200 - Organizational Structure

11 Questions

What are the four divisions of the Chesapeake Fire Department?

Fire Operations, Fire Prevention, Medical Operations, Support Services

Who is responsible for managing the Chesapeake Fire Department?

The Fire Chief

When should the chain of command be followed in the Chesapeake Fire Department?

Always

What is the purpose of the unity of command principles in the Chesapeake Fire Department?

To ensure efficient supervision and control within the department

What should members do when making recommendations for changes to the department?

Consult with their commanding officer/supervisor

What is the policy of the Chesapeake Fire Department regarding contact with officials outside of the department?

Members cannot contact any official without informing the Fire Chief through the chain of command

What should members do if they believe an order is unlawful or in conflict with another order?

Inform the supervisor issuing the order and provide details explaining the grounds for believing there is a conflict or error

What protections do whistleblowers have in the Chesapeake Fire Department?

They are protected as long as they act in good faith and have a reasonable belief that the information is accurate

Who can whistleblowers make complaints to?

Any supervisor or directly to the Department of Human Resources

What is the policy of the Chesapeake Fire Department regarding retaliation against whistleblowers?

Retaliation is prohibited

What happens to members who engage in retaliation against whistleblowers?

They are subject to discipline

Study Notes

The policy establishes the organizational structure of the Chesapeake Fire Department as required by Virginia law.
The department has four divisions: Fire Operations, Fire Prevention, Medical Operations, and Support Services.
The Fire Chief is responsible for managing the department.
The chain of command should generally be followed unless there is a good faith and reasonable basis for utilizing an alternate channel of communication.
Unity of command principles ensure efficient supervision and control within the department.
Members shall adhere to the chain of command and consult with their commanding officer/supervisor when making recommendations for changes, alterations or improvements concerning department matters.
No member shall initiate contact with any member of the governing board or with any other local, regional, state or federal official regarding any matter affecting the Chesapeake Fire Department without having first informed the Fire Chief through the chain of command.
Members shall comply with lawful directives and orders from any department supervisor or person in a position of authority.
If a member believes any written or verbal order to be unlawful or in conflict with another order, they should immediately inform the supervisor issuing the order and provide details explaining the grounds for believing there is a conflict or error.
All members are free to make or prepare to make, in good faith, any complaint that identifies ethical or legal violations without fear of discrimination or retaliation.
The Chesapeake Fire Department has a policy against retaliation for whistleblowers.
Complaints can be made to any supervisor or directly to the Department of Human Resources.
Whistleblowers are protected as long as they act in good faith and have a reasonable belief that the information is accurate.
Any form of reprisal or retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.
Members engaging in retaliation are subject to discipline.
The policy does not diminish any rights or remedies under federal or state law.
Complaints of suspected wrongdoing or abuse must be made in good faith.
Whistleblowers can act on their own or through a representative.
The policy applies to all members of the Chesapeake Fire Department.
Complaints are not subject to the chain of command.