Tacoma Fire Department Employee Conduct Policy

• The document establishes Tacoma Fire Department's (TFD) policy on employee conduct.
• No procedures are included in the document.
• This document applies to all TFD personnel and supersedes all previous versions.
• Associated documentation: FIR 2510 0003 Change of Address and Telephone Number.
• Related TFD information can be found in TFD policies, procedures, special orders, bulletins, and directives.

Responsibilities

• The Deputy Chief of Administration is responsible for maintaining this document.
• TFD Supervisors and those in supervisory positions must ensure compliance with department orders, rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.
• TFD Supervisors and those in supervisory positions must promptly report violations or dereliction of duty.
• Disciplinary action will result from a failure to meet these responsibilities.
• All TFD personnel must be aware of and abide by the rules of conduct in this document.

Definitions

• Company Conference: A company-level meeting typically led by the on-shift Battalion Chief to distribute administrative information or training.
• Compensation: Payment in any form for real or personal property or services.
• Drill Group: Emergency response companies, fire communications, and uniformed day shift personnel assigned for training and drilling.
• Gift: Voluntary transfer of property or services without equal consideration, excluding reasonable hosting related to City business where permitted by law.
• Health Care Providers:
• Doctors of medicine or osteopathy authorized to practice medicine or surgery.
• State-licensed professionals: Chiropractors (limited to spinal manipulations), clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, dentists, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, optometrists, physician's assistants, and podiatrists.
• Christian Science practitioners are listed with the First Church of Christ, Scientist.
• Any other health care provider recognized by the employer or the employer's health plan benefits manager.
• PPE: Personal protective equipment.
• PTS: Personnel Tracking System.
• Working up: Temporarily working in a higher job classification or supervisory position.

References

• City of Tacoma Personnel Rules.
• City of Tacoma Code of Ethics, Section 1.46.
• City of Tacoma Substance Abuse Policy and Procedures.
• City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy 134: Domestic Violence Prevention and Assistance.
• City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy 135: Workplace Violence Prevention Program.

Rules - General Conduct

• All TFD personnel must conduct themselves in a way that reflects favorably on the department, both on and off duty.
• Notify supervisors of matters affecting the department's interests and welfare.
• Be responsible and accountable for actions.
• Be respectful, cooperative, and professional in duties and interactions.
• Act lawfully at all times.
• Use training and capabilities to protect and assist the public.
• Work competently in position.
• Complete all assignments and responsibilities when working up.
• Maintain a neat and professional appearance.
• Respond promptly to incidents.
• Devote time and attention to assignments, especially during emergencies and public interactions.
• Be on time for all assignments and ready to perform duties.
• Attend all training sessions, drill groups, company conferences, and official TFD/City meetings.
• Fully participate in training activities.
• Check TFD email twice per shift: morning and afternoon.
• Seek guidance through the chain of command when expectations are unclear.
• TFD personnel must not act in ways that reproach or discredit TFD, engage in rumors, or gossip.
• No conduct that dishonors the individual as a TFD employee or impairs the department's operation.
• Use of position, uniform, badge, or identification for personal gain or influence is not permitted.
• Do not lend name to commercial enterprise or use the department's name without the Fire Chief’s written authorization.
• Department/public property cannot be loaned, sold, given away, or appropriated for personal use.
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty is forbidden.
• Leaving work without proper notification and authorization is not permitted.
• Do not damage or tamper with TFD/personal property.
• Protect the confidentiality of co-workers, patients, and the public's health information.
• Do not neglect or treat patients or other members of the public inappropriately or disrespectfully.
• Conducting personal business while assigned to an emergency incident or official activities is prohibited unless it involves a personal/family emergency.
• No leaving district unless dispatched, assigned or on official TFD business.
• Do not interfere with the work performance of TFD/City of Tacoma employees.
• Sexual activity while on duty or on City property is prohibited.
• There will be no sexual harassment or intimidation of TFD personnel, City of Tacoma employees, patients, or the public.
• Do not engage in physical harassment, intimidation, or threats.
• Do not participate in horseplay while on duty that may cause injury or damage.
• No political activities while on duty and/or in uniform/PPE when off duty.
• No accepting compensation, gifts, favors, rewards, or gratuities as delineated in the City of Tacoma Code of Ethics.

Following Orders

• All TFD personnel must show respect to supervisors, follow directions, the chain of command, and perform all duties as ordered/assigned.
• TFD personnel shall not be willfully disobedient or insubordinate.

Conflicting Orders

• If a TFD employee receives conflicting orders:
• Employee must bring the original order and name of the issuer to the attention of the officer who issued the conflicting order.
• If the officer insists on compliance, carry out the order.
• An officer who overrides a previous order is held responsible and must justify the decision.

Insubordination

• Demeaning behavior toward a supervisor is insubordination.
• Rude, offensive, or abusive remarks are verbal insubordination.
• Indifference, insolence, rude gestures, and/or failure to follow an order is non-verbal insubordination.

Policies and Procedures

• All TFD personnel must read and understand TFD policies, procedures, special orders, bulletins, stay current on job-related issues.
• Report violations to his/her immediate supervisor.
• Abide by City of Tacoma and TFD policies related to EEO, Workplace Violence Prevention, and Domestic Violence.

Facilities, Apparatus and Equipment

• All TFD personnel must ensure apparatus is checked, equipped, and stocked.
• Be familiar with all equipment.
• Keep the station/facility clean and presentable.
• Be responsible for equipment issued to him/her and prevent unnecessary loss or damage.
• Immediately report facility, equipment, apparatus, and vehicle problems.
• Communicate information to other personnel regarding activities/status of apparatus/station/facility.
• TFD personnel shall not use TFD property for personal gain or remove items without permission.

Injury or Illness

• All TFD personnel must exercise precautionary measures to avoid injury.
• Report any on-duty injury/illness to immediate supervisor.
• Complete required documentation.
• Follow medical recommendations to facilitate recovery.
• TFD personnel shall not misuse sick/disability leave, file false reports related to injury/illness, or have unauthorized/unexcused absences.

Documentation

• All TFD personnel must complete all reports and forms as required.
• Submit true and accurate information to all inquiries.
• TFD personnel shall not make false or misleading statements, or alter/destroy official documents without authority.

Personal Contact Information

• All TFD personnel must maintain a phone for contact.
• Personal phone number and home address must be on file at TFD Headquarters; home addresses cannot be P.O. boxes.
• TFD Personnel must provide written notification via email within 24 hours of any phone number or address changes to TFD Headquarters, immediate supervisor, and 142 Safety Office.

This document outlines the Tacoma Fire Department's (TFD) policy on employee conduct. It applies to all TFD personnel and supersedes previous versions. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance, and all personnel must adhere to the rules of conduct.