SM Sec300_1 PDF - Fire Department Policies and Procedures

Chapter III General Policies And Procedures Section 300.00 Training Policy Section 302.00 Staff Distribution Policy Section 306.00 Acting Officers Section 308.00 Delegation of Authority Section 310.00 Doctrine of Completed Staff Work Section 312.00 Transfer Policy Section 314.00 Tempor...

Chapter III General Policies And Procedures Section 300.00 Training Policy Section 302.00 Staff Distribution Policy Section 306.00 Acting Officers Section 308.00 Delegation of Authority Section 310.00 Doctrine of Completed Staff Work Section 312.00 Transfer Policy Section 314.00 Temporary Transfer Policy Section 316.00 Grooming Code Section 317.00 Smoking Policy Section 318.00 Grievance Procedures Section 322.00 Promotion Policy Section 324.00 Flag Etiquette Section 326.00 Employee Suggestion Policy Section 330.00 Awards and Meritorious Conduct Section 332.00 Policy Identification Cards Section 334.00 Honor Guard Section 336.00 Bulletins and Communications Uniform Section 338.00 and Fire Clothing Regulations Motor Section 340.00 Vehicle Accident Procedures National Section 352.10 Organizations Section 354.00 Fire Complex Exercise Facilities Section 356.00 Computer Policy Section 358.00 Endorsements and Advertising Support Section 360.00 of Charities Section 362.00 Support of Public Events Section 364.00 Safety and Health Section 366.00 Administrative Complex Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures DIVISION TRAINING POLICY 300.00 It is the policy of the Division of Fire to provide a comprehensive training program for all employees of the Division, under the direction of the Bureau of Training. This Division-wide training program shall be progressive, well-developed, effective, and continuous in nature. It will include the following (5) general categories: 1. Recruit Training 2. Apprenticeship Training 3. In-Service Training 4. Officer Training 5. Specialized Training RECRUIT TRAINING 300.02 Recruit training is the initial phase of basic training received by newly appointed Division members. It consists primarily of fundamental instruction and training sessions conducted at the Division Training Academy. Recruit instructors include those Division members designated as permanently assigned Training Academy personnel, other Division members selected from the Emergency Services Bureau, and various other fire Division or civilian personnel, according to need. 300.04 Recruit training sessions cover a wide range of subjects including basic firefighting evolutions, ventilation practices, ropes and knots, tools and equipment, building construction, apparatus driving and tilling, hose lays and engine operations, self-contained breathing apparatus practices, chemistry of fire, search and rescue, first aid procedure and numerous other subjects. The length of the recruit training period is subject to change, depending upon existing conditions and needs. 300.06 Members of the Division who have attained Journeyman Firefighter Status may apply for temporary recruit instructor positions by completing the Division of Fire Instructor's Profile (Form TA-514) and filling out an Application for Temporary Instructors. These forms can be obtained from member's Battalion Chiefs, and must be submitted through normal Division channels to the Chief of Training. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING: 300.08 It is the policy of the Division of fire to hire and train recruit firefighters under the auspices of the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) program, monitored locally by members of the fire Division with equal representation from the Local IAFF union. The JATC carries out this function by reviewing programs and reports and by making recommendations for change or improvement to the Fire Chief. 300.10 Apprentice training involves a thirty-six (36) month program for all firefighters hired after November 1993, consisting of national training standards developed specifically for firefighters. 300.12 Each Division member employed and trained under the Apprenticeship Program shall be covered by a written agreement, acknowledging the terms of the Apprenticeship Standards. All apprentice firefighters shall be subject to a 12 month probationary period, beginning with the effective date of their appointment. In addition, an apprentice firefighter may be terminated for failure to successfully complete the requirements of the apprenticeship program. 300.14 The apprenticeship program will be implemented in accordance with procedures approved by the Fire Chief and on file in the Bureau of Training. 300.16 Any recruit firefighter who fails to successfully complete all necessary requirements of recruit training will be recommended for dismissal. 300.18 Any probationary firefighter who fails to obtain Fire Safety Inspector Certification before the end of their probationary period will be recommended for dismissal. Any probationary firefighter who fails to obtain EMT-B certification before the end of their probationary period will be recommended for dismissal. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures Any probationary firefighter who fails to obtain all required Division of Fire qualifications before the end of their probationary period will be recommended for dismissal. 300.19 Recruit company commanders shall actively guide and assist their company members in initiating self-study programs, and will assure that they participate in regular in-service training sessions and company level school activities. 300.20 All Journeyman Firefighters shall receive official certification acknowledging this status. 300.21 Instructors may remove from the classroom or training site, any individual, of any rank, if in the instructor’s judgment that individual is preventing the other participants from receiving the full value of the training. In so doing, the instructor has this authority granted to him/her by the Fire Chief. This authority is also extended to guest instructors from outside the Division. If an individual is ordered to leave a training session, that individual will leave immediately and without discussion, and both the individual and the instructor will submit to the Fire Chief a written report of the incident. