Bloomsburg Fire Department

By-Laws

By-Laws

Article 1

Membership

1.1  General

Any individual 18 years of age or older shall be eligible for membership in the Department provided that, in the opinion of the current membership, the prospective member is in good standing in the community and is of good moral character. Any individual 14 years of age shall be eligible to join the Bloomsburg Fire Department under the Junior Firefighter program.

The Department shall not deny membership to any person based on that person’s race, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Inasmuch as the Department is a community service organization, and to the fulfillment of the Department goals, it shall be the responsibility of each member to satisfy themselves that any person brought before the Department as a prospective member meets the eligibility requirements herein.  It shall also be the responsibility of the membership to make known to the Investigation Committee any information about a prospective member that they believe should be used in determining the acceptability of the prospective member.

1.2  Development of Application

The Department shall develop a membership application requesting that information from prospective members deemed necessary by the Department.  The application may be amended or changed from time to time as needed without amending these By-laws.  A committee appointed by the president shall propose changes to the application.

1.3  Submittal of Application

Any person wishing to become a member of the Department shall acquire an application from a current member, complete the application in it’s entirety and submit it to the Department with the requires non-refundable application fee and the first year’s dues, as established by the Department.  At this time, the applicant will declare whether they are joining the department as Firefighter, Fire Police, Junior Firefighter or Social Member.

The submitted application shall be read by the seretary to the Department at the next monthly business meeting.  No action shall be taken upon this first reading.

During the period between the first meeting and the second meeting after the submittal of the application there shall be an application review period.  This period will be used to allow the current membership to become acquainted with the prospective member, and vice versa.

The review period shall also be used by the current membership to gather information and background on the prospective member.  The President shall appoint a three (3) member Investigation Committee for each new applicant.  The Investigation Committee shall investigate the candidate’s background and report to the Department at the next regular meeting.  The Investigation Committee shall make a recommendation to the Department of acceptance or rejection after making their report.

Prospective members shall not be permitted to actively participate on the emergency scene and shall not operate any Department vehicles or equipment during the review period.

At the second meeting following the submittal of the application, the application shall again be read, the Investigation Committee shall report their findings, discussion shall be held regarding the prospective member, and a vote shall be taken to accept or reject the application.  An applicant shall have a two-thirds (2/3)-majority vote of the members present at the second meeting for approval.

If the application is accepted, the Recording Secretary shall notify the newly admitted member, supply the new member with a copy of all documents required elsewhere herein, and explain each to the new member.  The Department shall classify the new member as Probationary Member upon acceptance.

If the application is rejected for any reason, the President shall notify the applicant in writing of the rejection.  The notification shall include only the fact that upon a vote of the membership of the Department the application was rejected.  Also, included in the letter shall be a check for the return of the 1st year’s dues.

If any person is rejected for membership, that person may not reapply for a period of 12 months after the date of the meeting at which the application was rejected.

1.4  Membership Classifications

1.4.1       Classifications

The membership of the Department shall consist of Active Members, Social Members, Probationary Members, and Honorary Members.

The Recording/Financial Secretary of each of the consolidating fire companies shall submit to the Recording and Financial Secretaries of the Bloomsburg Fire Department a list of all members in good standing at the time of the first official meeting of the Bloomsburg Fire Department.

1.4.2       Active Member

Active Members shall be those members who have completed and maintained all the required minimum training and fulfilled all other requirements specified elsewhere herein.

Active Members are those members that have completed the Basic Firefighters/Essentials of Firefighting – Basic Module course or the Basic Fire Police course from the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.  All Active Members shall maintain current First Aid and CPR/AED training and shall maintain current haz-mat training to a minimum of the awareness level.  Active Members will be certified at a minimum of NIMS 100 and 700.

Active Members may operate equipment and actively participate in all training and emergency operations, when in the opinion of the Chief, and with his/her prior approval, the Active Member is qualified by reason of training and experience.

Active Members may participate in all Department activities.

Active Members shall have voting privileges on all Department matters and election of officers.  Active Members shall be eligible to hold offices and to vote for the same as stated elsewhere herein.

Any Active Member that has joined the Department as Fire Police and would like to change to Firefighter must declare his/her intentions at a regular company meeting.  The member will then enter a one-year term as a probationary Firefighter.  The member will be issued the appropriate equipment with readily identifiable markings to signify that the member is probationary.  Also, during this time the member must complete the required State certified training.  At the end of the probationary period the member must present, at a regular meeting, a copy of the required training and with the approval of the Chief they will be accepted as a qualified Firefighter.  Should the member not complete the training in the time allowed they shall remain as Fire Police.  During the member’s probationary Firefighter period they shall remain as full Active members of the Department with all rights and privileges.

1.4.2.1 Sub – Classifications of Active Members

Active Members shall be divided into these sub-classifications

             A. Interior Firefighter – Active Members who are classified as firefighters and have completed all basic firefighting essentials including the interior firefighter module.

             B. Exterior Firefighter – Active Members who are classified as firefighters and have completed all basic firefighter essentials except interior firefighting. Although this sub-classification has all the rights and responsibilities of a Full Firefighter, this Active Member, will be limited to exterior firefighting only and cannot be involved with interior fire attack. This Active member can provide support to apparatus, mobile cascade, exposure, and/or defensive mode. This member WILL NOT enter an immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmosphere. Also, this member SHALL NOT wear an air-pack unless it’s for controlled training.

            C. Fire Police-Active Member who is classified as First-line Fire Police.

1.4.3       Social Member

Social Members are all members who have been approved by the department for membership but do not have the requisite training or other requirements to obtain Active Member status.  Social Members shall have voting privileges on all Department matters with the exception of fire-related items and election of Line Officers.  Social Members shall be eligible to hold all administrative offices and to vote for the same.

Social Members may also be members of other Departments who retain the requisite training/experience to be Active Members but who are not actively involved in the Department’s activities and are therefore not considered Active Members.

