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Constitution and Bylaws Updated – September 2010 |
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CONSTITUTION
TOWN OF
ARTICLE 1: TITLE
This department shall be known as the Town of
ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE
This department is an organization of volunteers
for the purpose of fighting fires, saving lives, property, and the environment.
ARTICLE 3: OFFICERS
SECTION ONE
The officers of this department shall be: Chief,
First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Third Assistant Chief, Captains,
Lieutenants, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Training Officer and Safety
Officer. These officers are to be
elected at each annual meeting for a term of one (1) year, with the exception
of the Training Officer, Safety officer and President, who will be appointed by
the Chief. The training officer and
safety officer then shall choose an assistant, with the approval of the
Chief. In the event the Chief or any
Assistant Chief becomes unable to fulfill his/her duties, then there will be an
automatic progression up to the next position, of all Chief officers. If the Third Assistant Chief, Secretary, or
Treasurer become unable to fulfill his/her duties for
the year elected, the Executive Committee will appoint a member from those
eligible from general membership to fulfill those duties until the next
election. If the President, Training Officer
or Safety officer should become unable to fulfill his/her duties, for the year
appointed, the Chief will be empowered to appoint another. The duties
of Assistant Chief shall be as follows:
1) Oversee Captains and firematic equipment of assigned stations and
ensure truck maintenance reports are completed.
2) Each Assistant must conduct 1 training session per year. 3) Attend 75% of all Executive Committee
meetings and 3 Commissioners meetings per year (excluding regular employment,
illness or Fire/EMS schooling, or at the discretion of the chief). 4) Assist Chief in office duties, including;
signing purchase orders, inspecting Fire District bills, inspecting SCBA and
generator log books, and oversee apparatus maintenance and repairs.
SECTION TWO
The Executive Committee will consist of the
Chief, First Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Third Assistant Chief,
President, Secretary, Treasurer, Training Officer, Safety Officer, all
Captains, all Lieutenants and one delegate from the Town of Watertown Board of
Fire Commissioners.
SECTION THREE
The Chief shall: preside, or shall have the power
to appoint a junior officer, or if a junior officer is not present, a member to
preside in their stead, at all meetings of this department; preserve order; appoint
all committees that are not otherwise appointed; and must, at the written
request of seven members, call extra meetings, vote on all questions, have
charge of all parades, have authority to excuse members from meetings while in
session, and perform all other acts and duties necessary for the good of the
department, not otherwise provided for herein.
SECTION FOUR
The First Assistant Chief shall, at the request
of the Chief, or in his absence, fulfill the above duties. He/she shall oversee the completion and
filing of NYS Incident Reports. He/she shall assist the Chief in
performing his/her duties and shall complete a NYS officers' training course
within one year.
SECTION FIVE
The Second Assistant Chief shall, at the request
of the Chief, or in the absence of the Chief or First Assistant Chief, fulfill
the above duties. He/she shall conduct
inventory and inspection of all District owned turn-out gear annually. He/she
shall assist the Chief in performing his/her duties and shall complete a NYS
officers' training course within one year.
SECTION SIX
The Third Assistant Chief shall, at the request
of the Chief, or in the absence of the Chief, First Assistant Chief, or Second
Assistant Chief, fulfill the above duties. He/she shall oversee training and oversee
members on probation. He/she shall
assist the Chief in performing his/her duties and shall complete a NYS
officers' training course within one year.
SECTION SEVEN
The President shall appoint all committees and
may serve as a member of same unless otherwise provided under these
bylaws. He/She shall enforce the
observance of the Constitution and Bylaws, submit a
report at the Annual meeting of the condition of the organization and include
such recommendations as he/she deems expedient to the good and welfare of the
organization. He/she shall abstain (when
presiding over the meetings) from any vote of the organization other than in
the election of officers and members except in the case of an equal division of
votes and then his/her vote shall decide the issue. He/she shall appoint a member to the position
of Chaplain of the Town of Watertown Fire Department, Inc., at the Annual
Meeting of the department. If this
member is a recognized member of the clergy, the said member can be exempted
from fulfilling the duty requirements of an active member by vote of the
general membership. The President shall
serve as manager of all property of the organization, keep an accurate record
of same, and assure that NO PROPERTY
of the organization is removed from its place of use or storage unless he/she, or the Chief has given permission for such removal.
SECTION EIGHT
The Secretary shall record the minutes of the
meeting of the Executive Committee and of the General Membership meetings. He/she shall notify all members of special
meetings, of Bylaw and Constitution changes, record all incidents as reported
by the Chief, and keep an up-to-date list of members both active and inactive.
SECTION NINE
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all monies
paid into this Department and keep an accurate accounting of the same. He/she shall report to the Executive
Committee and General Membership monthly as to monies owed, received, and on
hand. He/she shall be bonded.
