Qualifications for membership and admission
to membership in the fire companies comprising the Volunteer Division
shall be as prescribed by the bylaws of the respective companies,
subject to the provisions of any laws of the State of New Jersey pertaining
thereto; provided, however, that no person elected to membership in
any volunteer fire company comprising the Volunteer Division of the
Madison Fire Department shall engage in any Fire Department activities;
take part in the extinguishment of fires; use, handle, wear or be
transported upon any borough fire apparatus or equipment; or avail
himself of the privileges of Fire Department headquarters, until such
person shall have been confirmed as a member of such Division by the
Council of the Borough of Madison. Such approval may be revoked or
any member of a volunteer company may be suspended by the Council
from active duty with the Fire Department for just cause, upon complaint
by the Fire Chief, any other officer of the Department or any citizen
of the borough, after just cause, upon complaint by the Fire Chief,
any other officer of the Department or any citizen of the borough,
after due notification to such a member and a hearing. Just cause
shall include but is not limited to the following:
A. Willful damage to apparatus, equipment or any borough
property.
B. Willful damage or injury to the person or property
of others.
C. The unlawful taking or retention of property of the
borough or of others.
D. Willful disobedience or refusal to obey the orders
of the Fire Chief and/or other superior officer of the Fire Department
while attending fires, while participating in drills or performing
other departmental duties, while being transported upon borough fire
apparatus or when using or handling borough fire equipment.
E. Being transported upon or using borough equipment,
attending fires, participating in drills or performing other departmental
duties while intoxicated.
F. Acting in a disorderly manner at fires, drills or
any public gatherings.
G. Committing an assault upon any fellow member or officer
of the Fire Department, borough official or other person.
I. Neglect of duty or long-continued failure to perform
Fire Department duties or render fire services to the Borough of Madison.
J. Unnecessary speeding or violation of laws pertaining
to the driving and operation of personal vehicles while responding
to an alarm or emergency on streets, highways or other public places
or on private property.
K. Unauthorized use of borough apparatus or equipment
or removal thereof from headquarters or permitting the same to be
done by others.
L. Making known the contents of any order or other information
of a confidential or departmental nature other than to person concerned
therewith to whom the same may be directed.
M. Unbecoming conduct or engaging in or assisting in
the performance of any act which is prejudicial to or subversive of
good order and the discipline of the Department.
The duties of a volunteer fire fighter shall
be as follows:
A. To respond to alarms of fire and to aid in the extinguishment
of fire.
B. When so ordered, to respond to emergency calls and
to render first aid and assistance to those in need thereof.
C. To familiarize himself thoroughly with all forms of
fire apparatus and equipment.
D. When so ordered, to engage in drills and the operation
of fire equipment.
E. When so ordered, to attend fire schools and courses
of study in Fire Department procedures.
F. As directed, to clean, supervise and otherwise care
for the Fire Department quarters and all fire apparatus and equipment
therein.
G. To perform such other duties as may be ordered by
the Fire Chief or other officer in command thereof and as set forth
in the rules and regulations of the Fire Department and/or departmental
standard operating procedures.
The Volunteer Division of the Madison Fire Department,
whether on the scene of an incident or drill, in fire headquarters
or attending any departmental function, shall be under the supervision
and subject to the direction of the Fire Chief or, during his absence
or incapacity, of the senior Captain. In the event of the absence
or incapacity of both the Fire Chief and Captains, the volunteer fire
fighters shall be under the supervision and subject to the direction
of the Senior Volunteer Battalion Chief. In the absence of or incapacity
of the Fire Chief, Captains and Volunteer Battalion Chiefs, the senior
fire fighter on duty shall be in charge of the Volunteer Division.
Supervision of the Volunteer Division is subject to the departmental
rules and regulations and standard operating procedures and is under
the general control of the Council of the Borough of Madison.
Nothing herein contained shall affect the rights
of any member of any fire company with respect to his membership in
said company, as prescribed and governed by the charter and bylaws
of such company.