Rules & Regs

A member is on duty when they are actively performing their assigned tasks, regardless of whether they are at the fire station or responding to an incident.

The state of being free from duty responsibilities during days off or authorized leave. However, a member can be recalled to duty at any time.

Performing duties with a thorough understanding and proficiency, surpassing basic knowledge.

An act of voluntarily ending service with the department. It must be accepted by the Fire Chief to take effect.

Any member with supervisory responsibilities over members of lower rank, whether temporarily or permanently.

A work period consisting of two 24-hour shifts within an eight-day cycle, typically for emergency response and other critical operations.

When a member is denied the privilege of performing their duties due to reasons such as misconduct, violations, or pending a fitness evaluation. This can be with or without pay.

The words "shall" and "will" indicate that a specific action is mandatory and not optional.

Any inappropriate or unlawful order received by a member must be reported in writing to the Fire Chief, following the chain of command.

Members must seek permission from their supervisor before contacting higher-ranking officers, maintaining the chain of command.

Firefighters are expected to perform their assigned tasks and maintain necessary certifications and skills.

Firefighters are expected to be trained and ready to assume responsibilities of the next higher position.

Careless behavior, even if unintentional, is unacceptable and can lead to disciplinary action.

An officer can remove a firefighter from duty if they are unable to perform their duties, disobey orders, or pose a risk to the department.

A firefighter can appeal a decision not to be granted permission to contact a higher-ranking officer through the grievance process.

The chain of command is a hierarchical system where reporting and communication follow a specific path.

Firefighters cannot engage in political activities while on duty, on departmental property, or in uniform, including promoting any candidates or issues.

Firefighters in uniform cannot engage in political activities related to department guidelines and working conditions off duty without the Fire Chief's approval.

Firefighters cannot solicit support for promotions, changes of duty, or influence decisions through political means.

Firefighters seeking elective office must notify the Director of Personnel to determine if there is a conflict of interest.

Firefighters cannot display political advertisements or materials on department vehicles, buildings, or equipment.

Firefighters cannot actively participate in another person's political campaign for an elective position while in uniform or on duty.

Examples of actions considered active participation in a political campaign include: making speeches, distributing literature, signing petitions, and soliciting votes.

Making derogatory remarks about a political candidate while in uniform or on duty is prohibited.

Employees must immediately notify their supervisor of their location and the charge if they are arrested. Within 24 hours of release, they must notify the Fire Chief in writing via email, certified mail, or personal delivery through their chain of command. Failure to do so can lead to discipline, including indefinite suspension.

Employees must inform the Fire Chief in writing if they are under investigation for a criminal matter by any agency, except the City of Houston's Office of Inspector General. The notification, via email, certified mail, or personal delivery, must occur within 24 hours of becoming aware of the investigation.

Employees must inform the Fire Chief in writing about all court hearing dates and results regarding criminal matters within 24 hours of receiving them. They also need to notify any agency certifying their professional qualifications, such as TCFP, TDHSE, and TCOLE.

Severe violations of rules, guidelines, or orders must be reported immediately to the immediate supervisor. If the supervisor is the violator, the next officer in the chain of command should be contacted. Severe violations can negatively affect the department's operations, safety, or reputation. Making a false report of a violation can result in disciplinary action, including indefinite suspension.

Employees must immediately notify their supervisor of their location and the charge if they are arrested. Within 24 hours of release, they must notify the Fire Chief in writing via email, certified mail, or personal delivery through their chain of command. Failure to do so can lead to discipline, including indefinite suspension.

Employees are required to notify the Fire Chief about all court hearings and results within 24 hours of receiving the information. This includes any agency certifying their professional qualifications, such as TCFP, TDHSE, and TCOLE.

All members have a duty to report severe violations immediately to their supervisor, or the next officer in the chain of command if the supervisor is the offender. Falsely reporting a violation can result in disciplinary action, including indefinite suspension.

Severe violations are those actions that could negatively affect the department's operations, safety, or reputation. Members who intentionally make a false report of a violation can face severe disciplinary action.

Drivers of department vehicles must exercise caution and prioritize safety for all individuals, regardless of any provisions. Reckless disregard for safety is not excused.

A department vehicle that becomes disabled must be reported to the Operations Emergency Center (OEC) and remain with the vehicle until a department-approved wrecker arrives.

When backing up a heavy apparatus or ambulance/medic unit, a spotter should guide the driver and communicate via a portable radio. This applies unless the driver can clearly see and hear the spotter.

Vehicles equipped with functioning rear-facing cameras are exempt from the requirement to have a spotter, unless it is a heavy apparatus or ambulance/medic unit.

Drivers must follow the guidelines stated in HFD II-35 Driving HFD Vehicles Guideline regarding cell phone and device usage.

All members, including officers, must comply with the driving rules outlined in HFD II-35 Driving HFD Vehicles Guideline.

Before backing up a vehicle, the driver must personally check for clearance behind the vehicle, even if a spotter is not available.

Officers and Acting Officers are held accountable for ensuring compliance with driving guidelines, and violations can result in disciplinary action for the driver and the supervising officer.

A designated person responsible for ensuring the safety of crew members. Their action or inaction may lead to disciplinary measures if it contributes to a motor vehicle incident.

Any physical condition, temporary or permanent that might affect driving ability, must be reported to the supervisor.

Emergency vehicles are allowed free access to toll roads during emergency responses. Using the E-Z Tag lane is the preferred method. Toll roads can also be used when other roads are congested.

Department vehicles must be secured and unattended only in specific circumstances. Ignition keys should be removed in most cases.

Members subpoenaed for court proceedings related to HFD matters during duty hours must inform their supervisor.

Fire department members are responsible for enforcing the fire code and ordinances impartially and courteously.

Found valuables at fire scenes shall be turned over to the Incident Commander, who will return them to the owner after proper identification.