SECTION TEN
The Safety Officer shall assist all officers in
the instruction of proper operation of all Department equipment.
SECTION ELEVEN
The Training Officer shall oversee all department
training.
SECTION TWELVE
The Chief shall have charge of all equipment
owned by or in the care of the Department.
He/she will, with the assistance of his/her junior officers, be in
charge of all incidents, have full supervision of all members, and report to
the Executive Committee, any member showing disrespect or disobedience at the
time of any incident, function, or any other action unbecoming to the
Department, and will suspend any member who refuses to perform his/her duties,
or who is engaging in acts detrimental to the Department. Such suspension is to be reviewed by the Executive
Committee at its next regular meeting, and then referred to the General
Membership for action.
SECTION THIRTEEN
Captains for this department will be elected by
the entire fire department for a term of one year. To be eligible for election one must meet the
following minimum requirements:
·
Having
successfully served at least two years in this department
·
Have met
attendance requirements as per the constitution and bylaws
·
Successfully
completed the
·
Be
department qualified on the equipment
·
Have
completed or complete a
Engines- Pump operations
Tankers- Pump operations
Ladder- Ladder operations
Rescue- Rescue operations or Auto
extrication
Their duties will be to assist the Chief,
assistant Chiefs, or designated officers at the time of fires, incidents, and
department functions. They will be in
charge of incidents, as explained under the incident command system, until a
Chief arrives. Captains will notify
their members of meetings and other department functions at the request of the
Chief. He/she will report to a Chief officer any member showing disrespect, disobedience or a
life safety violation at the time of any incident or function. Each Captain, with the Chief's approval, may
appoint a lieutenant to assist in performing his/her duties. Captains shall also be required to:
·
Complete and
submit to record keeping monthly truck reports.
·
Conduct one
training session per year.
·
Complete an
annual inventory of his/her truck as directed by the Chief.
·
After every
major incident verify equipment is in service or document necessary repairs.
·
Attend at
least 75% of all executive committee meetings (excluding regular employment,
illness or department schooling).
·
Train,
document and recommend to the chief, new members for certification to operate
the vehicle and equipment the Captain is responsible for.
·
Operate as a
firematic officer under the Incident Command System.
Prior to the annual election of officers, a
report of each captain’s adherence of the above requirements will be presented
to the general membership.
SECTION FOURTEEN
A Firefighter shall not be eligible for election
as Assistant Chief, until he/she has served at least one year as captain. A member shall not be eligible to be elected
Chief until he/she has served a minimum of two years as an Assistant Chief.
ARTICLE 4: COMMITTEES
SECTION ONE
The Executive Committee shall meet at least once
before each general membership meeting.
This meeting will make recommendations for constitutional changes before
the regular general membership meetings.
These changes can only be acted on by the general membership. The Executive Committee will act upon all
disciplinary measures prior to the general membership meeting and make
recommendations as to what actions may be taken. At no time, may this committee make a
decision and invoke it without the approval of the general membership, unless
otherwise indicated in the Constitution.
They shall review membership applications, investigate completely, and
recommend approval or disapproval to the general membership.
SECTION TWO
The Nominating Committee shall be selected by the
President and must have one member who was a past officer. Recommendations from this committee must be
for one man/woman for each elected office only.
SECTION THREE
Other Committees to be established as needed.
ARTICLE 5: MEMBERS (Introduction)
Goal: To develop a dynamic and active membership that allows each person to provide service to the department and community to the best of their ability, meeting the mission and goals of the department and the personal goals of the member.
Structure: There will be five categories of active membership in the department. These categories will be based upon the training requirements set forth by the department, advisory and oversight agencies and legal requirements. Members are encouraged to select the membership category which best suits their goals, physical ability, training, personal time commitment and development objectives. During the course of a career with the department, it is expected that members will move between categories depending upon their personal circumstances.
The Executive Committee will review written requests from members who wish to be reassigned to a different membership category and approve such reassignment by majority vote. The Executive Committee reserves the right to meet with members who request such reassignment in order to assess their request and ensure that mutual needs are met.
Application: The membership application process will follow existing protocols.
Probation: All newly appointed members of the department will be on a probationary
status for at least 12 months, commencing on the date that they have been accepted into the department.
Probationary members are not granted voting privileges.
Probationary members will be expected to meet all membership participation and training requirements for their membership category during the probationary period.
Probationary members will not accept any assignment, duty or work detail nor perform any function, whether at an emergency scene or otherwise, which they have not been properly trained to perform.
