chief shall establish rules and regulations concerning the training, qualifications, and employment of paid employees within the Department of Fire-EMS. Paid employees must have a current NJ EMT, current CPR certificate, I-200 and a valid New Jersey driver's license.
(5)
All appointees to paid positions shall be required to meet all post-appointment, licensing, educational, and training requirements as established by the Fire Chief.
M.
Job descriptions. The Fire Chief will establish job descriptions and duties for the positions of Deputy Chief, Battalion Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and other paid and volunteer personnel.
N.
Billing.
(1)
The Township of Medford, in order to support the Department of Fire-EMS and the volunteer squad comprising same, shall bill for ambulance and transportation services provided by the Department of Fire-EMS. The rates of such services shall be set as follows:
(2)
These charges shall be billed to the insurance company of the resident or party receiving assistance from the Department of Fire-EMS. The rates set herein shall be reviewed annually by the Township Manager, Fire Chief, and Deputy Chief of the volunteer emergency squad. The Township Manager, with input from the Fire Chief, may thereafter recommend to Council that the rate schedule be altered to reflect appropriate increases or decreases.
(3)
The Township of Medford shall obtain services for the mailing and enforcement of these billings, which services shall be obtained through public bidding if required under the Local Public Contracts Law.[1] The Fire Chief may grant relief from these billings upon the grounds of hardship.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.
O.
Junior members Department of Fire-EMS.
[Added 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-10]
(1)
The Department of Fire-EMS shall have the authority to create and manage a junior member program.
(2)
The program shall be governed in accordance with Medford Fire-EMS SOP Section 2000: Personnel Policy Number 2003 Requirements for Junior Members.
(3)
A junior member shall be any member age 14 or older and under the age of 18 years old.
(4)
Junior members shall make application to the Department of Fire-EMS.
(a)
Applicants will be subjected to a background check.
(b)
The Fire Chief will review the application.
(c)
The Fire Chief shall have the ability to deny any individual membership for just cause.
(d)
The application for membership must be approved by the governing body.
(e)
Junior members are subject to all policy and procedures as established by Medford Fire-EMS.
[Amended 12-16-1986 by Ord. No. 1986-29; 9-17-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-21; 1-7-1991 by Ord. No. 1990-34; 10-6-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-33; 10-6-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-33; 6-25-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-23; 2-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-2; 3-25-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-10; 7-31-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-20]
A.
The Division of Emergency Medical Services ("EMS") shall be headed by the Chief of the EMS. Emergency and rescue services shall continue to be provided by a combination of per diem employees and volunteers. The Chief of EMS shall report to the Director of Public Safety and the Township Manager on a monthly basis.
B.
Members.
(1)
The Division of Emergency Medical Services shall be comprised of the volunteers of the Medford Emergency Medical Services, Inc., ("Squad") and per diem personnel.
(a)
The Township acknowledges that the Squad is a not-for-profit organization. As a not-for-profit organization, it shall observe the not-for-profits laws and be permitted to participate in fundraising activities.
(b)
Members of the Squad and per diem personnel are governed by established Standard Operating Guidelines and the Township Policies and Procedures Manual.
(3)
Chief, Captain and Lieutenants.
(a)
The Chief, Captain and Lieutenants shall be elected by the active membership. The names of those individuals elected to the Chief, Captain and Lieutenants positions shall be forwarded to the Director of Public Safety for review, approval and appointment. Appointees shall be read during a Township Council meeting. Candidates may be withheld from approval in the following instances:
[1]
Member was removed from position with the Township in the last three years, or resigned other than in good standing or in lieu of disciplinary action;
[2]
Member is unfit or does not meet Township qualifications as defined in the Standard Operating Guidelines ("SOG"), including, but not limited to, Sections 3012, 3013 and 3014 and the Township's Policies and Procedures Manual.
(b)
The Director of Public Safety may remove a volunteer Chief, Captain, Lieutenant or any volunteer or per diem in the event of unsatisfactory performance, misconduct or for any other violation of policies and/or procedures set forth in the SOGs, the Township's Policies and Procedures Manual, and in accordance with SOG No. 2016.
C.