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures IN-SERVICE TRAINING 300.22 The Division of Fire In-Service Training program shall consist of three (3) general phases. All Division members shall participate in this program to the extent that their rank and individual duty assignments allow. The three (3) general phases are: 1: Division-wide standardized training. 2: Personal training needs. 3: Physical Training. In each of the three phases, specific training activities should be continued until the desired levels of proficiency are achieved. The Training Bureau will conduct training and continued education for all Division personnel, in order to ensure that all Division personnel are receiving and/or engaging in the training necessary to maintain desirable levels of knowledge and skill. (Revised 12/31/15) 300.32 Personal Training Needs: Company commanders shall continuously evaluate the personal training needs of their respective companies and individual company members. They shall also be guided by the directions of their Battalion Chiefs with regard to these needs. Examples of personal training needs include: apprentice firefighter program requirements, the study of street and hydrant locations, pre-fire planning of target hazards, incident command and fire ground procedures, driving and tilling practice, fire station procedures, and any number of various other related and necessary skills that may not be adequately covered under the Division-wide standardized training program. 300.34 Physical Training: All company commanders and Division members assigned to their companies or under their supervision are encouraged to participate in some form of physical training each day. Ordinarily, such training will involve a recognized form of physical activity such as calisthenics, volleyball, weight-lifting, table tennis, jogging, basketball, etc. In most cases, these physical training activities will take place after the completion of the Division daily routine (i.e. after 1800 hrs. on weekdays and after 1200 hrs. on weekends and holidays. Note: See Section 408.00 "DIVISION DAILY ROUTINE"). (Revised 12/31/15) Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 300.36 (Deleted 09/15/15) OFFICER TRAINING 300.38 Programs involving instruction and training in the various aspects of leadership, management, supervision, employee counseling, instructor training, and other subjects associated with successful performance as a fire officer will be offered at various times throughout the year. Very often Division members who will be asked to participate in these officer training programs will be those whose standing on the current promotional eligibility list indicates probable advancement in the ranks. Instructors for officer training sessions may be members of the Fire Division, or civilian personnel having special knowledge and training in the particular fields of study involved. SPECIALIZED TRAINING 300.40 The Division Training Academy will conduct educational programs as necessary when training concerning specialized procedures or equipment is required. Before being presented to Division members, outlines and lesson plans covering the proposed training sessions will be submitted to the Training Academy for review, and shall be subject to the approval of the Fire Chief. Examples of such specialized training would include such things as hazardous materials training; heavy rescue training; specialized first aid and medic training; air crash firefighting; training concerning new apparatus, tools, or equipment; fire prevention and arson investigation training; bomb squad training; and various other subjects or areas of concern. Also included in this category will be programs concerning the training and instruction of the Auxiliary Firefighting force, the extent and subject matter of which shall be determined by the Fire Chief. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures STAFF DISTRIBUTION POLICY 302.00 It is the policy of the Division of Fire to maintain a desirable balance of staff among the battalions of the Emergency Services Bureau on each unit. This balance shall be maintained among units and among battalions. 302.02 Each Deputy Chief shall attempt to keep all battalions balanced in staff. He/she shall balance these battalions a duty day in advance, and shall try to provide at least two members per battalion above the Division minimum standards. 302.04 (Deleted 09/15/15) 302.06 If a Battalion Chief has an insufficient number of firefighters on any given tour of duty, he/she shall immediately notify the Deputy Chief, stating the specific needs. If the Deputy Chief is not available, the Administration Officer or the Chief should be contacted. (Revised 12/31/15) 302.08 Company Commanders who at roll call cannot meet Division Minimum Staffing Standards shall immediately notify their Battalion Chief. If necessary, they shall hold a member of the off-going unit until such time they receive clear directions from their Battalion Chief. MINIMUM STAFFING STANDARDS 302.10 ENGINE COMPANIES: Four (4) members assigned per unit. This may be accomplished with either: one officer and three (3) firefighters or with four (4) firefighters. Engine companies are permitted to run with a crew of three (3) between the hours of 0800 to 2000 when necessary to accomplish the business of the Division. Engine companies are not to run with less than one officer and three (3) firefighters after 2000 hours unless the third firefighter is on Division business and is in constant communication with the alarm office and capable of immediate response to the scene of an emergency to which his/her apparatus has responded. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 302.12 LADDER COMPANIES: Four (4) members assigned per unit. This may be accomplished with either one officer or three (3) firefighters or with four (4) firefighters. Ladder companies are permitted to run with a crew of three (3) between the hours of 0800 and 2000 when necessary to accomplish the business of the Division. There shall be an officer in charge of ladder companies whenever possible in keeping with the guidelines listed in Section 404.88 of this manual. Ladder companies are not to run with less than one officer and three (3) firefighters after 2000 hours unless the third is on Division business and is in constant communication with the alarm office and capable of immediate response to the scene of an emergency to which his apparatus has responded. 