The Executive Board will periodically review the training and participation of the probationary member at the Executive Board Meetings. Those members that have not yet achieved the training and/or participation as necessary for their assigned category will meet with the Executive Board to assess their development goals. The Executive Board will determine, by majority vote, if the probationary member should be reassigned to a different membership category of which they have been properly trained and participated for, if the probationary period should be extended for a period of six months or if the member should be discharged from the department.
In situations where the probationary period has been extended, the Executive Board review process will be repeated at the Executive Board Meeting of the month that the probation extension ends.
Voting: All members, regardless of category, will be given full voting privileges following the successful completion of their probationary period.
Physicals: All members, regardless of category, must have an annual physical on file with the TWFD office.
Membership
Categories:
Active
Firefighter- Fully trained and active in fire suppression and rescue activities.
Scene Support- Trained in on-scene support operations (i.e. driving, pumps, ladder placement, hose assistance, accountability, traffic and water supply).
EMS - Certified
Station Member- Non-emergency responder who provides administrative support and minimal on-scene support (i.e. work details, food prep, fund raising, committees and assist during major incidents).
Junior Firefighter- Junior firefighters must be at least 16 years old but not older than 18 years old.
Active Deployed Military
Inactive
Inactive Medical
Active Reserve
Life
Honorary
Probationary
SECTION ONE - ACTIVE MEMBERS
a. Firefighter
Initial
Training Requirements (complete w/in 1 yr. of appointment):
· Participation in a 2-hour in-service on department procedures (SOGs and protocols)
· Firefighter 1
· ICS (Incident Command System -based upon National Incident Management System) 100
· EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator's Course) - OFPC (NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control-complete prior to driving apparatus)
Annual requirements:
·
8 hours of firefighting training (departmental,
OFPC or NFA (
· 8 hours of firefighting training which meets OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration-while NYS public employees are governed by NYS Public Employees Safety & Health under the NYS Department of Labor, national fire standards and literature references OSHA, which PESH is based upon. To ensure a clear understanding, OSHA will be the referenced oversight agency for this Standard Operating Guideline).
· Categorical requirements (Reference TWFD Training Program Standard Operating Guideline)
· Physical Exam by Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant
· Bi-annual Pulmonary Function Test and mask-appropriate Fit Test
·
Response to at least 10% of alarms (
· Attendance or approved absence from at least 75% of General Membership Meetings
· Active participation on one committee (active participation on a committee means attendance at no less than 50% of committee meetings
· Participation at two fund raising events
Continuing
Training Requirements:
· ICS 200 (Instructed by NYS Emergency Management Office, NYSEMO Certified Instructor or OFPC) or OFPC ICS Course (complete w/in 3 years of appointment)
· EVOC - OFPC or department approved insurance company course (every 5 years)
Promotional
to:
Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief or Chief per guidelines for each position
b.
Initial
Training Requirements (complete w/in 1 yr. of appointment):
· Participation in a 2-hour in-service on department procedures, SOGs and protocols
·
· ICS 100
· OSHA Training as required by NYS DOH
· EVOC - OFPC (complete prior to driving apparatus) and, annual requirements.
Annual
Training Requirements:
·
Must maintain an
· 8 hours of emergency responder training (departmental, OFPC or NFA)
· OSHA Training as required by NYS DOH
· Physical Exam by Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant
· Assigned PPE (as determined by the EMS Clinical Director)
· Fit Test
·
Response to at least 10% of calls (
· Attendance or approved absence from at least 75% of General Membership Meetings
· Active participation on one committee
· Participation at two fund raising events
Continuing
Training Requirements:
· ICS 200 or OFPC ICS Course (complete w/in 3 years of appointment)
· EVOC - OFPC or department approved insurance company course (every 5 years)
Promotional
to:
EMS Captain per guidelines for position.
c. Scene Support Operations (SSO)
Initial Training Requirements (complete w/in 1 yr. of appointment):
· Participation in a 2-hour in-service on department procedures, SOGs and protocols
· Scene Support Operations Course
· ICS 100
· Training to the level of expected performance
Annual
Requirements:
· 8 hours of emergency responder training (departmental, OFPC, NYSEMO or NFA)
· 2 hours of OSHA Station House Safety and Scene Safety training
· Physical Exam by Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant
· PPE Fit Test as determined by the Chief Officers
·
Response to at least 10% of alarms (
· Attendance or approved absence from at least 75% of General Membership Meetings
· Active participation on two committees
· Participation at 2 fund raising events
· Participation at 25% of all scheduled work details.