Social Members shall not be issued personal equipment by the Department nor have reimbursement for training, but shall retain all other benefits.

Social Members may participate in all Department non-fire related activities.

A Social Member wishing to upgrade to Active Member status must submit an application and upon approval meet all training requirements as noted elsewhere herein.

1.4.4       Probationary Member

There shall be 2 types of Probationary Member:

                New Member Probation

                Disciplinary Probation

Any member classified as probationary, whether as a new member or as disciplinary action, shall not have the right to vote on matters before the Department for the duration of the probation.

1.4.4.1    New Member Probation

All new members accepted into the Department shall be classified as Probationary Members for 12 months.  The probationary member will be allowed to train with the Department and to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.  During this probation period the new member will be issued the appropriate equipment with readily identifiable markings to signify that the member is probationary.

Also, during the probationary period the new member shall complete the appropriate State certified training for their position; Essentials of Firefighting – Basic Module for firefighter candidates and Basic Fire Police for fire police candidates.

At the completion of the 12-month probationary period the new member, who has completed the appropriate training for their position, shall be brought before the Department at a regular meeting and presented for approval.  Upon approval by a simple majority of the Active members present for the meeting the probationary member shall be granted Active membership in the Department.

Should the new member not complete the required training, as stated above, by the end of the 12-month probationary period, the new member may apply within 30 days of the date the probationary period ends, for an extension of an additional 12-month probationary period.  During this second 12 month period the candidate will be afforded the opportunity to train and respond with the Department as stated above and to complete the required training.

Should a new member not complete the required training and not apply for an extension then the member shall be expelled from the Department.

Should a new member not complete the required training within the 24-month probationary period then the member shall be expelled from the Department.  Should the expelled member wish to reapply for Active membership they must wait for 12 months since the date of their expulsion before reapplying.

1.4.4.2    Disciplinary Probation

In addition to forfeiting their right to vote, a member may have their activities further restricted when placed on disciplinary probation in accordance with procedures set forth in Article 4.

1.4.5       Honorary Member

The Department may at any time confer upon an individual the classification of Honorary Member.  Any member classified as honorary shall not have the right to vote on matters before the Department.  Annual dues shall not be assessed against Honorary Members.

This classification is provided to allow the Department to honor individuals, who are not members of the Department, and who have provided a great service to the Department.  This service can be in many varied forms.

Eligible individual’s names must be brought before the Department at a regular meeting by a member or members that can attest to the services rendered to the Department.  Upon a unanimous vote of the membership the classification of Honorary Member may be bestowed.

1.4.6 Junior Firefighter

The Junior Firefighter will follow the established guidelines for the Junior Firefighter Program.  The Junior Firefighter may attend monthly department meetings, however, he or she will not be permitted to vote on any Bloomsburg Fire Department business.  Once the Junior Firefighter reaches the age of 18, the Junior Firefighter will come before the membership requesting that their status be changed to Firefighter, Fire Police or Social member.  The membership shall then vote on the individual’s request.

1.5  Life Member

Life Members shall be Active and Social Members that have met the requirements for membership in those classifications as stated elsewhere herein.

Life Members shall be any member who has been a member in good standing (as defined in Article 5, Section 5.4) of the Department for 25 years, and who comes before the Department and requests, or is proposed by any member for, Life Member status, and is approved by a majority vote of the members in attendance at the meeting in which the proposal for Life membership is made.

Life Members shall be free from paying yearly dues.

1.5.1       Department Consolidation

With the consolidation of the four fire companies in the Town of Bloomsburg; Friendship, Rescue, Winona, and Liberty, many members have belonged to one or more of these companies.

Those members that have served 25 years with one company and currently have their life membership in one of the four companies will automatically be proposed for Life Membership in the Bloomsburg Fire Department.  The Recording/Financial Secretary of each of the consolidation companies shall submit a list of those members that have served for a minimum of 25 years and hold Life membership in their companies.

Those members that have paid up their dues for 25 years in one company, but have not served 25 years in one company will have their paid dues carried over to the Bloomsburg Fire Department but will not be carried as a Life Member until after their 25th year of service.  At the completion of 25 years of service the member may be proposed for Life Membership.

Those members that have served with more than one company shall be allowed to combine their years of service at each of the companies to qualify for Life membership.  Each member in this category shall be responsible for obtaining a letter from each company’s Recording/Financial Secretary to which they belonged stating the time of service with that company.  These letters shall be submitted to the Financial Secretary.  Upon the Financial Secretary’s approval, the member may be proposed for Life Membership.

Article 2

Officers

2.1  List of Officers

The elected officers of the Department shall consist of Administrative Officers and Line Officers.

2.1.1  Administrative Officers

President

Vice-President

Recording Secretary

Assistant Recording Secretary

Financial Secretary

Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer

 Seven Trustees

2.1.2       Line Officers

Chief

Deputy Chief

Assistant Chief

Second Assistant Chief

Rescue Chief

Captain 20

Captain 40

Captain 30

Fire Police Captain

Five Police Lieutenant

Lieutenant 31

Lieutenant 37

Fire Police Lieutenant

Fire Police Sergeant

Fire Police Corporal

2.1.3       Executive Board

The Executive Board shall consist of the Administrative Officers Listed in Section 2.1.1.

The Executive Board shall have the power to conduct administrative business of the Department in the event that a quorum of the Department members is not present for a regular or special meeting.

The Executive Board shall have other duties as proscribed by the President or as described herein.

The Executive Board shall not have the power to sell, transfer ownership, or otherwise dispose of Department real estate or equipment.  The Executive Board is not authorized to borrow money.

2.2          Duties of the Officers and Committees

All administrative officers shall be bonded to at least the level specified by any applicable laws, or greater if directed by the Department.

All officers are expected to attend all scheduled Department meetings and their assigned committee meetings.  All administrative officers will be removed from office if they miss three (3) Department meetings in a row.  All line officers will be removed from office if they miss three (3) Department/Fire Board meetings in a row.  Exemptions to this rule are as stated elsewhere herein.

