Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations PDF

Policy Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District 112 Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 112.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE: This policy will define the general rules and regulations of the District that apply to all employees and members of the District in regards to the performance of th...

Policy Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District 112 Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 112.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE: This policy will define the general rules and regulations of the District that apply to all employees and members of the District in regards to the performance of their duties. This policy is to be utilized by all District personnel. Any state or federal law or rule shall take precedence over any rules, regulations, policies or procedures of the District. These policies apply to all employees and/or members of the District. The Board will approve all policies and procedures of the District. With electronic provisions available to all District staff, one written copy will be provided to each station with a copy located on the shared electronic drive or “S” drive on the District’s computer network. 112.1.1 STATEMENT: It shall be the responsibility of Shift Officers and members of management to ensure that the Rules and Regulations are strictly adhered to. It is the responsibility of all members to be thoroughly familiar with the rules and regulations contained in this manual. Violations of the Rules and Regulations shall be basis for appropriate disciplinary action. 112.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LEHIGH ACRES FIRE DISTRICT: (a) Legal Authorization – Florida Statute, chapter 63-1546, Section 6, enacted into law May 24, 1963, and subsequent amendments. Section 6 – Policies and Regulations – 63-1546 reads as follows: The Board is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt policies and regulations for fire control, prevention of fires, and emergency rescue work within the District. Such policies and regulations, after being made by the board and copies thereof signed by the president and secretary, and posted in at least three public places within said District, one of which must be the fire station or such similar place wherein the firefighting equipment is normally kept, within 10 days after said policies and regulations are adopted by the board, shall have force and effect as law. (b) Rules and Regulations Established – The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District hereby establishes the Lehigh Acres District Rules and Regulations under this cover to be known as the “LEHIGH ACRES FIRE DISTRICT RULES AND REGULATIONS A/K/A/ FIRE MANUAL” (c) Right to Amend or Revoke – The Fire Chief reserves the right as the representative of the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Board of Fire Commissioners to amend, revoke or add to any of the rules and regulations as the circumstances require subject to approval from the Board of Commissioners. (d) Previous Orders – All District rules, regulations, Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s), Standard Operating Procedures, policies or other directives previously issued that are inconsistent to those contained within this policy shall be superseded by this Policy. All rules regulations, SOG’s, SOP’s, policies, procedures previously implemented that are interpreted by the Fire Chief as being consistent with the terms of this policy, shall remain in effect. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 1 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 112.3 THE FIRE MANUAL: (a) Distribution of the Manual – A copy of this Policy will be available to each member of the Board of Fire Commissioners and to each new member of the District within their probationary task book/manual (located on Target Solutions). (b) Ignorance of Contents of Manual – In the event a member is charged with a violation of the rules and regulations, order or District procedure, ignorance of the contents of this Policy will not be accepted as an excuse for the violation. 112.4 DEFINITIONS/TERMINOLOGY: (a) The terminology listed in this section has been defined to provide uniformity in usage and to clarify meanings when these terms are used. 1. Administration – Refers to person(s) responsible for the management of the District. 2. Administrative Leave – A leave of absence from tour of duty with or without pay subject to the conditions of Union Contract Article, Non- Bargaining Unit handbook, or other employment contract/agreement. 3. Assistant Chief - Member assigned to manage a specific group/divisions in Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. 4. Battalion Chief – Individual responsible for management of assigned shift, personnel, stations, emergency and non-emergency operations and actives. 5. Board of Fire Commissioners – People elected or appointed as per Florida Statute Chapter 63-1546, Section 3, enacted onto law May 24, 1963 and subsequent amendments. 6. Certified Member – Any member of the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District certified by the State of Florida Firefighters minimum standards council, State of Florida minimum DOT standards for Emergency Medical Technician and/or Paramedic. 7. Chain of Command – The unbroken line of authority extending from the Fire Chief of the Fire District through a single subordinate at each level of command down to the level of execution and vice versa. 8. Course – Lacking in refinement or good taste; vulgar; crude. 9. Commanding Officer - Isany rank of Lieutenant and above, up to and including the Fire Chief. 10. Composure – Calmness of mind or manner; tranquility; self-possession. 11. County – Lee County. 12. Cruel – Willfully or knowingly causing pain or distress to others, etc. 13. Deputy Fire Chief - Member assigned to manage a specific group/operations in the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. 14. Detail – A temporary assignment of personnel for a specialized activity. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 2 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 15. District – The Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District (LAFCRD). 16. Division Chief – Member assigned to manage a specific group or function in the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. 17. Drug – Any substance, chemical, over–the-counter medication, or prescribed medication that may affect the performance of any employee of the Fire District. 18. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – A Generic term used to describe the various methods used in the Fire District for the control of alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, and personal problems that adversely affect member performance. 19. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) – The provision of treatment to patients, including basic life support, advanced life support, and other medical procedures that occur prior to arrival at a hospital or another care facility. 20. Extreme – To an excessive degree, immoderate. Far from, what is usual or conventional. 21. Fire Chief - The Chief Officer in charge of Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. Shall also mean the Fire Chief's designee(s) and management personnel, such as, Deputy Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs. 22. Firefighter Bill of Rights – State of Florida Statute, Section 1, Part 8 Chapter 112.80-84. 23. Fire Manual – Reference guide specifying the rules and regulations governing the conduct of personnel and the operation of the District as well as specifying District policies and procedures. District orders will be incorporated into the fire manual after a provisional period of operation. This manual is issued by authority of the Fire Chief of the Fire District and carries the weight of a general order. 24. General Orders – Written directives issued by the Fire Chief of the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. General orders remain in full force and effect until amended, superseded, or canceled by the Fire Chief of the District. District general orders establish policy, procedure, or governing matters that affect the entire District. They are the most authoritative directive issued in the District and may be used to amend, supersede, or cancel any other order. 25. Incompetence – Incapable of satisfactory performance of the duties as outlined in the employee position description and/or guidelines, rules, regulations, policies, and/or procedures of the District. 26. Insolent – Boldly disrespectful speech or behavior; impertinent; impudent. 27. Insubordination – Failure or deliberate refusal of any member or employee to obey a lawful order given by a superior officer. Examples include, but are not limited to, ridiculing a superior officer or his order, whether in or out of his/ her presence. Disrespectful, mutinous, insolent, or abusive language directed toward a supervising officer. Nothing herein contained shall repeal or do away with the rights of either party to resort to grievance procedures under a collective bargaining agreement, for those items covered by the agreement. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 3 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 28. Internal Affair's Officer - Is responsible and accountable to receive and investigate complaints related to internal discipline in a manner that will assure the community of prompt, corrective action when District personnel conduct themselves improperly, while also protecting District personnel from unwarranted criticism pursuant to the discharge of official duties. 29. Job Description – A written statement of employee duties, responsibilities, and qualifications needed to maintain that position. 30. Lawful Order/ Order – Any directive, written, electronic, or oral ( Policy, S.O.P, General Order, memorandum, email communication, Etc.) issued by a superior officer to any subordinate or group of subordinates in the course of duty that is not in violation of any law, ordinance or any department rule or regulation. 31. Life Safety Management Division – Personnel who actively participate in public fire education; code, annual and construction inspections; fire investigations; and assist with ICS functions. 32. Logistics Division – Personnel who actively participate in maintenance and the supply needs of the District. Also supports District activities and incidents with ICS Section functions. 33. Masculine – The masculine shall include the feminine. 34. May/Should – As used herein and/or within other directives words may and should mean that the action indicated is permitted. 35. Member – Any employee of the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District to include civilian, certified employee or volunteer of the District. 36. Memoranda – Information bulletins that are primarily designed to inform and secondarily to direct issues at department and shift level. Such memoranda are official orders when signed by a superior officer. 37. Military Leave – The period of time, which a member is excused from duty by reason of serving the Armed Forces of the United Stated in an active capacity as provided by law. 38. Neglect of Duty – Failure to give suitable attention to the performance of duty. Examples include, but are not limited to: failure to take appropriate action on the occasion of a fire, medical emergency, hazardous material incident, and disorder, or other acts or conditions deserving police attention which may be required; unnecessary absence from the fire station during a tour of duty; failure to perform duties or comply with provisions prescribed in the fire manual; failure to conform to the District operating procedures. 39. Negligence – (a) (b) The quality or condition of being negligent; specifically: 1. Habitual failure to do the required thing. 2. Carelessness in a manner or appearance; indifference. All instance of such failure, carelessness or appearance; indifference. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 4 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations (c) Failure to use a reasonable amount of care when such failure results in injury or damage to another. 40. Off Duty – The status of a member during the period he is free from the performance of specified duties, also may be known as a rest period, day off, or an annual leave. Member may be subject to emergency callback. 41. Official Channels – Through a superior officer in the chain of command. 42. Officer (Battalion Chief) Logbook – Specific information recorded daily by the Battalion Chief / Move-up Battalion Chief during a duty shift. 43. On Duty – The status of a member during the period of the day when he/she is 44. Operations Division – Personnel actively involved in Fire Fighting, Emergency Medical Services, Special Operations, Hazardous Materials and general mitigation of emergency situations. 