Rules & Regs

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Questions and Answers

What is required of members seeking an elective office concerning their candidacy?

They must publicly announce it at a community meeting.

They must obtain votes from fellow members first.

They must inform the Director of Personnel in writing. (correct)

They must recruit other members to support their campaign.

Which of the following activities is prohibited while a member is on duty?

Making personal political speeches

Distributing political literature (correct)

Campaigning for a fellow member's promotion

Writing letters to the editor on political issues

When can members engage in political activities off duty?

At any time as long as they are not in uniform.

During designated campaign periods.

If they are no longer with the department.

Only after receiving approval from the Fire Chief. (correct)

What type of political advertising is prohibited on department property?

Political posters advocating for a candidate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT considered taking an active part in a political campaign?

Watching a campaign event without participating. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In what way can a member express disapproval of a candidate while on duty?

By making a public derogatory remark. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are members prohibited from doing regarding petitions for promotions?

Circulating petitions among other members. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered active participation in another person's political campaign?

Making a political speech at a fundraiser. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial action a member must take if given an unlawful order?

Report the incident in writing to the Fire Chief through the chain of command. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must a member do prior to addressing a superior officer?

Request and receive permission from their immediate supervisor. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for members to perform their duties?

Ensure they are liked by their peers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Relieved of Duty' imply for a member?

A member is denied the privilege of performing duties due to misconduct. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should members do to qualify for a higher position?

Participate in training and observations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms 'Shall' and 'Will' signify in the context of guidelines?

Mandatory actions that must be taken. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes gross or habitual carelessness?

Failure to adhere to safety procedures repeatedly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes 'On Duty' for a member?

A member is performing duties during their shift. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can a member be relieved from duty?

If they willfully refuse to obey orders. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can a resignation be considered effective?

When it is accepted by the Fire Chief. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a member to be relieved of duty after an incident of emergency?

Approval from the Deputy Chief and written notice to the Fire Chief. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'Tour of Duty'?

A work period composed of two 24-hour shifts over eight days. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the chain of command?

It must remain unbroken at all times. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an 'Off Duty' status?

A member is free from their regular duties but subject to recall. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'Superior Officer' within the organization?

Anyone overseeing lower ranks at any time. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What defines 'Working Knowledge' in this context?

Level of comprehension exceeding general knowledge. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action may lead to disciplinary action against the spotter?

Contributing to a motor vehicle incident through inaction (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the use of toll roads for emergency vehicles is TRUE?

E-Z Tag lanes are preferred for emergency access. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required of drivers regarding impairments that could affect driving?

They should report to their immediate supervisor. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper handling of valuables found at a fire incident?

They should be turned over to the Incident Commander. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance can department vehicles be left unattended?

Only if secured and parked in the station. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must a member do when subpoenaed to appear in court during duty hours?

Notify the immediate supervisor. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of members when enforcing fire codes and ordinances?

Enforce codes impartially and courteously. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How should ignition keys be handled when a department vehicle is left unattended?

Remove and secure them with the responsible member. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if an employee reports back for duty before notifying the Fire Chief of their charges?

They will face discipline up to and including indefinite suspension. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must an employee include in their notification to the Fire Chief after being released from custody?

The location and details of the arrest. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How must employees notify the Fire Chief of pending criminal investigations?

In writing via email, certified mail, or personal delivery. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a severe violation that must be reported immediately?

Any misconduct that could harm the department's reputation or safety. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must an employee do if they learn about a court hearing related to a criminal matter?

Notify the Fire Chief in writing within 24 hours. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid method for notifying the Fire Chief about the charges after an arrest?

Messenger pigeon. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What must be reported to any certifying agency, such as TCFP or TCOLE?

Any valid charges against the employee. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of the driver and officer in charge according to the regulations?

To drive with respect for the safety of all persons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should a member do if they operate a department vehicle that becomes disabled?

Notify the OEC and wait with the vehicle until it is removed (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would require the use of a spotter while backing a vehicle?

The vehicle is a heavy apparatus or ambulance/medic unit (D) Signup and view all the answers

What action is required before entering a vehicle without a spotter?

Visually check the area behind the vehicle for clearance (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should drivers do regarding the use of cell phones while driving?

Comply with specific regulations regarding their use (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an officer does not adhere to driving regulations?

They may be subject to disciplinary action (C) Signup and view all the answers

Vehicles equipped with functioning rear-facing cameras are exempt from which requirement?

Having a spotter when backing up (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of reckless disregard for safety while driving?

Potential penalties regardless of any rules (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Houston Fire Department Rules and Regulations

Purpose (1.01): To provide guidelines for behavior and conduct, ensuring orderly coordination of effort in routine and emergency situations.
Objectives (2.00): To define responsibilities and duties, providing guidance for effective and constructive action, within departmental guidelines. Not intended as solutions to all problems.