All line officers shall be active in Department activities, both social and firematic.

2.2.1       President

It shall be the duty of the President to enforce the Department Constitution, By-Laws and other rules and regulations propagated thereunder.  The President shall preside and maintain order at all meetings of the Department, both regular and special.  As stated elsewhere herein, it shall be the duty of the President to call special meetings.

The President shall appoint all committees, except where specified elsewhere herein.  Department members may volunteer and subsequently be appointed by the President to a committee.

The President shall not vote on matters before the Department except in the case of a tie vote.  The President may however vote, or otherwise cast a ballot during elections.

The President shall appoint members (meeting any requirements stated elsewhere herein) to temporarily fill office vacancies until a special meeting and election can be held.

The President shall countersign all checks, drafts and other orders when approved or directed to do so by the Department or Executive Committee and attested to by the Recording Secretary.

The President shall perform all other duties specified elsewhere herein and shall be responsible for the overall administrative duties of the Department.

The President shall have the authority, in the absence of the Treasurer, to issue purchase orders for Fire Related purchases.

The President shall have the authority to purchase items from the administrative budget costing less than Two hundred dollars ($200.00).

2.2.2       Vice-President

The Vice-President shall perform all the duties of the President in his/her absence.  The Vice-President shall automatically assume the office of President in the event the current President resigns or is otherwise unable to complete the term of office.

The Vice-President shall preside over the Grievance Committee.

2.2.3       Recording Secretary

The Recording Secretary shall accurately record minutes reflecting the proceedings of all Department meetings both regular and special.  The Recording Secretary shall include in the minutes of each meeting, the roster of attending members as stated elsewhere herein.  The Recording Secretary shall attest, by including in the minutes, to all orders of the Department resulting from a majority vote of the members in attendance of the meeting.

The Recording Secretary shall maintain permanent records of all meeting minutes and organize them into an orderly and easily retraceable system.

The Recording Secretary shall establish and maintain all personnel records of the members.  Personnel records shall include all of following for each member:

        The membership application and/or a personal data information sheet.

        The member’s list of training courses successfully completed and copies of certificates awarded and

                expiration dates of applicable.

        The member’s classification.

        All written reprimands, records of probation imposed and records of any disciplinary action taken or

                imposed.

        A record of any department equipment issued to the member.

The personnel records shall be secure and accessible for review only by the President and the Chiefs.  Personnel records shall only be edited, updated, altered or otherwise modified by the Recording Secretary, though the President or Chief may direct this action.

Members wishing to review their own records may do so by making a request to the President and Chiefs.

The Recording Secretary shall maintain a current roster of all members and their classification.

The Recording Secretary shall be under the direct supervision of the President.

2.2.4       Assistant Recording Secretary

The Assistant Recording Secretary shall perform all the duties of the Recording Secretary in his/her absence.  The Assistant Recording Secretary shall assist the Recording Secretary with all of his/her duties.

The Assistant Recording Secretary shall be under the direct supervision of the Recording Secretary.

2.2.5       Financial Secretary

The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for the prompt billing and collection of all sums due to the Department.  The Financial Secretary shall keep accurate records of all bills and sums collected, and shall give a report of the same at each regular meeting of the Department.

The Financial Secretary shall be responsible to collect all dues from the membership.  The Financial Secretary shall maintain a record of payment of each member’s dues.  This record will be kept in each member’s personnel record.

The Financial Secretary shall be responsible for managing the default in payment of dues process for the Department in accordance with Section 5.4.  The Financial Secretary shall inform those members who are delinquent and inform the Department at a regular meeting of those members who are delinquent for a period exceeding one (1) year.

The Financial Secretary shall promptly give to the treasurer all sums collected.

The Financial Secretary shall be under the direct supervision of the President.

The Financial Secretary shall have the authority to purchase items from the administrative budget costing less that Two hundred dollars ($200.00).

2.2.6       Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive all monies collected by the Department and deposit said monies in the appropriate account.

The Treasurer shall maintain current, correct and accurate records and balances of all Department accounts, receipts and expenditures.  The Treasurer shall report the balance of all accounts at each regular meeting, and provide a detailed report of receipts and expenditures when requested by the President or the Department.  The Treasurer shall post a financial statement of the Department’s financial status bi-annually on the Department bulletin board.

The Treasurer shall pay bills approved by a majority vote of the Department or Executive Committee when properly attested to by the Recording Secretary.

The Treasurer shall sign all checks, drafts and other orders when approved or directed to do so by the Department or Executive Committee and attested to by the Recording Secretary.

The Treasurer shall invest Department monies as directed by majority vote of the Department, maintain accurate records of same, and report to Department at each monthly meeting the performance and balance of all investments.  The Treasurer shall investigate investment options and report to the Department on the findings and otherwise make recommendations for investment.

The Treasurer shall be under the direct supervision of the President.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for issuing purchase orders for all Fire Related purchases, whether from the Town Fire Department budget or the Company’s Fire Related budget.  The Treasurer shall be responsible for controlling the issuance of these purchase orders and shall keep a log of the issued purchase orders.

The Treasure shall have the authority to purchase items from the administrative budget costing less that Two hundred dollars ($200.00).

2.2.6.1 Accountant

If the Department so desires it may hire an accountant after a motion has been made, seconded and passed.

If an Accountant is hired The President, Vice President and one appointed Trustee shall have the authority to sign Department checks. Checks must have 2 (two) signatures.

The Accountant shall maintain current, correct and accurate records and balances of all Department accounts, receipts and expenditures. The Accountant shall submit for the record, the balance of all accounts at each regular meeting. The Accountant shall provide a financial statement of the department’s financial status bi-annually to be posted on the department bulletin board by the President.

The Accountant shall pay all bills with the exception of in-house bills and expense reimbursement request approved at the monthly meetings.