45. Personnel Orders – Appointment, assignment, or any other status change of personnel within the District accomplished by District personnel orders issued by the Fire Chief of the Fire District. 46. Policy – A policy is a principle or protocol to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. A policy is a statement of intent and is implemented as a procedure or protocol. 47. Probationary Member – Any new hire that has not completed all the Districts requirements for their position and has not been placed on permanent status. 48. Probationary Status – Any member who has been placed on permanent status that has: (a) Received a promotion shall be placed on probationary status so their performance can be evaluated in the new position. Periods of probation are as determined in the collective bargaining agreements. Unless otherwise provided promotional probation periods shall be for a period of six (6) months. (b) Been found to be unsatisfactorily performing their duties as outlined in their position description may be placed on probationary status so their performance can be evaluated. The Fire Chief will determine the probationary period. 49. Procedure – The official method of dealing with any given situation prescribed by the Fire Chief’s order or procedural guide. 50. Rules & Regulations – District legislation consisting of detailed directives binding members and employees of all ranks in terms of authority, responsibility, and conduct. 51. Seniority – (a) Seniority in the District for all personnel shall be established by uninterrupted time in service, whether on a regular, assigned or temporary Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 5 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations basis. Where a conflict occurs because of identical service or dates of appointment, the seniority will be governed by an alphabetical listing. (b) In situations requiring decisions or control where the members are of equal rank, the senior member in grade shall make the decision and exercise control unless otherwise directed by a higher-ranking command or supervisory officer. 52. Shall/Will – The words shall and will as used herein indicate that the action required is mandatory. 53. Shift – An organized group of certified members who are assigned to work the same tours of duty; referring to on-duty and off-duty shift but also to an entire on-duty or off-duty shift of the Fire District. Will include 24-hour shift personnel and 40-hour employees respectively. 54. Shift Officers – A 24-hour shift supervisory officer. Assigned to manage a station, apparatus and personnel in both emergency and non-emergency activity. 55. Standard Operating Guideline (S.O.G.)–Written directive that tells how a job or task should be performed, implies relative flexibility, and is approved by the Fire Chief. 56. Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P.) – Written directive that tells how a job or task should be performed, implies relative inflexibility, and is approved by the Fire Chief. 57. Special Orders – Written directives issued by the Fire Chief of the Fire District. They specify instructions governing particular situations. Special orders are automatically canceled when their objectives are achieved. 58. Superior Officer – A person holding the rank of Lieutenant or above. 59. Supervisory Officer – Member of the District assigned to a position requiring the exercise of immediate supervision over the activities of other members and employees. 60. Tense of Words – The words used in the present tense also include the future. 61. Tour of Duty – The number of hours of work on a given shift during which an individual member is on duty. 62. Training Bulletin – Bulletins posted by the Training Division are designed to keep members of the District abreast of current fire fighting techniques and procedures. The bulletin presentations act as a continuous training program and as a stimulus for further study. The information contained herein constitutes official District policy on the subject matter under consideration in the absence of other instruction to the contrary. 63. Training Division – Personnel who actively participate in educating employees of the District in Firefighting, Emergency Medical Services, Special Operations, Hazardous Materials, etc. Also supports District activities and incidents with ICS Staff functions. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 6 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 64. Volunteer – Person who offers to help or work without expecting payment or reward. Also includes community response team members and/or other similar programs. 112.5 GENERAL RULES/PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND FORM OF COMPLAINTS: (a) Each member of the Fire District is responsible for the thorough understanding and shall adhere to the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standard operating guidelines/procedures, directives of the Fire District and any local, state and federal laws and ordinances. Each member will also adhere to the articles of any collective bargaining agreement or employee handbook. Failure to do so shall make members subject to disciplinary action. It is the member’s responsibility to immediately request additional information from their immediate supervisor where a clear understanding or a written or verbal directive is provided. 1. It is the responsibility of the District officers or other supervisors that all members shall become familiar with the contents of all official communications as issued. i.e. memos, General Orders, SOP’s, Policies, and training documents, etc. 2. It shall be the responsibility of each member of the District to immediately report violations of any rule, regulation, order, policy or directives governing the Fire District. All violations shall be immediately reported in writing to the member’s immediate supervisor. Such reports shall be made for the protection of others and for the good of the District and never with malicious or unfriendly intent. 3. All members shall obey and diligently carry out all orders given by a superior officer. When a member receives an order that is in conflict with a previous order, he/she shall so inform their officer who issued the conflicting order and shall be governed by the officer’s resultant instructions. 4. Members who are given orders they believe to be contrary to general orders or the rules of the District must first obey the order to the best of their ability and they may thereafter proceed to appeal as provided herein. 