Policy 1000: Tacoma Fire Department Overview

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Questions and Answers

What role does the City’s Human Resources Department play in relation to the organizational chart of TFD?

They approve modifications to the organizational chart.

They establish the chain of command within TFD.

They maintain job classifications for positions on the chart. (correct)

They handle all employee grievances related to the organizational structure.

Who has the authority to approve the organizational chart of TFD?

The City Council

The Deputy Chief of Administration

The City Manager (correct)

The TFD EEO officer

In what situation can TFD employees directly contact an external EEO compliance agency?

Whenever they prefer over internal procedures

As part of the protocol for reporting EEO complaints (correct)

Only after discussing the matter with their immediate supervisor

During annual performance reviews

What is the purpose of the established chain of command in TFD?

To efficiently facilitate the transmission of information and requests Signup and view all the answers

Where can specific information regarding job classifications be found?

Through the Human Resources page on the City’s intranet site Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Tacoma Fire Department under the supervision of the Fire Chief?

Providing first response for emergencies and disasters Signup and view all the answers

Which document establishes the City of Tacoma Fire Department?

City Ordinance No. 26 Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for establishing the vision, mission, and values of the Tacoma Fire Department?

Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

What kind of documents do TFD policies have precedence over?

Other TFD communications, except those defined by laws and agreements Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can the Fire Chief manage the department's budget?

Within the constraints set by the City Manager and City Council Signup and view all the answers

What is one core function of the Tacoma Fire Department aside from responding to emergencies?

Providing community education on fire safety Signup and view all the answers

What type of information may be included in Operating Guidelines of the Tacoma Fire Department?

Detailed procedures to implement policies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding TFD policies?

They supersede only collective bargaining agreements. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the development, administration, interpretation, and enforcement of fire department policies and operating guidelines?

The Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

Which document grants the City Manager the authority to delegate operations to the Fire Chief?

Tacoma Municipal Code Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of all members of TFD?

To become familiar with TFD policies and operating guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What power does the Fire Chief have in emergency conditions?

To carry out actions regardless of prior commitments, if necessary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions can the Fire Chief take according to the delegation from the City Manager?

Hire and promote employees as necessary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Fire Chief as outlined in the content?

Enforcing city budget allocations Signup and view all the answers

In relation to employee management, which action can the Fire Chief NOT take?

Dismiss any employee without cause Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Fire Chief have concerning facilities and equipment of the fire department?

They manage and control all assigned facilities and equipment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Policy 1000: Tacoma Fire Department Administration

Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) established by City Ordinance No. 26 in 1880
TFD provides first response for emergencies, including fire, medical, rescue, hazardous materials, and marine incidents; also prevents such events
Fire Chief is responsible for establishing department vision, mission, values, rules, and regulations (consistent with national best practices)
Fire Chief manages the department, within budget constraints and adherence to local, state, and federal laws
Uniform application of department rules/regulations aimed for
TFD policies/operating guidelines/directives supersede other communications; except for local, state, or federal laws, and collective bargaining agreements
Policy: Rules/regulations based on department, local, state, federal laws, standards/directives
Operating Guidelines: Additional info and procedures for policies; deviation allowed with compelling reason
Fire Chief responsible for policy development/administration/interpretation/enforcement
All TFD members responsible for policy/operating guideline familiarity and adherence
Fire Chief responsible for document maintenance
City of Tacoma charter and Municipal Code Chapter 1.06 referenced
Current TFD organizational chart referenced

Operating Guidelines

City Manager has authority over TFD workforce, delegated to Fire Chief
Delegation includes: efficient/economical department operations, methods for such operations, necessary actions in emergencies (provided no ordinance/personnel rule conflicts), employee direction/discipline, and facility/equipment management
Fire Chief has, with City Manager approval: authority to manage and control facilities/equipment, and serve as city Emergency Management Administrator
Established TFD organizational chart outlining command structure and span of control
Job classifications maintained by City Human Resources, in cooperation with Deputy Chief and Human Resources Liaison
Employees can access HR information via city intranet site
Established chain of command for efficient communication within the department
Direct contact with supervisors, TFD EEO officer, City EEO officer, and external EEO compliance agency, available for EEO complaints

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational policies and administration of the Tacoma Fire Department established in 1880. Learn about the department's responsibilities, the role of the Fire Chief, and how rules and regulations are applied within emergency services. Test your understanding of the operational guidelines and adherence to laws at various levels.