Continuing
Training Requirements:
· EVOC - OFPC (prior to driving apparatus)
· ICS 200 or OFPC ICS Course (complete w/in 3 years of appointment)
· EVOC - OFPC or department approved insurance company course (every 5 years)
Promotional
to:
Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief or Chief per guidelines for each position.
d. Station Members
Initial Training
Requirements (complete w/in 1 yr. of appointment):
· Participation in a 2-hour in-service on department procedures, SOGs and Protocols
· ICS 100
· Training to the level of expected performance
Annual
Requirements:
· 2 hours of OSHA Station House Safety training and Scene Safety
· Attendance or approved absence from at least 75% of General Membership Meetings
· Attendance or approved absence from at least 50% of scheduled work details
· Active participation on at least 3 committees
· Participation at 75% of fund raising events
e. Active
Deployed Military
The Town of
Membership
To be a member of this department
(other than Junior members), a person shall be at least 18 years of age, and
must reside within a five-mile radius of any one of the Town of Watertown Fire
Stations. A candidate for membership
shall make written application to the department and shall appear in person
before the Executive Committee for a personal interview. The purpose of this interview is to inform
the candidate of the membership requirements and to evaluate the candidate's
potential as a member of the Department.
Town residents will have preference over non-residents. Such application shall be approved or
disapproved by the Executive Committee before being presented to the general
membership. Upon the next available opening,
such application shall be presented to the general membership at the regular
meeting for review. This application
shall be voted on at the next regular meeting following the review and approved
by three quarters (3/4) of the ballots cast.
If an applicant is rejected, the applicant must wait six (6) months
before submitting a new application.
Once approved, a member must receive a department approved physical exam
before responding to any call.
Any
active status must accumulate 40 credits per year, according to the following c
1.
For each 10% of calls 1
credit/month
2.
Attending major incident or alarm (2 hour minimum) 2 credits/incident
3.
Training
3a.
OSHA safety training to the level of expected performance, as determined by
the Executive Committee. 1
credit/hour
3b. Approved department training (8
hours mandatory) 1 credit/hour
3c. Department approved course (1-4
hours) 1
credit/course
3d.
Department approved course (5-18 hours) 3
credits/course
3e.
Department approved course (over 18 hours) 5
credits/course
4.
Attending department approved meetings 1
credit/meeting
5A. Work details and other department
approved activity
(lasting up
to four hours) 1
credit/detail
5b.
Work details and other department approved activity
(lasting 4 or more hours) 2
credits/detail
Each member will be evaluated
quarterly. If at the end of March a
member has 9 or less credits, a letter will be sent notifying them of their
credits and the number needed by June 30 (which is 20). At the end of June a member with 19 or less
credits will be sent a letter requesting they meet with the Executive Committee
for possible dismissal. A follow-up
telephone will be placed by the President to confirm receipt of the letter.
If at the end of September a member
has 29 or less credits, a letter will be sent notifying them of their credits
and the number needed by December 31 (which is 40). At the end of December a member with 39 or
less credits will be sent a letter requesting they meet with the Executive
Committee for possible dismissal.
The Executive Committee can recommend
dismissal from the department if a member has less than 20 credits by June 30
or less than 40 credits by December 31.
[For example, within a year - a
member attends 6 department meetings, attends 8 hours of mandated OSHA training
and 8 hours of mandated department training, attends 5 committee meeting, 2
work details, and responds to 10% of the fire calls; they will have accumulated
41 credits.]
Any member guilty of disorderly
conduct or in the discharge of his/her duties as a firefighter, upon good
satisfactory evidence of the Executive Committee and a three quarters (3/4)
vote of the ballots cast by the members present of the department, shall be
dishonorably discharged from the department.
Any member not attending six meetings of the previous year (excluding
regular employment, illness or Fire/EMS schooling) shall not vote at the Annual
Meeting. Any member on probation shall
not be allowed to vote on any department issue.
Any member not attending a meeting must be excused by his/her captain or
an officer of the Department. Each
member, excluding officers, shall serve on one committee per year.
Active members are encouraged to sign
up for "on-call" fire.
e. Junior
Firefighters
Junior firefighters must be
at least 16 years old but not older than 18 years old. They must be able to follow directions under
stressful conditions. They should be in
good physical condition to perform essential fire ground tasks. Juniors should be willing and able to attend
at least 50% of scheduled meetings and required training. Special trainings are optional but highly
encouraged. Juniors must maintain a 75%
average or higher in their schoolwork to remain active.
(Please note – the following document does not
supersede TWFD SOG’s. It is an addition
to be followed by Jr. Members.)
Rules and Regulations
- The
regular fire department officers will directly supervise the Junior Fire
Department. A committee made up of
members of the regular fire department, assigned by the Chief, to act as
the “Junior Advisors”.
- The
Junior Fire Department shall abide by all federal, state and departmental
rules and regulations.
- All
members of the Junior Fire Department shall meet the minimum standards and
must provide at least 2 references which will be checked prior to initial
interview.