5. No member is required to obey any order that is contrary to the laws of the United States, State of Florida, or the ordinances of Lee County. The refusal to obey shall require a member to justify the action. 6. Members shall not leave their station, emergency scene or duty assignment during working hours except when authorized by their Superior Officer. 7. When members are summoned from off-duty, they will be required to report for duty to cope with any special needs or emergencies as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief. 8. No member shall, while under the influence of intoxicating beverages, liquors, drugs or substances, report for duty, special detail, or be on District property. No members shall have in their possession, store on District property, purchase or partake of any intoxicating beverages, liquors, illegal drugs or substances while on duty or in uniform. No member shall at any time be under the influence Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 7 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations of a substance declared illegal by the State of Florida or the United States Government. 9. All members shall treat and address each other in a courteous manner. Officers shall be addressed by their title while on duty; members shall work together in harmony and exhibit a courteous demeanor in their relationships with each other. No member shall speak disrespectfully of another member. 10. The lack of courage, honesty, motivation, emotional stability, sound judgment, alertness, decisiveness, power to observe, initiative, energy, intelligence, ability to get along with co-workers or with the public, or unsatisfactory performance of duties shall be evidence of incompetence. 11. While on duty, members shall act professionally, exercise a level of composure and be attentive to their duties. 12. No member shall conduct themselves in a manner that in any way will bring discredit to the District or be considered conduct unbecoming of a District employee both on and off duty. 13. No member shall officially represent the Fire District at any club, meeting or social gathering without first receiving permission from the Fire Chief. 14. Members must give their name and rank, upon request, while on Fire District business. 15. Members shall be courteous, respectful and act in a professional manner when dealing with the public. No member of the District, while on duty, shall use coarse, profane, or insolent language, nor show any disrespect to other personnel or to any member of the public. 16. Members shall act together and protect one another in time of danger or under circumstances where danger might reasonably be expected or when a task requires a team effort. 17. Members shall refrain from cruel treatment of any person or animal while on duty. 18. Engagement in altercations of any kind while on duty or District property with any District personnel, visitors, patients or members of the public on emergency scenes is prohibited, with the exception of self-defense. Such conduct is a serious breach of discipline. This shall also apply to inappropriate behavior by District staff that is off-duty, on District property and/or at events where their actions and/or presence would be held as a member or representative of the District. 19. The District will take immediate action, up to and including termination, against any employee who makes verbal threats of violence or engages in any threatening behavior or acts of violence. Each employee is expected to embrace the District’s strong commitment to providing a safe, healthy and secure work environment. The District expects all employees to report to management immediately any threatening behavior or acts of violence. Unless authorized by the Fire Chief, weapons are not allowed on District premises or in District vehicles. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 8 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 20. Any message received must be promptly and accurately delivered to the intended person. 21. Members shall be responsible for the completeness and accuracy of all reports with which they are assigned. 22. Members are required to speak the truth at all times whether under oath or not, in giving testimony, in connection with any official order received, or otherwise in connection with their duties on behalf of the District. 23. Members shall not participate in any gambling activities that are prohibited by State or local laws by any means, for money, or any other items of value while on duty. 24. Members shall not be party to any malicious gossip, or activity that would tend to disrupt District morale or bring discredit to the District or its members, and shall immediately report the discovery of these conditions to their superior officer. 25. Members shall make no false official reports or knowingly enter, or cause to be entered in any District books, records or reports, any inaccurate, false or improper information while representing themselves as a member of the District. 26. No member shall give out any information relative to fires, alarms, medical calls or business affairs of the Fire District except as authorized by the Fire Chief or his designee. 27. Members shall promptly report to their Superior officer, any information that they possess, observe or secure regarding fires of questionable cause. 28. Members shall be responsible for the full performance of their duties and must be physically able to do so. 29. The use of prescribed drugs, which may impair the employee’s ability to work, shall be reported to their superior officer. 30. Rank and Seniority. When District officers are of the same classification, they shall rank according to their seniority determined by the time in that classification. 31. The first department member, unit, or company to arrive on scene will establish and maintain command until a higher-ranking officer arrives and assumes command. When there are two fire fighters, the most senior firefighter is in charge until relieved. 32. On an emergency medical scene the first arriving paramedic on scene is in charge of patient care, however the officer in charge will have the final say on any operational decision. 33. No member shall lend their name as a member of the District to any commercial or business enterprise; nor shall they approve the use of their name and the prestige of the Department for any purpose. 34. No member shall directly or indirectly solicit the influence of any person or persons to affect their transfer or promotion. Request for transfer will be made through the proper channels. