46 S.O.G. 

SECTION: Personnel Policies

SUBJECT: Disciplinary Guidelines

REVISED: 05/2002

To provide disciplinary policies, guidelines and procedures for the Town of Watertown Fire Department.

A. The establishment and maintenance of discipline is the responsibility of all department members.

B. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into account. Previous conduct will be taken into account in determining the penalty.

C. All reports of discipline will be dealt with case by case.

D. The executive board will handle all written and signed complaints.

A. All charges shall be made in writing and signed by the individual making the complaint.

B. Charges can be brought for the following violations:

1. Violation of any order of a superior officer.

2. Responding to calls while under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.

3. Careless or reckless operation of a motor vehicle

4. Thievery, the taking of property belonging to the fire department.

C. No charges shall be brought unless it is believed the charges can be proved.

D. Any officer or member charged with a complaint shall have the right to answer the charge against them and face their accuser if they desire.

E. After receiving a written complaint the executive board will assign an investigative committee to investigate the complaint. The committee shall consist of the following:

a. 1- Chief Officer

b. 1 - Commissioner

c. 3 - Members

No member can be forced to be on the committee, they can refuse.

F. After the investigative committee completes their investigation, they will return to the executive board with their findings.

G. The executive board will make a recommendation of discipline to the general membership for approval.

H. In the event of a motor vehicle accident or damage to any fire department vehicles, the responsible party will have their driving privileges suspended by a chief officer until the next executive board.

I. In the event of a written complaint and finding of creditable evidence of a driver failing to stop at any stop sign or intersection where a red light is indicated, the driver will have their driving privileges suspended until the next executive board.

A. Oral reprimand.

B. Written reprimand.

C. Suspension from driving.

D. Suspension from active roster.

E. Dismissal from department.