The Accountant shall invest Department monies as directed by majority vote of the Department, maintain accurate records of same, and submit report to the department at each monthly meeting the performance and balance of all investments. The accountant shall investigate investment options and submit report to the Department on the findings and otherwise make recommendations for investment.

The Accountant shall be under direct supervision of the President.

In the absence of a Treasurer while using an Accountant, the President shall be responsible for issuing purchase orders for all Fire Related purchases on the department’s Fire Related Budget. The President shall be responsible for controlling the issuance of these purchase orders and shall keep a log of the issued purchase orders.

The President shall have the authority to purchase items from the Administrative budget costing less than Two Hundred dollars ($200.00)

2.2.6.2   Assistant Treasurer 

The Assistant Treasurer will be responsible for handling the duties of the Treasurer in the Treasurer’s absence. The Assistant Treasurer will be familiar with all the accounts and other financial matters associated with the fire department.  The Assistant Treasurer will be elected in unison with the other administrative officers of the department.

If the Department hires an Accountant, the Assistant Treasurer’s duties shall be to sign applications acknowledging receipt of monies, make deposits, and see that all in-coming bills are properly stamped, signed and ready to be submitted to the accountant in time for the Accountant to make a report available at the Department’s monthly meeting.

2.2.7       Board of Trustees

The Trustees shall be responsible for all of the Department’s real estate and other property except as provided herein.  The Trustees shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of the Department’s real estate and personal property except as provided for herein.

The Trustees shall be responsible for keeping an inventory of all equipment and property owned by the Department.  The Trustees shall inventory all of the Department’s equipment and other property on a bi-annual basis, in the months of February and October, and shall report the findings of the inventory, including a list of all missing or nonfunctional equipment to the Department at the next regular meeting.

The Trustees shall hold a monthly meeting for the purpose of conducting business.  The trustees shall elect from among themselves, at the fist meeting of each year, a chairperson.  The chairperson shall preside over all meetings of the Board of Trustees.  The chairperson shall be responsible for reporting to the Department on all Board business at each regular Department meeting.

The Trustees shall report to the Department all repairs or equipment needed and shall obtain the approval of the Department to purchase the same except the Trustees may purchase equipment, supplies or make repairs costing less that five hundred dollars ($500.00).

In the case of an emergency the Board of Trustees shall request that the President call a Special Meeting for the resolution of the problem.

2.2.7.1    Building Rentals

The Trustees shall be responsible for managing the hall rental process.  They shall set all appropriate fees for the use of the hall and shall see that the fees are paid.  They shall develop rules and guidelines for the use of the hall and building.

2.2.7.2    Janitor

The Trustees shall be responsible for recommending the hiring of a janitor(s) to clean the building and hall.  The name(s) of the candidate(s) for janitor shall be brought before the Department and approved upon a majority vote.  The Trustees shall manage the janitor(s) and their work and recommend the approval of their monthly salary.

2.2.8       Chief

The Chief shall have ultimate responsibility and control over Department personnel and equipment at all firematic activities.

The Chief shall have ultimate responsibility and control of Department equipment and vehicles at all times, shall regularly inspect same for preparedness as stated elsewhere herein, and shall make a report to the Department at each regular meeting.

The Chief shall be empowered to purchase equipment, supplies and services throughout the year costing two hundred dollars ($200.00) and less.  These purchases are identified in the approved Town of Bloomsburg Fire Department budget or the Company’s Fire Related budget.  Changes to the either of the approved budgets will require Fire Board approval along the appropriate Town approvals.

The Chief shall be empowered to direct the President to call special meetings, as set forth elsewhere herein, for the purpose of purchasing required equipment and items exceeding the costs stated above or for other reasons deemed necessary by the chief.

The Chief shall be ultimately responsible for the actions of all Department personnel, their safety and training at all firematic activities.

The Chief shall be responsible for gathering pertinent data, compiling and submitting all required reports and documents to the State or other administrative and regulatory agencies.

The Chief shall be responsible for compiling a roster of active participants at each emergency incident or training exercise.

The Chief shall chair a monthly Fire Board meeting for the purpose of conducting Department firematic business Firematic business shall include but not be limited to:

        Training needs

        Equipment Purchases

        Town Fire Department Budget

        Other pertinent items

The Chief shall be responsible for developing and submitting a budget to the Town of Bloomsburg for Fire Department activities during the coming year, with the assistance and approval of Fire Board.

2.2.9       Deputy Chief

The Deputy Chief shall perform all the duties of the Chief in his/her absence.

The Deputy Chief shall assist the Chief in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

The Deputy Chief shall be second in the Chain of Command behind the Chief at all times.

The Deputy Chief shall be directly responsible for the establishment of all training programs for the Department and shall be responsible to insure that all members have the requisite training required under these By-Laws and as mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Deputy Chief shall periodically review the personnel records of each member to insure compliance with the aforementioned requirements and shall notify the Chief and the member of any deficiency in the training record.

The Deputy Chief shall be responsible for obtaining all certificates and other records of training from each member and turning said items over to the Recording Secretary for placement in each member’s personnel file.

2.2.10     Assistant Chief

The Assistant Chief shall perform the duties of the Chief and Deputy Chief in their absence.

The Assistant Chief shall assist the Chief and Deputy Chief in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

The Assistant Chief shall be third in the Chain of Command behind the Chief and Deputy Chief at all times.

The Assistant Chief shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of all tactical equipment and apparatus owned by the Department and the Town.

The Assistant Chief shall keep accurate records of all repairs and general maintenance completed on each piece of apparatus and shall notify the Chief of any deficiencies.

The Assistant Chief shall be responsible to maintain all Department and Town motor vehicles and other mechanical equipment in good repair and a state of operational readiness.

2.2.11        Second Assistant Chief

The Second Assistant Chief shall perform the duties of the Chief, Deputy Chief, or Assistant Chief in their absence.