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 9 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 35. Members shall avoid political or religious arguments in the station or elsewhere, while on duty. 36. Members shall not take part in any political campaign of a candidate for an elective position while on duty or while in the District uniform. Taking part as used herein means making political speeches, passing out political literature, writing letters, pictures in uniform, soliciting petitions, soliciting votes, or making public remarks about candidates for elective positions or utilizing the e-mail system of the District to forward any political message. 37. Inefficiency or indifference of members in the performance of their duties shall be sufficient cause for disciplinary action. 38. No member shall willfully disobey any lawful order issued by a superior officer; nor shall he/she speak disrespectfully of or to any superior officer or any other member of the District. 39. Members are expressly forbidden to engage in any boisterous conduct “horseplay” or similar activities not occasioned by the requirements of their duty and which may result in injury or illness to anyone. 40. All injuries and incidents must be reported to their immediate supervisor and/ or Battalion Chief ASAP. Notification must be made via phone or face-toface. An injury report/or incident report on Aladtec must be completed in detail to Administration within 24 hours. 41. It is the District’s intent to provide a safe and healthy work environment, and in accordance with Florida law, smoking and the use of tobacco products in the workplace is prohibited. Effective October 1, 2015 the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will abide by and enforce to the most reasonable extent possible, Florida Administrative Code 69A-62.024. After hiring, if it is learned thatan employee hired on or after October 1, 2015 is a smoker, smokeless tobacco user, or other tobacco user, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including terminate. 42. Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District is a Tobacco free workplace and will strictly adhere to SOP Tobacco Free Workplace. 43. Sexual fraternization between members, while on duty, is strictly prohibited. 44. While on duty, tattoos are only permitted to be displayed on the arms and legs while in uniform. No visible tattoos on the hands, neck, or face will be authorized. The display of ANY unprofessional or offensive tattoo or brand (nudity, violence, sexually explicit or vulgar art, words, phrases; profane language, symbols to incite negative reactions, initials or acronyms that represent criminal or oppressive organizations) regardless of its location, is prohibited. All tattoos are at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief and may be required to be covered. 45. Any employee hired prior to 10-1-2015 that has any tattoo on the hands, neck or face must get approval and acceptance from the Fire Chief to be grandfathered in to expose the tattoo in uniform and MAY be required to cover the tattoo. No Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 10 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations employee hired after 10-1-2015 will be authorized to expose any tattoo on his or her hands, neck or face. 46. The District maintains a personnel file on each employee. The personnel file may be reviewed, but nothing may be removed. An appointment MUST be made with the Human Resource Manager for review. If copies are requested of any documents contained in the personnel file, the employee or member of the public may be asked to pay a reasonable copying fee. Any copies made of a personnel file must be made by authorized District personnel only; the employee whose file is being reviewed or any other member of the public reviewing the said file is not authorized to make the copies. The review of the personnel file will be made in the presence of an individual custodian appointed by the District to maintain the files. 47. Certifications requiring maintenance from their issuing entity are the full responsibility of the member to maintain, unless contractual language otherwise requires the District to maintain. Regardless, it is the responsibility of each member to ensure that their continuing education and licenses are renewed. 48. A female firefighter who is pregnant shall provide administration with medical verification of said condition as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than sixteen (16) weeks gestation. Medical release verification must state that the employee is able to continue to safely function within the current position duties and responsibilities. Upon receipt verification and/or any limiting duties, the Fire Chief may arrange at his/her sole discretion for the transfer of such firefighter to another division within the department. This employee shall perform such duties as assigned and shall be paid her regular rate of pay while at work and performing such duties. Days and hours to be determined by Fire Chief. 49. Any member caught violating safety rules, policies, and procedures or contributing to an unsafe working environment, will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination. 50. It shall be the responsibility of each member to maintain and be held accountable for their uniforms. All personnel shall remain in a minimum of a Class “C” uniform during all duty hours unless directed by "Orders of the Day" and other Rules and Regulations of the District. 51. Form of Complaint. The District welcomes constructive input and feedback. On occasion, there may be situations, however, where an employee (or nonemployee) feels the need to complain or raise concerns to the Administration or Board of Fire Commissioners. To the extent any individual, whether an employee or otherwise, feels the need to raise good-faith concerns relating to possible violations of District Rules, SOPs, alleged violation of the law (unrelated to any collective bargaining agreement or grievance thereunder), or any other issues of significance, such good-faith concerns shall be raised in writing, with the complaining individual's name(s) identified, any witness names identified, along with the signatures of the complaining individual(s). The document shall also be dated. Employees will be required to utilize the attached Complaint Form. At no time shall the District be under any obligation to review any complaint that is not in compliance with this Rule. Anonymous complaints will be disregarded Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 11 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations without further review. Any action taken by the District in response to a properly completed Complaint Form will be at the District's discretion, in compliance with its rules and SOPs and applicable law. The District prohibits retaliatory actions against those filing complaints. Those filing a complaint in bad-faith or for illmotives, however, may be subjected to counseling and/or disciplinary action. 