The following rules and regulations have been adopted for the government
of the Fire Department, reserving the right to alter, amend or revoke any
of said rules and regulations, or to make additions thereto from time to time,
as circumstances or the good of the service may require.
Members of the Department should understand that this chapter is not
intended to cover every case which may arise in the discharge of their duties.
Something must be necessarily left to the intelligence and discretion of the
individual, and according to the degree in which they show themselves possessed
of these qualities, and to their zeal, activity and judgment on all occasions,
will be their claim for future promotion or reward.
It is obligatory upon the officers of the Fire Department to report
all violations under their command, and immediately prefer charges for such
violations and submit them to the Chief of the Fire Department. Any failure
to do so will be treated as neglect of duty.
All pump operators shall:
A. Operate valve controlling volume and pressure discharges
frequently to prevent them from sticking.
B. Upon arriving at the fire scene, determine the condition
of the hydrant, make connection first to the hydrant and then to the pumper.
All connections to be made tight to prevent leakage and resultant loss of
pressure.
C. When engaged in pumping operations, remain at the pump.
D. Give entire attention to the work involved and avoid
unnecessary conversation.
E. Frequently note readings on all pressure gauges and carefully
record variations of pressure for the subsequent information of the officer
in charge.
F. When drafting water, the suction connections should be
made spanner tight, discharge gates on centrifugal pumps closed and the pump
thoroughly primed before release of water into hose line.
G. Upon return to quarters following a drafting operation
involving muddy water which may result in an accumulation of dirt or debris
within the pump casing, connect the pump to a hydrant and thoroughly flush
out the unit.
H. After each alarm, examine all bolts, spring clips, shackles,
brake mechanism, steering arms, batteries and lights, gasoline supply, oil
in crankcase, water in radiator and all parts of the motor and pumping unit.
I. Pump operators shall be careful not to develop excessive
pressures when operating at a fire.
New members will be taken from the auxiliary fire fighters' roster.
Availability, ability, attendance at fires and at training sessions will determine
the choice. A physical report from a doctor is required before a fire fighter
is appointed. New members will not be allowed to drive the apparatus without
an experienced operator in the front seat with him. Approximately six months
after appointment, the new fire fighter will be expected to pass an examination
by an officer on driving and pumping of all apparatus. Members are required
to be 18 years of age.
The Chief of the Fire Department may reprimand, suspend or discharge,
or recommend the reprimand, suspension or discharge as provided by law, of
any member of the Fire Department for any act contrary to good order and discipline
or constituting neglect of duty or for any violation of the rules and regulations
governing conduct, behavior and deportment or for any violation of this chapter.
Any member may be so punished or recommended for punishment for any of the
following causes:
C. Disobeying orders of a superior officer.
D. Disrespect to a superior officer.
E. Conduct unbecoming a member of the Department.
F. Conduct prejudicial to good order.
G. Use of profane or unseemly language.
H. Cowardice or shirking duty at a fire.
I. Refusal to pay a just debt.
J. Abuse of any privilege granted by the Chief or governing
body of the Town of Blackstone.
K. Any other act, deed or omission which, in the opinion
of the Chief, justifies disciplinary action.
The auxiliary fire fighter must be 16 years of age and show an interest
before becoming a member of the Auxiliary Fire Department. He must have a
letter including his date of birth and consent to become a member of the Auxiliary
Fire Department from his parent or guardian. He shall be governed by all the
rules and regulations of the Fire Department. He shall not drive a fire apparatus
to fires or enter buildings unless ordered by a Chief Officer. He will not
ride on fire apparatus without the consent of the operator. He will not enter
the fire station unless accompanied by a member of the Fire Department or
while the custodian is on duty and may remain only with their permission.
He will not answer the telephone while in the station. He will attend prescribed
auxiliary fire fighters training sessions when available. He should get all
the practical experience possible at alarms as this is considered training
for auxiliary fire fighters. All auxiliary fire fighters, when responding
to an alarm with or without warning lights on their vehicle, must stop for
all red signals and wait until signal turns green.