Tacoma Fire Department: Officer Responsibilities

• This document establishes the Tacoma Fire Department's (TFD) policy on the duties and responsibilities of officers and supervisors, effective as of April 2022.

Policy/Purpose

• Officers and supervisors form a crucial part of the TFD supervisory structure.
• By accepting such a position, individuals agree to carry out the vision, mission, goals, policies, operating guidelines, procedures, and orders of the City of Tacoma, TFD, and the Fire Chief.

Definitions

• Officer: A TFD commissioned member promoted or appointed to a supervisory role above firefighter rank, having sworn the oath of office.
• Supervisor: Any TFD non-commissioned employee who has been promoted or appointed to a supervisory rank or classification.
• Working Up: Temporarily working in a higher job classification or supervisory role, such as a firefighter acting as a lieutenant for a shift.

Responsibilities

• The Fire Chief is responsible for maintaining this document.
• All TFD officers, supervisors, and those working up are responsible for:
  • Knowing and performing the duties outlined in this document.
  • Ensuring subordinates comply with all orders, rules, regulations, directives, practices, and procedures of the department.
  • Promptly addressing and reporting any violations through the chain of command.
  • Understanding that failure to meet these responsibilities may result in disciplinary action.
• This document applies to all TFD officers and supervisors.

References

• References include:
  • City of Temoca Personnel Rules
  • City of Tacoma Code of Ethics, TMC 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.
  • All TFD Policies and Operating Guidelines.
  • All TFD Special Orders and Bulletins.
  • All TFD Directives.
  • TFD Oath of Office

Operating Guidelines

• All TFD Officers and Supervisors will:
  • Operate under the authority of the Fire Chief.
  • Know, follow, and enforce the policies, operating guidelines, procedures, and directives of the City of Tacoma, the department, and the Fire Chief.
  • Expected to provide effective leadership and solve problems at their level whenever possible.
  • Keep their supervisor informed of issues or concerns.
  • Lead by example, displaying desired behavior.
  • Abide by the rules of conduct outlined in TFD Policy 1002.
  • Require subordinates to comply with all orders, rules, regulations, practices, and procedures.
  • Report any violations up through the chain of command.
  • Be fair and consistent in dealings with their subordinates.
  • Ensure good order and proper discipline.
  • Schedule work duties.
  • Assume responsibility for the cleanliness and security of their assigned station or work area.
  • Report maintenance issues through the chain of command.
  • Be a good steward of public funds and department resources.

Commissioned Officers Assigned to Emergency Incidents

• All TFD Officers will:
  • Take measures to prevent unnecessary risk to TFD personnel.
  • Render medical aid.
  • Extinguish fires and reduce danger to life, property, and the environment.
  • Take precautions to prevent further illness, injury, or damage.
  • Ensure TFD personnel leave the scene safely and orderly.
  • Take precautions to secure the premise and property before leaving.

Authority

• TFD Officers should:
  • Avoid conflicts of authority.
  • Refrain from interfering in matters for which another officer of equal rank is responsible except:
    • When the other officer consents or when directed by a superior officer.
    • Officers of equal rank in the same station will confer on repairs, supplies, assignments, and upkeep.
    • The most senior Captain will be designated the Station Captain and make final decisions.

Documentation

• TFD Officers and Supervisors will:
  • Complete all required reports and documents accurately and timely.
  • Ensure timely completion of fire code inspections, training, drills, and reading assignments for themselves and subordinates.
  • Preserve all orders, notices, communications, and records about their unit following department record retention guidelines.

This document outlines the Tacoma Fire Department's policy on the duties and responsibilities for officers and supervisors. It defines officers as TFD members above firefighter rank and supervisors as those in a supervisory role. It also covers temporary roles and the responsibility of the Fire Chief.