52. Duty to Cooperate. Employees who are identified as a possible witness relating to any complaint or grievance filed shall cooperate with the District and be forthcoming with any information or observations. Employees who fail to cooperate and/or participate in any investigation, or refuse to divulge information despite having responsive information, will be subject to discipline. 112.6 STATION RULES: (a) Pornographic or any discriminatory (racial, sexist, ageist, etc.) material or communications are prohibited from being shared on, viewed on or in or around District property/station, including on any District-computer system/or personal computer. (b) Members shall not leave the stations open to the public while unattended by District staff. Bay doors and gates will be kept closed at all times unless District staff is in continuous attendance in the bays or areas where the public may enter. (c) Members shall see that beds and lockers are kept in a neat, sanitary condition at all times. (d) Members may only occupy beds from 1600 hours to 0700 hours Monday-Friday, after daily duties are complete on weekends and holidays or in cases of sickness from exertion through duty immediately preceding, with the permission of the station Lieutenant. Holiday routine shall apply according to current bargaining agreement. (e) All members of the District will practice conservation. Televisions, ceiling fans, lights and water hoses will be turned off when not in use. (f) Televisions are not permitted to be turned on prior to 1600 hours, except for 1hour lunch period, unless authorized by the Lieutenant once all work and training assignments have been completed. (g) As a general rule, no person, other than members of the District shall be allowed to sleep within any District station. The Battalion Chief may authorize non-District individuals to sleep at a station. The name and reason for the overnight occurrence shall be noted in the Battalion Chief’s logbook. (h) The United States flag shall be flown as prescribed by proper flag etiquette and per District standard operating guidelines. (i) Battalion Chiefs are responsible for keeping a logbook. The Battalion Chief or move up Battalion Chief shall be charged with ensuring its accuracy by entering daily updates and pertinent information (visitors, training, media events, disciplinary proceedings, changing of equipment, staffing, etc.). Failure to properly maintain a station log shall be grounds for disciplinary action. (j) Members shall be neat and clean except when duties or assignments obviously prevent. All members shall bathe promptly after engaging in rigorous and dirty Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 12 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations activities. All members shall maintain a neat and clean personal hygiene level for the comfort and protection of co-workers. 112.7 SHIFT CHANGES: (a) Employees are expected to be at their respective work location at the designated time. If an employee fails to report to work at the designated time, an attempt will be made to contact them. If the employee reports to work after an attempt is made to contact them, the first offense will result in an oral reprimand. The second offense will result in a written reprimand. The third offense will result in a twelve (12) hour suspension without pay. The fourth offense will result in administrative action up to and including discharge. Any employee not at their respected work location by the scheduled starting time (without authorized leave) will be considered A.W.O.L. (Ref. CBA Hours of Work). (b) Employees are expected to be at their respective work location at the designated time ready for immediate response and/or routine work detail. Members should report in a sufficient time to store their personal belongings, put their protective clothing and equipment on their assigned apparatus, and to receive the necessary information from the person they are relieving regarding current issues pertinent to the operation of their company and/or station. (c) Members not at their respective work location at the designated time, without authorized leave, without enough leave/sick hours or notification of being sick one hour prior to the designated time, are considered A.W.O.L. and are subject to disciplinary action. (d) Members reporting to relieve another shall be prepared to receive orders and begin work promptly at the prescribed time, as established by General Orders. (e) Members shall acquaint their relief with all pertinent details of their tour of duty, and give them all information that may be needed for the efficient and proper operation of the District. (f) There shall be a formal acceptance of the shift where the Lieutenant will review orders of the day and any written communications pertaining to daily operations. All documentation will be entered in Aladtec by using the Daily Lieutenant Checklist. (g) Before accepting the duties of the member they relieve, members shall ensure that they are fully prepared for immediate response to alarms from that time forward. (h) The Lieutenant shall conduct daily inspections of shift personnel after acceptance of the shift. i.e.: uniform, safety equipment, and appearance. (i) No member shall go off-duty unless properly relieved by a uniformed member of equal rank or responsibility, unless authorized by the Lieutenant or Battalion Chief. 112.8 VISITORS: (a) To provide for the safety and security of employees, co-workers, and guests of the District, only authorized visitors are allowed. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 13 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 1. Employees are responsible for their conduct in front of visitors and must ensure the safety of the District visitors at all times. 2. If an unauthorized individual is observed on the District premises, employees should immediately notify their supervisor or, if necessary, direct the individual to the main entrance. 3. The Station Lieutenant or designee shall escort visitors through the facilities with courteous explanations concerning the apparatus and equipment. All visitors must be escorted. 