The Second Assistant Chief shall assist the Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

The Second Assistant Chief shall be fourth in the chain of command behind the Chief, Deputy Chief, and Assistant Chief at all times.

The Second Assistant Chief shall be responsible for assisting the Assistant Chief in the maintenance and care of all tactical equipment and apparatus owned by the Department and the Town. The Second Assistant Chief shall assist the Assistant Chief in all aspects of this position.

2.2.12        Rescue Chief

 The Rescue Chief shall perform the duties of the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Second Assistant Chief in their absence.

The Rescue Chief shall assist the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and Second Assistant Chief in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

The Rescue Chief shall be fifth in the chain of command behind the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and Second Assistant Chief at all times, except during rescue operations. During all rescue operations, including but not limited to, vehicle rescue, water rescue, and tactical rescue , the Rescue Chief shall direct all such rescue operations under the direct command of the Chief of the Department or the highest ranking Chief on scene.

The Rescue Chief shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of all rescue equipment owned by the Department and the Town.

The Rescue Chief shall keep accurate records of all repairs, maintenance, and service life of all rescue equipment.

The Rescue Chief shall assist the Deputy Chief in the establishment of all training programs designed to improve the rescue skills of the Department members.

2.2.13     Captain 20

Captain 20 shall assist the chiefs in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

On the fire ground Captain 20 shall be responsible for overseeing all interior operations including any search and rescue procedures.

Captain 20 shall assist the Deputy Chief with all interior firefighting training.

Captain 20 shall provide the Department with an annual inventory of all Department equipment in his/her assigned areas of responsibility.

2.2.14 Captain 40

Captain 40 shall assist the chiefs in the response and management of all emergency incidents.

On the fireground Captain 40 shall be responsible for overseeing all exterior operations including forcible entry and ventilation procedures.

Captain 40 shall assist the Deputy Chief with all exterior firefighting training.

Captain 40 shall provide the Department with an annual inventory of all Department equipment in his/her assigned areas of responsibility.

2.2.15     Captain 30

Captain 30 shall assist the chiefs in the response and management of all emergency incidents, especially hazmat incidents.  At the incident scene Captain 30 shall be responsible for all operations in the “hot” zone, reporting to the incident commander.

Captain 30 shall assist the Deputy Chief with all hazmat-related training.

Captain 30 shall provide the Department with an annual inventory of all Department equipment in his/her assigned areas of responsibility.

2.2.16     Fire Police Captain

The Fire Police Captain shall assist in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.  This assistance shall include the control of traffic around an incident, the securing of the incident scene from non-emergency personnel and the securing of department apparatus and equipment at the incident scene.

The Fire Police Captain shall assist the police department at any special community events that the Fire Police are requested to respond to.

The Fire Police Captain shall provide the Department with and annual inventory of all Department equipment in his/her assigned areas of responsibility.

2.2.17        Lieutenant(s)

The Lieutenant(s) shall assist the chiefs and captains in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

The Lieutenant(s) shall be elected to a piece of apparatus.  The Lieutenant shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of his/her piece of apparatus and report any problems to the Chief and Assistant Chief.

At the incident scene, the Lieutenant shall see that his/her assigned apparatus arrives on the scene and is positioned and operated according to the directions of the officer in command of the incident.  After an incident, the Lieutenant shall see that his/her assigned piece of apparatus and the equipment thereon, is properly cleaned and the piece put back in service ready for the next response.

2.2.18        Lieutenant 37

The Hazmat Lieutenant 37 shall assist the chiefs and captains in the response and management of all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities.

Lieutenant 37 shall be responsible for Rescue 37and all equipment and supplies in the unit.  Lieutenant 37 shall report any problems to the Chief and Assistant Chief regarding Rescue 37and its equipment.

At the incident scene, Lieutenant 37 shall see that his/her apparatus arrives on the scene and is positioned and operated according to the directions of the officer in command of the incident.  After an incident Lieutenant 37 shall see that his/her apparatus and the equipment thereon, is properly cleaned and the piece is put back in service ready for the next response.

2.2.19        Lieutenant 31

Lieutenant 31 shall assist the chiefs and captains in the management of all medical aspects at all emergency incidents and other non-emergency activities, until arrival of E.M.S.

Lieutenant 31 shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all department medical supplies and medical equipment. Lieutenant 31 shall report any problems or needs of medical supplies or medical equipment to the Chief and Assistant Chief. Lieutenant 31 shall keep an inventory of all medical equipment and supplies both in-house and on apparatus. He/She shall also keep a list of all personnel with medical training. Any member with medical training shall give a copy to the Department Secretary to be placed in his/her file, and to Lieutenant 31 so as that he/she can maintain a list of all medically trained personnel, and update this list quarterly.

If Lieutenant 31 drives a piece of apparatus to an incident, he/she shall assume the duty of driver/operator until relieved by a qualified driver/operator of that apparatus. Upon being relieved he/she shall assume his/her medical duties unless requested to perform other duties by the O.I.C.

At the incident Lieutenant 31 shall see that his/her equipment is positioned and at hand for the incident. At the incident Lieutenant 31’s first and foremost function is to see that a rehab area is set up, and oversee the rehab area and keep a list of supplies and equipment used, if a rehab is needed or requested by the officer in command of the incident. If a rehab area is not needed, or if other qualified and competent medical personnel are available to oversee the rehab area, once it has been established, Lieutenant 31 may then leave the rehab area to perform other duties, if requested to do so by the officer in command of the incident. If the other medical personnel must leave the rehab area, the officer in charge should request Lieutenant 31 to return to the rehab area.

At the scene of an emergency or non-emergency incident Lieutenant 31 shall have no Firematic authority

After an incident Lieutenant 31 shall see that his/her supplies and equipment are properly cleaned and placed back in service for the next response. If supplies or equipment are needed to do this, Lieutenant 31shall advise the Chief or Assistant Chief what is to be acquired.