Definitions

Absence Without Leave (AWOL) (3.01): Absence or tardiness without notification and permission. May result in loss of pay and disciplinary action.
Acting (3.02): Temporarily filling a position not normally assigned, typically a higher rank.
Appeal (3.03): The right to review a dismissal or suspension decision by the Fire Chief.
Chain of Command (3.04): The uninterrupted line of authority from the Fire Chief to the level of execution.
City Business (3.05): Duties that require a member to be excused from regular duties for city-related responsibilities.
City of Houston (COH) Employee Policies and Procedures (3.06): Employees must follow these alongside HFD guidelines, including executive orders, the mayor's policies, and administrative policies.
Classified Positions (3.07): Positions covered under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Demotion (3.08): A voluntary or involuntary move to a lower rank for a firefighter.
General Knowledge (3.09): Broad, non-detailed knowledge.
General Order (3.10): Directives from the Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, or Assistant Chief, concerning policies, procedures, operations, and activities.
Insubordination (3.11): Refusal to obey lawful orders from a superior officer.
Length of Service (3.12): The period of time a member has performed duties since their last oath of office.
Memorandum (3.12): Informational communication distributed (permanent or temporary in nature).
Obedience of Orders (3.15): Faithfully following orders issued by a superior officer.
Off Duty (3.16): Time when a member is not performing normal duties.
On Duty (3.17): Active engagement performing duty.
Relieved of Duty (3.18): Temporarily prevented from performing duties due to dereliction, misconduct, or other violations.
Resignation (3.19): Voluntary termination of employment, with absence from work for three consecutive days requiring notification without good cause.
Shall/Will (3.20): "Shall" indicates a mandatory action. "Will" indicates a voluntary action.
Superior Officer (3.21): Any member with supervisory or command responsibilities over others
Tour of Duty (3.22): Work period of 24-hour shifts, in an 8-day cycle.
Working Knowledge (3.23): Level of comprehension higher than "General Knowledge."

Responsibilities

Fire Chief (5.01): Authority to create, modify, and enforce administrative rules and regulations.

Guidelines

Discrimination and Harassment (6.01): Prohibits verbal, non-verbal, and illustrative actions that degrade or intimidate others based on protected categories (e.g. race, ethnicity, sex).
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (6.02): Prohibits discrimination or retaliation based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Aiding and Protecting Fellow Members (6.03): Members must support and protect each other in dangerous situations.
Respect and Courtesy (6.04): Members are required to treat each other and the public with courtesy and kindness.
Discipline (6.05): Members must maintain respect toward superiors, fellow members, and maintain good behavior both on and off duty.
Maintain Discipline (6.06): Officers must maintain order among subordinates through just, respectful, and firm actions.

Regulations During Emergency Incidents

Emergency Response (8.01): Companies shouldn't stop to engage in non-emergency tasks during an emergency response.
Second Incident while En Route (8.02): Procedures if a second emergency incident arises while en route to a primary incident.
Re-Call to Duty (8.04): Off-duty members may be called back to duty for emergencies (major fires or storms).
Relieving at a Fire Scene (8.05): Establishing procedures for relieving crews at a fire incident.
Fire Extinguishment (8.06): Procedures for extinguishing fires in vehicles (U.S. mail).
Scene Safety Involving Weapons (8.07): Instructions and protocols to prioritize safety on scene if weapons are present
Accidents (8.08): Procedures for responding to accidents and investigating if a fire was arson.
Leaving the Scene (8.10): Procedures for leaving a scene for arson investigations.
Finding Deceased Person (8.11): Steps on discovering a body on scene of an incident - no touching, etc., informing OEC, and other authorities.
Finding a Deceased Person at an EMS Scene (8.12): Procedures identical to finding a deceased person at a fire scene, but for EMS.

Department Vehicles

Operation of Department Vehicles (9.01): Members must possess a valid state driver's license and adherence to rules for driving.
Disabled Vehicles (9.02): In case of vehicle failure, the driver must ensure safety and notify authorities.
Use of Spotters (9.04): Providing guidance for backing equipment for safety.

Miscellaneous Duties

Subpoena to Court (10.01): notification of immediate supervisor for court proceedings related to department matters.
Enforcement of Codes (10.02): Members must enforce fire codes and ordinances fairly and courteously.
Valuables Found at a Fire (10.03): Procedures regarding valuables found at fires (such as turning into authorities).
Personal Information (10.04): Protecting personnel records from misuse.
Regulation of Animals (10.05): Procedures for handling animals affected by emergencies.

Violations

Violations (11.01): Any violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension.

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Description

This quiz covers the requirements and regulations for members seeking elective office, including guidelines on political activities and engagement while on duty. Test your knowledge on prohibited actions and what is expected when addressing superiors. It's essential for members to understand their rights and responsibilities in the context of political participation.