- After
the initial interview by the personnel committee, the junior applicant
will be brought to a vote by the regular fire department membership. If majority members at the business
meeting accept the applicant, then the applicant shall become an official
junior member.
- Junior
members do not have voting privileges within the regular fire department. They may attend meetings, but might be
asked to leave the room while some issues are discussed.
- The
Town of
- Dependents
of active fire department personnel are automatically accepted regardless
of the total number of junior members currently on hand.
- All
juniors must complete the department Junior Orientation Program (JOP). This program includes departmental
procedures, building policies, apparatus orientation and command
structure.
- All
fire department members must recognize rules and regulations that govern
minors and their safety. Junior
members are not permitted to participate in activities that are
prohibited. Junior members must
recognize when they have been asked to perform something not appropriate
and will report this to the requesting firefighter and commanding officer.
- Junior
members should not be at the station unsupervised, except during an
emergency call.
- All
junior members must sign in and out of the junior time log sheet at the
station every time they enter the building. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Only
officers may talk to the media. All
junior members will refer all questions regarding the fire department to
the most senior officer on the scene. Juniors are expected to represent the
fire department in a positive manner. It is not appropriate to discuss internal
matters of the fire department or talk negatively about other fire
departments.
- Junior
members and their immediate family may use the station by request and
approval of your junior advisor. DO
NOT bring your friends to hang around the fire station. An occasional, small group is permitted
with the approval of your junior advisor.
- Any
injuries occurring during training or a scene call are covered by Worker’s
Compensation Insurance. All
injuries must be reported to the senior officer as soon as practical for
documentation and treatment.
- Alcohol
beverages are NOT allowed on fire department property or functions at any
time.
- Do not
respond to calls or come to the station if you are sick or under the
influence of medication.
The following are guidelines to
hours of scene calls. The hours
specified by the work permit. Training
and hanging out at the station do not count towards these hours.
HOURS OF OPERATIONS AGE 16
- Maximum
6 days per week with 30-minute meal period after 4 hours. The beginning of the week is Monday at
6:00 AM.
- No
activity while school is in session. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- No
activity between 7:00 PM (10:00 PM with note from parent) and 7:00 AM.
- Maximum
of 18 hours per school week (Monday through Friday).
- Maximum
of 3 hours on school days.
- Maximum
of 8 hours total for Saturday and/or Sunday.
- Maximum
of 8 hours on school holidays.
- No
activity from 10P M and 7 AM during school
breaks.
- Maximum
of 40 hours per week/8 hours per day.
HOURS OF OPERATIONS AGES
17-18
1. Maximum 6 days per week with 30-minute meal
period after 4 hours. The
beginning of the
week is Monday at 6:00 AM.
2. No activity while school is in session. NO EXCEPTIONS!
3. May attend training and meetings after 7 PM
but must be out of the station by 10 PM.
4. No scene responses between midnight and 6 AM.
5. No scene responses between 1 AM and 6 AM on
weekends and holidays.
6. Calls answered before the deadline MAY
continue to serve the call, but they may not answer any new calls dispatched
after the deadline.
7. Maximum of 28 hours Monday through Friday
while school is in session.
8. Maximum of 8 hours on Saturday.
9. Maximum of 8 hours on Sunday.
10. Maximum daily
hours cannot exceed 8 hours per day.
11. No restrictions
during school breaks.
12. Maximum of 44
hours per week/8 hours per day.
DRIVING OF PERSONAL VEHICLES
1. Only members that are at least 16 years old
and have a valid
2. All
juniors must report to the station for all calls. If all apparatus have responded prior to your
arrival, you must stand-by at the station until either a senior member of The Town of Watertown Fire Department drives
them to the scene or wait until the department returns from the call to assist
in clean-up. Juniors are NOT permitted to respond with any backup
departments.
3. Other than #8 below, UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES ARE JUNIORS TO GO DIRECTLY
TO THE SCENE! The public might pressure
you as a firefighter into entering a burning building or perform other tasks
you are not authorized to undertake.
4. At no time is a junior member permitted to use
colored light, hazard lights, honk horn or use any other warning devices while enroute
to the station.
5. All speed limits and traffic laws are to be
strictly followed while responding to the station.
6. The Town of
7. Failure to abide by these rules will result in
a suspension of at least 30 days and possible
expulsion from the junior program.
8. Junior members are allowed to respond non-emergency
to the scene with their assigned
personal protective equipment ONLY if an alarm for a “Working
Structure Fire” has been given. All
speed limits and traffic laws are to be strictly followed while responding to the scene. TWFD, its officers or its members are in no way responsible or liable for any
moving violations or accidents while enroute to
or from a scene call. Upon arrival to
the scene ALL junior members must check
in with the Incident Commander (IC).