2.2.20     Fire Police Lieutenant

The Fire Police Lieutenant shall perform the duties of Fire Police Captain in his/her absence.  The Fire Police Lieutenant shall assist the Fire Police Captain in the response and management of Fire Police at all incidents where called.

2.2.21     Fire Police Sergeant

The Fire Police Sergeant shall perform the duties of Fire Police Captain and Fire Police Lieutenant in their absence.  The Fire Police Sergeant shall assist the Fire Police Captain in the response and management of Fire Police at all incidents where called.

2.2.22     Fire Police Corporal

The Fire Police Corporal shall perform the duties of Fire Police Captain, Fire Police Lieutenant, and Fire Police Sergeant in their absence.  The Fire Police Corporal shall assist the Fire Police Captain in the response and management of Fire Police at all incidents where called.

2.2.23   Chaplain

The Chaplain will be an honorary member of The Bloomsburg Fire Department, extended by invitation of the company to a clergy or lay person in our community with strong ties to a church, synagogue, or accepted religious group. The Chaplain’s primary duty will be to assist personnel of The Bloomsburg Fire Department, other responding fire departments and EMS, and victims through a crisis involving The Bloomsburg Fire Department. Other duties of a religious or spiritual nature can be requested of the chaplain by the President, Chief, or Department member in a formal or informal manner, as the need arises. The position of Chaplain would be a permanent appointment continuing until either the fire department or the Chaplain chooses to end the association 

2.2.24     Committees

The President shall appoint committees on an as needed basis except as stated herein.

All committees may have their own budgets and accounts.  All committees shall be empowered to make purchases of equipment and supplies throughout the year up to the amount of their approved budget.  Any spending over the approved budget will require the approval of the Budget Committee and the Department.

All committee meetings shall be open to all members of the Department.  The Chairperson of each committee shall determine the level of participation of non-committee members during committee meetings.

2.2.24.1 Standing Committees

The Department shall have the following standing committees: Budget Committee, Grievance Committee, Fire Board, Audit Committee, Fundraising Committee, Fire Prevention Committee, House Committee, Fire Police Committee, and Bylaw Committee.  The President shall appoint Department members to the committees except as stated elsewhere herein.  Each committee shall meet monthly or as otherwise stated to conduct committee business and shall report on the same at the monthly Department meeting.  The committees shall elect a chairperson from among themselves at the first meeting of the year, except as noted elsewhere herein.

2.2.24.2 Budget Committee

The Budget committee shall be responsible for the completion of an annual budget for the Department, which shall be completed and approved by the Department at the December meeting of the prior year.

The Budget committee shall meet at least on a quarterly basis to review the actual expenditures of the Department in relation to the annual budget and shall advise the Department as to the propriety of expenditures being contemplated by the Department.

The Budget Committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer and shall contain the President, Financial Secretary, the chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and chairpersons of the remaining Standing Committees, with the exception of the Fire Police, Grievance and Bylaw committees.

All Committees shall submit their written requests to the Budget Committee by October of the proceeding year describing the funds requested and the proposed use.

2.2.24.3 Grievance Committee

The Grievance Committee shall consist of five (5) members in good standing, with at least three of the members being Active Members.  Two committee members shall be elected annually and two members shall be appointed annually be the President.  The fifth member of the Grievance Committee shall be the Vice-President who shall chair the Committee.  No member of the Executive Board may sit upon the Grievance Committee with the exception of the Vice-President.

The Grievance Committee shall act upon any grievances brought before them as stated in Article 4.

2.2.24.4 Fire Board

Fire Board shall consist of all of the Line Officers and one member of Town Council, as a non-voting member, with the Chief presiding as chairperson of the committee.  Fire Board shall be responsible for conducting the firematic business of the Department.  Fire Board shall meet monthly on the 2^nd Sunday of each month at 19:00 hours.

A quorum of the Fire Board shall be required to conduct business.  A quorum shall consist of Nine (9) of the Fire Board members being present.

Firematic business of the Department shall include but not be limited to
                Town of Bloomsburg Fire Department budget

                Equipment purchases

                Apparatus maintenance

                Department training

                Department STOP Manual

                Other pertinent items

One member of Fire Board shall be appointed as the secretary and shall record the minutes of the meetings.

Meetings shall be conducted in an informal manner rather than in strict compliance with the Rules of Order so long as the meeting remains orderly, polite, considerate and productive.  The Chief is responsible for conducting the meeting and may, at his or her own discretion, or when requested by any member of Fire Board, call the meeting back to order, and continue the meeting in strict compliance with Roberts Rules of Order.

Fire Board shall be empowered to purchase equipment, supplies and services throughout the year as identified in the approved Town of Bloomsburg Fire Department budget or the Company’s Fire Related budget.  Fire Board will approve all fire related purchases costing over Two hundred dollars ($200.00).

Fire Board shall assist the Chief in the preparation of the Town of Bloomsburg Fire Department budget and the Company’s Fire Related budget.  Fire Board will approve these budgets before they are submitted to the Town and the Budget Committee.  All changes to these budgets will be approved by Fire Board.

In addition to Roberts Rules of Order the following rules shall apply to Fire Board meetings:

All matters or questions to be voted upon by Fire Board shall be put forth in the form of a motion.  Once moved, the motion must be seconded.  After the second the matter or question shall be discussed or debated.  The Chief shall control the debate or discussion, and decide, in accordance with the Rules of Order, when the matter shall be voted upon.  When appropriate, the Chief shall bring the meeting to order, ask the Secretary to read the question or matter, and the Chief shall ask for the vote.

Voting on matters before Fire Board shall be by means of verbal ayes and nays.  The Chief shall determine which is the majority unless requested by any member in attendance for a count of the ayes and nays.  When a count is taken the Secretary shall note in the minutes the count taken.

2.2.24.5 Fire Prevention Committee

The Fire Prevention Committee shall consist of at least five members appointed annually by the President with one of these members appointed as Chairperson.  At least two members of the committee shall be Active Members.  The Fire Prevention Committee shall meet at least on a quarterly basis and shall report its activities to the Department monthly.