Qualifications.
(1)
In addition to such other qualifications as heretofore established by ordinance or by general law, all members of the EMS providing emergency medical services shall be limited to those individuals who meet and maintain those qualifications to provide prehospital emergency care and/or rescue services as established by ordinance or by general law.
(2)
The objective of the EMS is the protection and preservation of life through providing emergency medical services. The age of active members hereafter joining the squad shall be at least 18 years of age, except for junior members who shall not be deemed fully active members but shall serve at the discretion and direction of the Chief of EMS. The Chief of EMS shall also have the right to require a doctor's certificate from any current or prospective member at any time as to their physical fitness and ability to fulfill emergency medical service responsibilities. Further, all members must comply with any and all federal, state or other rules and regulations pertaining to technical emergency medical service qualifications for membership.
(3)
No person shall be eligible to become an active member of the EMS, either as a paid member or as a volunteer member, unless such person:
(a)
Is a citizen of the United States and of good moral character.
(b)
Meets all investigative criteria as set forth by the Township Council for the Township of Medford.
(c)
Shall be physically fit to perform the duties, and such fitness shall be evidenced by a certificate of a practicing physician of the State of New Jersey, issued after a physical examination of such person.
D.
Paid employees.
(1)
No individual who is paid by the Township, either on a full-time or part-time basis, to perform emergency medical services may serve as an officer of the volunteer Medford emergency medical squad, nor may such individual volunteer time to the Medford emergency medical squad. This provision is intended to protect the employment rights of those individuals who are employed by the Township to perform said services.
(2)
Paid personnel shall be managed and supervised in the day-to-day operations by career fire staff.
(3)
The hours of work for paid employee within the Division of Emergency Medical Services shall be dictated by the Director of Public Safety and in accordance with law.
(4)
The Director of Public Safety shall establish rules and regulations concerning the training, qualifications, and employment of paid employees within the Division of Emergency Medical Services.
(5)
All appointees to paid positions shall be required to meet all post-appointment, licensing, educational, and training requirements as established by the Director of Public Safety.
E.
Job descriptions. The Director of Public Safety, along with the Chief's guidance will establish job description and duties for the positions of Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and other paid and volunteer personnel.
F.
Billing.
(1)
The Township of Medford, in order to support the Division of Emergency Medical Services and the volunteer squads comprising same, shall bill for ambulance and transportation services provided by the Division of Emergency Medical Services. The rates of such services shall be set as follows:
(2)
These charges shall be billed to the insurance company of the resident or party receiving assistance from the Division of Emergency Medical Services. The rates set herein shall be reviewed annually by the Township Manager, Director of Public Safety, and Chief of the volunteer emergency squad. The Township Manager, with input from the Director of Public Safety and Chief, may thereafter recommend to Council that the rate schedule be altered to reflect appropriate increases or decreases.
(3)
The Township of Medford shall obtain services for the mailing and enforcement of these billings, which services shall be obtained through public bidding if required under the Local Public Contracts Law.[1] The Township Manager, with input from the Director of Public Safety, may grant relief from these billings upon the grounds of hardship.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40A:11-1 et seq.
[Amended 5-24-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-10; 2-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-2; 5-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-6; 4-7-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-6]
A.
There shall be a Department of Civil Defense, known as the " Office of Emergency Management," the head of which shall be the Emergency Management Coordinator, who shall be appointed by the Mayor from among the residents of the municipality, pursuant to N.J.S.A. App. A:9-40.1. The Office of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Coordinator shall perform all of the functions, powers and duties prescribed by general law, executive order, ordinance or resolution. The Emergency Management Coordinator shall provide a written report to the Township Manager on a quarterly basis.
B.
Within the Office of Emergency Management, there shall be a volunteer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) consisting of citizens who have completed basic CERT training as recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to be appointed by the Director of Public Safety. All individuals seeking to volunteer for the Team shall be required to submit to a mandatory background check. The objective of the Team is to train community members to be able to support emergency services personnel during disasters, emergency events, and special community events. Members of the Team must be 18 years of age or older. Three Team leaders shall be chosen from its members and shall report to the Director of Emergency Management or his designee.