RESPONDING TO CALLS ON
APPARATUS
1. Junior member must be in good standing with
the department. Must be Level II or higher, be at least 17 years old,
and attend at least 50% of scheduled meetings and/or
training’s. Exceptions are allowed with
prior approval of a Junior Advisor.
2. Junior firefighters shall don full protective
bunker gear before boarding any piece of
fire apparatus that is responding to a call. Juniors shall wear full protective turnout gear to all calls unless
otherwise instructed by the senior officer.
3. Junior firefighters will obtain verbal
permission from the officer or senior member
in charge of an apparatus prior to boarding an apparatus. The officer or senior member must be willing and able to supervise the
junior firefighter at all times.
4. Junior members must place their accountability
tag on the ring of the apparatus you are
boarding.
5. Junior firefighters, in reverse seniority,
shall give up their seat to any senior firefighter
upon request. No questions or arguing. Reclaim your accountability tag and get off the apparatus and wait for
the next unit going to the scene.
6. When riding any piece of apparatus, junior
firefighters shall position themselves in
a seat with a seat belt in place and securely fastened. Under no circumstances will a junior stand up on an apparatus while the
apparatus in moving.
7. Junior firefighters shall remain in the
apparatus until given instructions by the officer.
If no instructions are given, tell the
apparatus operator you are reporting to
command. Check in with the Incident
Commander and wait for instructions.
8. All instructions of the officer must be
followed exactly. If you are not sure
what you are doing or have
been assigned something you are not permitted to do, say so right away so your task can be
clarified or someone else can be given the assignment.
9. Junior firefighters shall NOT at anytime,
start or attempt to start or move any fire department
vehicle. No Exceptions.
10. Upon returning to
the station, assists in clean up, store your gear for the next call and sign the logbook. Make sure to fill out the time sheet report.
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
Junior firefighters (16
years old) are prohibited from responding or assisting (fire or medical duties)
at any accident on a public roadway. Juniors
(any age) are not permitted to perform any traffic control duties. Juniors’ 18 years old and older, Level III,
may assist in vehicle rescue under direct supervision if they are
appropriately trained and supervised.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Juniors WILL NOT assist in
any patient care or respond to emergency medical alarms. Juniors WILL NOT assist in any hazardous
materials situations.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES BY LAW
and/or TWFD
The TWFD and/or the law
specifically prohibits members under the age of 19 of
an emergency service organization from participating in the following
activities:
1. Operating organizational vehicles.
2. Operating various types of power driven saws
and shears.
3. Using rubber electric gloves, insulated wire
cutters, life nets or acetylene cutting torches.
4. Operations of pumps of any fire department
vehicle at the scene.
5. Entering a burning structure.
6. Operating high-pressure hose lines (water, air
or hydraulic) except during training.
7. Ascending ladders, except during training.
8. Operate any aerial device (cranes or hoists),
non-automatic elevators, air bags for lifting or winches.
9. Perform operations in tunnels, shafts or
trenches.
10. Participate in
emergencies at explosives or fireworks plants, retailers or in support of public safety for a public display.
11. An emergency
operation in or around mines, strip-mines or quarries.
12. Participate in
operations with incidents involving paint, acid or poisons (any HAZMAT).
13. Participate in
operations involving radioactive substances.
14. Roof top
ventilation or any work on top of a roof.
15. Wrecking or
demolition including use of acetylene torches, cutting or crushing equipment or respond to structural collapse
incidents.
16. Participate in
on-scene operations of natural destruction (ice storms, floods, etc.).
17. Entry into a
hazardous atmosphere (including training).
PERMITTED ACTIVITIES
Minors 16 years Old
1. Participate in organized training activities
in which an adult member of the organization
is present and supervising the junior member.
2. All aspects of fire suppression training
except interior live fire extinguishment.
3. Rescue training.
4. Hazardous material training except entry using
Level A and B personal protection equipment.
5. Safety training.
6. Wild land firefighting and Wilderness Search
and Rescue training.
7. Provide canteen services.
8. Participate in support capacity for searches,
rescues, wild fires, Hazmat incidents and
water supply operations while under direct supervision of a senior member.
Minors 17-18 years Old
Minors between the ages of 17
and 18 years of age may participate in actual fire suppression activities under
the following conditions:
1. Must have completed a course of training equal
to standards of basic firefighting established
by the department of education, Essentials of Firefighting Module I.
2. Must be under the direct supervision and
control of the fire chief or a trained experienced
officer over 21 years of age. Direct
supervision means that the officer must be within speaking and touching distance
of the junior member.
3. Attacking the fire with hose lines as part of
EXTERIOR operations.
4. Setting ladders.
5. Setting up Positive Pressure Ventilation as
part of EXTERIOR operations.