2.2.24.6 Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee shall consist of at least five members appointed annually by the President with one of these members appointed as Chairperson.  The President may replace the Chairperson and members as needed.

The Fundraising committee shall review and make recommendations regarding various aspects of the Department’s fundraising capabilities, including but not limited to, fundraising projects, support for fundraising projects, locating other sources of revenue, procedures, timing of projects, etc.

The Fundraising Committee shall directly oversee all of the Department’s fundraising activities and shall work in conjunction with other appointed committees to insure fundraising success.

2.2.24.7 House Committee

The House Committee shall consist of three members appointed annually by the President with one of these members appointed as Chairperson.  The House Committee shall meet at least on a quarterly basis and shall report to the Department on its activities at the monthly meetings.

The House Committee shall be responsible for providing refreshments and meals for all Department functions, when called for by the President or Chief.

2.2.24.8 Fire Police Committee

The Fire Police Committee shall consist of the Fire Police Captain, lieutenant, Sergeant, and Corporal and be chaired by the Fire Police Captain.  The Committee will meet on the 2^nd Thursday of the month to discuss and review any special events coming up in the future that will require Fire Police services.  The Committee will also discuss the need for new equipment needed to perform their duties and shall make recommendations to the Department regarding the same.

2.2.24.9 Bylaw Committee

The Bylaw Committee shall consist of three members appointed annually by the President with one of these members appointed as Chairperson.  The Bylaw Committee shall meet at least on a quarterly basis and shall report to the Department on its activities at the March, June, September, and December meetings.

The Bylaw Committee shall review all changes to the Department Constitution and By-Laws that have been submitted to the President.  The Committee may alter the submission for clarity or grammatical correctness only.  The Committee shall review the submission for any legal or procedural ramifications.  The Committee shall recommend acceptance or rejection of each submission at the next meeting as stated above.

2.2.24.10 Audit Committee

The Audit Committee shall consist of three members appointed annually by the President with one of these members

appointed as Chairperson.  Neither the Treasurer nor the Financial Secretary may sit on this committee.  The Audit Committee shall meet at least once a year and report on it’s activities and findings at the December meeting.

The Audit Committee shall complete a full audit of the Department’s financial records at least once a year reporting their findings at the December meeting.  The Committee shall review all fundraising records in addition to the records kept by the Treasurer and Financial Secretary.  The Committee may make recommendations to the Treasurer, Financial Secretary and other funding committees during their report to the Department.  The Treasurer must respond to these recommendations at the next Department meeting, after consulting with any other affected parties.

The Audit Committee, although independent, shall report directly to the President.

2.2         Prerequisites for Election to Office

2.3.1           General

In addition to other requirements set forth elsewhere herein, all candidates for administrative offices must be an Active Member or Social Member in good standing, as defined in section 5.4. Proposed candidate must have a permanent address in the Town of Bloomsburg, or within a 15 mile radius of the Town of Bloomsburg

In addition to other requirements set forth elsewhere herein, all candidates for line officer offices, must have been an Active Member in good standing for the 2 years immediately preceding the year in which the candidate is to serve, if elected.

A line officer candidate, with the exception of fire police officers, shall meet the Department guidelines regarding the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.

2.3.2           Specific prerequisites for Office

Where requirements for training are specified, the training shall be accredited by the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, the National Fire Academy, the Pennsylvania Department of Heath, or other recognized college or accreditation facility, or consists of materials and training approved in advance by the Department.

In order for the training to be credited to the candidate, the candidate must have met all attendance requirements of the course and successfully passed all parts of the course.  In addition, if training requires periodic updates or refreshers, the candidate must maintain current accreditation.

To remain qualified for their positions, all firefighter Line Officers shall be required to take and complete one Pennsylvania State Certified Course; in the Structural Fire, Apparatus, Hazardous Material, Rescue, Fire Police, or Command/Management/Instructor tracks, of no less then sixteen (16) hours duration every five years.  No course shall be repeated more than once every ten (10) years.

To remain qualified for their positions, all fire police Line Officers shall be required to take and complete one Pennsylvania State Certified Course in the Fire Police track every 5 years.

Should a Line Officer candidate not stay current with the training requirements as stated above, they shall make up the missing training courses and complete one additional course before becoming re-eligible for office.

2.3.2.1    Chief Candidates for the office of Chief shall meet all of the requirements of Deputy Chief or First Assistant Chief and shall have held office of Deputy or First Assistant Chief for a minimum of 2 years.

2.3.2.2 Deputy Chief 

Candidates for the office of Deputy Chief shall meet all of the requirements of Assistant Chief

2.3.2.3    Assistant Chief

Candidates for the office of Assistant Chief shall meet all of the requirements of Second Assistant Chief.

2.3.2.4      Second Assistant Chief

Candidates for the office of Second Assistant Chief shall meet all of the requirements of at least two of the three captains positions, shall have held the office of Captain 20, 30, or 40 for a minimum of 2 years, shall be a certified Driver of all Department apparatus, shall reside within approximately five (5) miles of the Town of Bloomsburg, and shall have the following additional training:

              Arson Detection

              Hazardous Materials Operations

              Basic Fire Police

                NIMS 400

2.3.2.5      Rescue Chief

Candidates for the office of Rescue Chief shall meet all of the requirements of at least two of the three captain positions, shall have held the office of Captain 20, 30, or 40 for a minimum of 2 years, shall be a certified Driver of all Department apparatus, shall reside within approximately five (5) miles of the Town of Bloomsburg, and shall have the following additional training:

               Arson Detection

               Hazardous Materials Operation

               Basic Fire Police

                NIMS 400

               Certification in at least two forms of technical rescue operations (i.e. water rescue, vehicle rescue, rope rescue, trench rescue, tactical rescue, etc.)