4. The Battalion Chief shall be notified of all visitors or deliveries to the fire station immediately upon arrival. The same shall be appropriately noted in the Battalion Chief logbook. 5. Members shall not permit any person other than District members to ride upon District vehicles unless permission to do so is given by the Battalion Chief or Administrative Supervisor. Anyone approved to ride on District apparatus must review the District ride along policy and sign a waiver form. 6. Members shall not allow intoxicated or otherwise undesirable persons to remain in or about Fire District property at any time and shall notify a superior officer if necessary. 7. All children visiting the stations will have adult supervision at all times while on District property. 8. Visitations after 1600 hours will be limited to 30 minutes; the Station Lieutenant may authorize longer visitations. No visitors will be permitted after 2100 hours without approval from the Battalion Chief. 112.9 USE OF DISTRICT PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: (a) Members are expected to provide maintenance as outlined within their job descriptions for the various equipment of the District. When maintenance is required, whether it has been repaired by the member or not, members are required to enter a work order in Aladtec as soon as possible to identify the problem, location, odometer (when applicable), hours (when applicable) and any other descriptive information to denote the problem and corrective action required or already taken to resolve. (b) Members shall be responsible for all materials issued or assigned to them. All items shall remain the property of Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. Items that are lost, damaged, or no longer useable due to normal wear or use, shall be reported through proper channels for appropriate action. Unsafe equipment shall be removed from service and taken to the Maintenance Division. (c) Employees are responsible for the proper care of District property and Equipment and are required to promptly notify their immediate supervisor of any lost, damaged or defective District property or equipment. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 14 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations (d) Employees will be accountable and responsible for reckless, negligent or unsafe use or operation of District equipment. In such cases, employees are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination to the extent permitted by current collective bargaining agreements and/or law. Misuse or carelessness in handling District property will not be tolerated. (e) Any member responsible for the mutilation or destruction of District property through either willfulness or negligence shall be liable to pay all costs of repairs and/or replacement not excluding disciplinary action. (f) Members shall not loan, sell, give away or appropriate for their own use, District property without the permission of the Fire Chief. Any item that has received an inventory decal and/or entered into the inventory databases of the District must follow the provisions of SOP Inventory Control prior to disposition to any outside party or member of the District. (g) Officer(s) or their designees shall assign members to incidental work, cleaning and maintenance of quarters/stations, bays, maintenance bays, apparatus, and equalizing the duties as nearly as possible. The entire premises shall be maintained in a neat, clean condition at all times, regardless of daily duty assignments. (h) All members shall don the proper safety equipment before engaging in any hazardous activities to include but not limited to training, structural fire fighting, brush fires, car fires, hazardous material incidents and any rescue or hazardous scene requiring the protection of PPE. For purposes of this regulation, minimal acceptable safety equipment shall be bunker coat, bunker pants, bunker boots, helmet, gloves, goggles, PBI hood, and SCBA when applicable. (i) Any member leaving the employment of the Fire District through any cause, or on an extended leave, must return to the District all equipment in his/her custody or control. (j) The Lehigh Acres Fire Commission shall maintain the stations and equipment as per the Union Contract. (k) Workplace monitoring of the premises, the telephone system, computer system and electronics system may be conducted by the District to ensure employee safety, security, quality control, compliance with workplace policies, including anti-bullying, harassment and discrimination, and consistent with the expectations of the taxpaying public. The District reserves its right to conduct video surveillance of workplace areas (except private areas, such as restrooms, sleeping rooms, and locker rooms), for safety, quality control and security purposes. 112.10 PERSONAL USE OF TELEPHONES/CELL PHONES AND DIGITAL CAMERAS ON DUTY: (a) All members are required to have at the time of their starting date of employment, an operating telephone where they can be reached in time of need. This number shall be kept on file with the District. Member’s phone numbers shall not be given out to the public. (b) It is the responsibility of each employee to promptly notify the District of any changes in personnel data. Personal mailing addresses, telephone numbers, names and number Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 15 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations of dependents, individuals to be contacted in the event of an emergency, insurance/ dependent changes, and other such status reports should be accurate and current at all times. Members shall notify the Human Resource Manager and Battalion Chief via email within twenty-four hours (24) of any change in address or telephone number. (c) Members shall not receive personal calls on Departmental phones while on duty after 2300 hours except for emergencies. Personal cell phones will be silenced in Bunk rooms after 2300 hours. (d) Personal phone calls on Departmental phones shall be held to a 10-minute maximum. Personal business shall not be conducted while on duty. (e) When answering the phone, members will be courteous and provide the minimal greeting; identify themselves, rank and station location. (f) Personnel may use their personal cellular phones, camera-phones and digitalcameras for personal use as long as the use does not interfere with work productivity, does not pose a safety issue or potentially cause liability to the District for harassment and invasion of privacy. (g) All personal