6. Clean up with the following conditions:
a. Must be outside the
fire building collapse zone.
b. Only after the
incident is declared under control by Command.
c. Must be “on air” if
working in a fire area and trained on SCBA’s.
7. Salvage operations while “on air”.
8. Establishing water supply.
LEVELS
Training is a very
important part of being a firefighter. All
Fire and EMS related training is paid for by the Town of
Probation
During the probation
period, the new member will have no junior voting privileges and may not
respond to calls except during training. Probationary members may attend special events
such as banquets and picnics. Probationary members may not attend regular
fire department business meetings.
Requirements:
1. Complete 3 months of service.
2. Attend 50% of all scheduled meetings.
3. Have an understanding of the Town of
4. Be recommended by Junior Advisors and approved
by the Junior Chairman.
Failure to complete the
probationary requirements will result in a one-time extension of the
probationary period. Continued failure
to complete the probationary requirements will result in loss of membership. If this happens, a new application must be
submitted.
Level I
1. Complete probation requirements.
2. Successfully complete Fire Operations Module A
or equivalent.
3. Be recommended by Junior Advisors and approved
by the Junior Chairman. Upon earning
Level I, junior member will be presented a Town of
Level II
1. Completed Level I requirements.
2. Hold a valid CPR and Basic First Aid or higher
card.
3. Complete any approved fire related course.
4. Be recommend by Junior Advisors and approved
by the Junior Chairman.
5. Junior member Level II or higher may respond
to calls and ride fire apparatus provided
they meet the minimum training attendance.
Upon earning Level II, Junior
member will be presented with a Town of
Level III
1. Completed Level II
requirements.
2. Be at least 18
years of age.
3. Complete Fire
Operations Module B or equivalent.
4. Be recommended by
Junior Advisors and approved by the Chief.
Upon earning Level III, Junior
members will be recognized with a red helmet and yellow stripe to designate
their ability to fight fire. Level III
may participate in actual exterior fire suppression and related fire activities
as specified above with direct supervision.
OFFICERS
The Town of Watertown Fire
Chief will designate one officer/department head to the position of Junior
Chairman to supervise the Junior Fire Department Program. The Chairman will designate Junior Advisors as
needed to carry out the responsibilities of the program.
The members of the junior
program will elect two officers (Captain and Lieutenant). Additional officer positions can be created
and or eliminated by the Junior Chairman as needed.
To hold an officer
position, a member must be active and in good standing for at least six months
and complete officer training. Officers
must be willing to provide additional hours to complete the duties of the
position. Candidates must be approved by
a Junior Advisor to run for a position.
Elections are held during
regularly scheduled meetings with no less than 50% of the voting junior members
present. Votes are cast by secret
ballot. Members are elected by a simple
majority vote. Tie votes will result in
a run-off vote of the tied candidates. Elections
should be held at least once a year or at the discretion of the Junior
Chairman. At least one month written
notice should be posted before elections. If possible, phone calls will be made to give
notice.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Junior officers are
designated with a white stripe running the length of the helmet along the top.
Junior Captain will be the
ranking junior member. The Captain will
be in charge of all junior events, meetings and functions. The Captain will conduct the business
meetings; supervise duties of other junior officers. The Captain will coordinate recruiting and
recognition of junior members. At an
emergency incident with multiple junior members, the Junior Captain will report
to the Incident Commander as a representative of all juniors on the scene.
Junior Lieutenant will be
responsible for records of attendance and training. The Lieutenant will fill the duties of the
Captain in their absence. Recording any minutes and correspondence. The Lieutenant will provide a summary report
of junior activity each month to be presented at the Town of
SECTION TWO -
INACTIVE MEMBERS
a. Inactive Members
Any member shall be eligible to
become an inactive member with at least five years of active service. He/she has no rights or privileges of any
kind, by reason of fighting fires, driving vehicles, or any other duties. He/she shall have the right upon invitation
of the Department, to attend all department functions and to be extended the
courtesy to attend general membership meetings with no voting privileges.
c. Inactive Medical
TWFD recognizes that at times due to long term illness or non-fire department related injury an active member may not be able to complete all the necessary requirements to remain in an active status. A member may request, in writing, to be moved to the “Inactive Medical” category. The member can still participate in all social events and can attend meetings, however they will not be able to vote on department issues. At the time when they feel able, they may request, in writing, with doctor’s approval, to be moved to “Active” member status. Upon recommendation from the Executive Committee and by majority vote of the General Membership their status will change.
SECTION THREE -
ACTIVE RESERVE MEMBERS
Active Reserve- Members who have served 20 years of active service are eligible for Active Reserve status. Active Reserve members are exempt from the annual response percentage of 10%. They are trained in on-scene support operations (i.e. driving, pumps, ladder placement, hose assistance, accountability, traffic and water supply).