302.14 RESCUE COMPANIES: Three (3) members assigned per unit ACTING OFFICERS 306.00 An officer or firefighter of the Division designated to act in a capacity higher than that to which such member has been duly appointed shall be known as an Acting Officer. 306.02 Acting Officers shall have all of the authority and be allowed all of the privileges of the position in which they are acting. They shall be obeyed and treated with due respect. 306.04 Acting Officers shall maintain a level of competence commensurate with the requirements and responsibilities of the position involved. 306.06 Acting Officers shall properly execute those duties required of the position in which they are acting. 306.08 Acting Officers shall adhere to the policies of the Officer in whose position they are acting, within the framework of Division guidelines. They shall refrain from making any changes in standing procedures affecting such policies. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING ACTING OFFICERS 306.10 See the current agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67 IAFF for requirements and guidelines for selecting acting officers. 306.12 Firefighters who are designated as Acting Officers and are acting in the capacity of a Captain or Lieutenant shall be considered as "Acting Lieutenants". (Revised 12/31/15) 306.14 An officer designated to act in the capacity of a Battalion Chief shall wear a white helmet with orange reflective markings at times when such protective headgear is needed. Acting Battalion Chief helmets are assigned to each Battalion chief vehicle. (Revised 12/31/15) 306.16 If a member refuses to willingly accept the responsibility of the position of Acting Officer, the immediate superior of such member may order temporary compliance until a qualified replacement is available. 306.18 An Acting Lieutenant, or an Officer acting in a higher capacity, shall be superseded upon the arrival of a duly appointed officer. 306.20 When a Station Captain is off duty for whatever reason, the member authorized to work as acting Station Captain will be one assigned to the same unit as the Station Captain. This will be the case regardless of the length of the Station Captain's absence. 306.22 An Acting Station Captain will assume all duties and responsibilities of the normally assigned Station Captain. 306.24 A Lieutenant acting as Station Captain will function as a Captain on the fireground. (Revised 12/31/15) Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY 308.00 Supervisors cannot efficiently perform all of the duties for which they are responsible. To be effective they must delegate authority and responsibility to others. 308.02 The process of delegation consists of giving subordinates the authority and responsibility to act on behalf of those delegating such duties. The authority and responsibility being delegated must be clearly defined. 308.04 Over-supervision defeats the purpose of delegation. Once a job is delegated, the subordinate should be left on their own to carry out the assignment, and should be held accountable for the results. 308.06 When delegating authority, remain within the chain of command; delegate to immediate subordinates only. 308.08 Ordinarily, supervisors should not delegate in any of the following: 1. Situations requiring their own knowledge or skills. 2. Situations involving extremely important matters that may have serious consequences. 3. Situations involving appraisals of their subordinates. 4. Situations requiring the rewarding or punishing of subordinates. 5. Situations requiring the status and position of the supervisor. DOCTRINE OF COMPLETED STAFF WORK 310.00 Completed staff work is the study of a problem and the presentation of a solution in such form that all that remains to be done on the part of the supervising officer is to indicate approval or disapproval. The subordinate should work out the details and provide a finished product that the supervisor can adopt by simply signing their name. 310.02 Writing a memorandum to a superior officer does not constitute completed staff work. Writing a memorandum for a supervisor to send to someone else does. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020 Chapter III General Policies And Procedures 310.04 The theory of completed staff work does not preclude a rough draft, but such presentation must not be a half-thought-out idea. It must be complete in every respect except that it may be lacking the required number of copies and need not be immaculate. A rough draft must not be used as an excuse for shifting the burden of formulating the action to the superior officer. 310.06 The final test of completed staff work is this: If the person submitting the final draft were the Chief, would they be willing to sign the paper, risking their professional reputation on its being complete and well written. If the answer is negative or even doubtful, it is not yet completed staff work. DIVISION TRANSFER POLICY 312.00 See the current agreement between the City of Columbus and Local #67, IAFF for the Transfer Policy." TEMPORARY TRANSFER POLICY 314.00 All employees of the Division of Fire are subject to temporary transfer from their normal duty assignments at any time. These temporary transfers will usually involve officers and firefighters working the three platoon system. These will usually be limited to filling vacancies on the employees assigned work shift (unit). 314.02 Employees temporarily transferred for the purpose of filling vacancies or maintaining balance among the battalions shall be chosen on the basis of existing needs. The following guidelines shall apply: The Deputy Chiefs shall attempt to staff the battalions so that at least one Chief Officer responds to all large fire assignments. (Revised 12/31/15) Battalion Chiefs requiring personnel with specialized skills or certifications such as EMS personnel shall choose any similarly qualified members from their own battalions before requesting such personnel from other battalions. Revised 12.07.2017 Updated as of 2.18.2020