cell phones must be turned off or placed on “vibrate” mode while on calls and in training sessions or on department business in public. Personnel with District - owned phones will be excused from training sessions to answer or return calls. Personnel will not be excused from training sessions to take personal cell phone calls and may only use their personal cell phones on designated breaks or between calls around the station. (h) The District shall not be liable for the loss or destruction of any personal cellular phones. (i) Camera-phones and Digital cameras – 1. Are not to be used while on emergency or non- emergency calls by anyone other than those individuals authorized to do so by the department. Authorized individuals include Chief Officers, Training EMS/Fire Captains, PRO/PEIO, Department inspectors and investigators, and Paramedics in charge that need to take photos in their line of work. 2. Any use of such equipment shall be done with appropriate discretion and regard for a potential emotional reaction of the victim/Patient or the general public and shall in no way cause potential liability to the District. Any images taken must comply with HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy. 3. Any emergency or non- emergency scene photos or video while taken on duty shall not be posted on any outside website or public media site without permission from the Fire Chief or designee. All images taken on duty are the property of Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in loss of photographic privileges and/or disciplinary action. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 16 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations 112.11 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS INTERESTS: (a) No member shall use their position/authority to receive any gift, reward or remuneration of any kind for service rendered in the discharge of his/her duty, except donated perishable items that can be shared by other members. (b) Relatives of members or board members may be hired but will not be allowed to work in the same line of authority. If a relative relationship is established after employment, the Chief will decide who is transferred. (c) An employee may under most circumstances hold a job with another organization or maintain business interests as long as he or she satisfactorily performs his or her job responsibilities with the District. All employees will be judged by the same performance standards and will be subject to the District’s scheduling demands, regardless of any existing outside work requirements or business obligations. (d) If the District determines that an employee's outside work or business interests adversely interferes with performance, quality of service to the public, or the ability to meet the requirements of the job, including attendance at District meetings, the employee may be asked to terminate the outside employment or business interests if he or she wishes to remain with the District. (e) Employees who hold outside jobs or have outside business interests must notify the District (Human Resource Manager) and must disclose the identity of the employer, organization or type of business interests held and any other information requested by the District to determine whether a conflict of interest exists. Failure to do so may subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. (f) Employees going to school may work on school work on duty only after all work assignments and daily training are completed at the discretion of their station Lieutenant. 112.12 PROBATIONARY STATUS: (a) Employees who are newly hired from outside the District are required to complete a one (1) year probationary period in the new position. The one (1) year probationary period may be extended at management's discretion for a period not to exceed six (6) months. All new hires, subject to the one (1) year probationary period will be eligible to accrue vacation, sick leave and any other benefits as defined within their current ratified Collective Bargaining Agreement or Non-Bargaining Agreement. All current contract language shall prevail. (b) During the new hire probationary period, management and supervisory staff shall make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate instruction and training for the employee to succeed in the new position. In the event the employee's performance and/or conduct during a probationary period does not meet management's expectations, and it is determined by management in its sole discretion not to retain the employee in the new position, the employee may be terminated. (c) Incumbent employees who are promoted or transferred are required to complete a six (6) month probationary period in the new position. The six (6) month probationary Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 17 Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District Fire Services Manual General Rules & Regulations period may be extended at management's discretion for a period not to exceed three (3) months. During this probationary period for employees, management shall make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate instruction and training for the employee to succeed in the new position. (d) In the event the employee's performance and/or conduct during a probationary period does not meet management's expectations, and it is determined by management in its sole discretion not to retain the employee in the new position, the employee shall be returned to his/her previous rank and classification without any loss of seniority, so long as there is an open position in that previous classification. Upon return to his/her previous position, the employee shall be paid at his/her former pay rate or the current pay rate in effect for that job classification. (e) In the event there is no open position in the previous classification, the District will evaluate and determine whether or not there is another suitable position in which to offer and place the employee. In these circumstances, the employee is not guaranteed another position. However, the District will make good faith efforts to offer the employee an available open position for which the employee is qualified. Where provisions of a ratified collective bargaining agreement outline/define other forms or periods for the probationary period(s), the ratified collective bargaining agreement language shall prevail. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/05/22, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District General Rules & Regulations - 18