An active member may request Active Reserve
Status by meeting the following criteria:
1. Twenty (20) years as an active member of the Town
of
2.
Agrees to respond to incidents and activities for non-strenuous,
non-physical duties.
3. Must receive the minimum OSHA required, eight
hours safety training per year.
4.
Must attend 50 percent of the regular meetings.
5. Must be recommended by the Executive
Committee.
6. Active Reserve Status must be approved by a
majority vote of the membership present.
7. Must make written application requesting
active reserve status.
Initial Training Requirements (complete w/in 1 yr. of appointment):
· Participation in a 2-hour in-service on department procedures, SOGs and protocols
· Scene Support Operations Course
· ICS 100
· Training to the level of expected performance
Annual Requirements:
· 8 hours of emergency responder training (departmental, OFPC, NYSEMO or NFA)
· 2 hours of OSHA Station House Safety and Scene Safety training
· Physical Exam by Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant
· PPE Fit Test as determined by the Chief Officers
· Attendance or approved absence from at least 75% of General Membership Meetings
· Active participation on two committees
· Participation at 2 fund raising events
· Participation at 25% of all scheduled work details.
Continuing Training
Requirements:
· EVOC - OFPC (prior to driving apparatus)
· ICS 200 or OFPC ICS Course (complete w/in 3 years of appointment)
· EVOC - OFPC or department approved insurance company course (every 5 years)
Promotional to: Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief or Chief per guidelines for each position.
SECTION FOUR -
LIFE MEMBERS
Any member 65 or older, meeting inactive
membership requirements, may make application to
become a life member. A life member
shall have the same social benefits as active members, but may not perform
emergency duty, nor vote. This section also
applies to members who have become permanently disabled.
SECTION FIVE -
HONORARY MEMBERS
Honorary membership may be bestowed upon any
outstanding individual deemed worthy of this honor by a 2/3 majority vote of
the members present. This honorary
member has no rights nor privileges under this
membership except upon invitation of the Department.
SECTION SIX -
PROBATIONARY MEMBERS
A new member with the Department shall be on
probationary period for one year. They
must attend at least Firefighter 1 within this time. A new member shall not be eligible to drive
district owned equipment until authorized by the Chief, Captain of the vehicle
and the Board of Fire Commissioners, except for training purposes when
accompanied by an approved training officer.
SECTION SEVEN -
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
A member after one year of service in the department, may request a leave of absence for a period up
to and not exceeding one year. He/she
shall upon request, be admitted to the department with a majority vote of the
members present, at the next available opening.
SECTION EIGHT - THE
SERVICE AWARD PROGRAM
A year of service shall be credited for one
calendar year after establishment of the Award Program in which an active
volunteer member accumulates at least 50 points. Points shall be granted in accordance with
the Service Award Program Point System.
ARTICLE 6: FIRE POLICE
The Chief shall appoint a number of members to
act as Fire Police; one of said members to act as Captain. They shall be sworn in before the Town Clerk
to act with general police authorities during the time of fire or incident;
keep unauthorized persons from interfering with the fighting of a fire, or the
property involved, or entering the buildings where the fire is located; prevent
all vehicles or conveyances from blocking the highways or interfering with the
movements of the firefighters, fire apparatus, or equipment; and perform any
act or duty naturally developing on police at the time of a fire or incident.
ARTICLE 7: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SOGs shall be developed and administered by the
SOG Committee and shall be approved by majority vote of members present of the
general membership.
ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS
This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended only
by the amendment to be acted upon having been approved at one regular meeting
and voted upon favorably at the next regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of
the members present. This Constitution
must be updated regularly.
BY-LAWS
TOWN OF
1. The meetings of this department shall be held monthly.
The Annual Meeting shall be held at the
regular January meeting. The fiscal year
will be the calendar year.
2. The Chief, Assistant Chiefs,
Captains, Secretary, and Treasurer, shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by
separate ballots for a term of one year,
or until a successor is elected. A
majority of the votes cast constitutes election.
3.
Three tellers shall be appointed by the Chief at each election and shall
receive, count, and report on all votes in an open meeting. The first appointed, shall be the Chair and
conduct the election.
4.
Twenty (20) members shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting
for the transaction of any business of the department.
Revised
and adopted September, 2010
ACCEPTANCE
The Bylaws shall be a part of this
Constitution and new bylaws made as necessary by a two-thirds vote of the
members present at any regular meeting.
The Bylaws must be updated regularly.
I hereby agree to and find myself to
abide by this Constitution and Bylaws and amendment or additions that may
hereafter lawfully be made hereto.
Name-Printed _____________________________
Signed _____________________________
Date _____________________________
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