2.3.2.6    Captain 20

Candidates for the office of Captain 20 shall meet all of the requirements of Lieutenant, shall have held the office of Lieutenant for a minimum of 2 years, shall be a certified driver of all apparatus under his/her control, shall reside within approximately five (5) miles of the Town of Bloomsburg and shall have the following additional training:

An Advanced firefighting course as determined by current state requirements or Certification as Firefighter 1

                Fire Ground tactics

                Engine Company Operations

                NIMS 300

2.3.2.7    Captain 40

Candidates for the office of Captain 40 shall meet all of the requirements of Lieutenant, shall have held office of Lieutenant for a minimum of 2 years, shall be a certified driver of all apparatus under his/her control, shall reside within approximately five (5) miles of the Town of Bloomsburg and shall have the following additional training:

An Advanced firefighting course as determined by current state requirements or Certification as Firefighter 1

                Fire Ground tactics

                Truck Company Operations

                NIMS 300

2.3.2.8    Captain 30 Candidates for the office of Captain 30 shall meet all of the requirements of Lieutenant, shall have held office of Lieutenant for a minimum of 2 years, shall be a certified driver of all apparatus under his/her control, shall reside within approximately five (5) miles of the Town of Bloomsburg and shall have the following additional training:

An Advanced firefighting course as determined by current state requirements or Certification as Firefighter 1

                Fire Ground tactics

                Hazardous Materials Technician or Hazardous Materials Operations

                Certification in at least one form of technical rescue operations

                NIMS 300

2.3.2.9    Fire Police Captain & Lieutenant

Candidates for the Fire Police Captain and Fire Police Lieutenant offices shall be first line fire police, shall reside in the town of Bloomsburg or within a 10-mile radius of the town of Bloomsburg, shall have served as Fire Police Sergeant or Corporal for a minimum of 1 year, shall be a driver of the fire police apparatus, and shall have the following additional training:

                Advanced Fire Police

2.3.2.10      Lieutenant

Candidates for the office of Lieutenant shall be a certified driver of one of the Department’s engines. ladder, or air truck for a minimum of one year, shall be certified on the piece of equipment they are elected to, and shall have the following additional training:

                Basic Firefighting/Essentials of Firefighting - Basic Modules 1, 2. 3. and 4 or certification as Firefighter I

                Basic Pump Operations (except for Air 33)

                NIMS 200

2.3.2.11 Lieutenant 37

Candidates for the office of Lieutenant 37 shall be a certified driver of Rescue 37 for a minimum of one year, shall be certified on the piece of equipment they are elected to, and shall have the following additional training:

                Basic Firefighting/Essentials of Firefighting - Basic Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 or certification as Firefighter I

                Hazardous Material Technician or Hazardous Material Operations

                NIMS 200

2.3.2.12   Lieutenant 31

Candidates for the Medical Lieutenant office shall be a full active member of the Department for a minimum of one year, and have the following minimum training.

               Basic Firefighting/ Essentials of Firefighting – Basic Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 or certification as Firefighter I

               Hazmat Awareness

 Current certification as an Emergency Medical Responder (Pennsylvania Department of Health) or EMT (Pennsylvania Department of Health

                NIMS 200

2.3.2.13 Fire Police Sergeant & Corporal

Candidates for the Fire Police Sergeant and Fire Police Corporal offices shall be first line fire police, shall be Active Members of the Fire Police for a minimum of 2 years, and shall be a driver of the fire police apparatus.

2.3.2.14 Apparatus Driver/Operator

Candidates for the Apparatus Driver/Operator position shall be at lest 21 years of age, shall be an Active Member of the Department for a minimum of one year, shall have a valid Pennsylvania Vehicle Operator’s License, and shall have the following minimum training:

                Basic Firefighting/Essentials of Firefighting - Basic Modules 1,2,3, and 4 or certification as Firefighter I

                Basic Pump Operations (Except for Air 33 or Rescue 37)

                Emergency Vehicle Operations

                Hazmat Awareness

                NIMS 700 and 100

2.3.2.15 Fire Police

Candidates for Fire Police shall be at least 18 years of age, shall not have a felony conviction, and shall be sworn into office and shall have the following minimum training:

                Basic Fire Police

                Haz-Mat Awareness

                NIMS 700 and 100

2.3.2.16 Fire Police Driver/Operator

Candidates for the Fire Police Driver/Operator position shall be at least 21 years of age, shall be an Active Member of the Department for a minimum of one year, shall have a valid Pennsylvania Vehicle Operator’s License, and shall have the following minimum training:

                Basic Fire Police

                Emergency Vehicle Operations

                Haz-Mat Awareness

NIMS 700 and 100

2.3.3       Consolidation Exemptions

With the consolidation of the four companies into the Bloomsburg Fire Department, not all potential line officer candidates will have had an opportunity to be trained on all of the Department’s equipment or meet new training requirements for and office.

During the first two years after the adoption of these By-Laws, any Active Member running for any of the Chief or Captain positions who meets all but one of the training requirements for the position and is certified on four pieces of the Department’s apparatus may still run for that office.  After the second year all candidates for line officer offices must meet all of the requirements stated elsewhere herein.

Any Active Member that has held the Chief’s, Assistant Chief’s or Captain’s office for two years between January 1, 1991, and the adoption of these By-Laws shall be deemed as having met the Captain’s term of office requirement as stated elsewhere herein.  Also, the same shall apply to the Lieutenant’s position.

Any Active Member that has held the Fire Police Captain’s of Fire Police Lieutenant’s office for two years between January 1, 1991, and the adoption of these By-Laws shall be deemed as having met the Fire Police Lieutenant’s term of office requirements as stated elsewhere herein.

Any Active Member that resigns their Department membership shall not be eligible for the exemptions listed elsewhere herein.

2.4          Election of Officers

2.4.1       Time of Election

Nominations of officers shall take place at the regular November monthly meeting.

Election of officers shall take place annually at the regular December monthly meeting.

2.4.2       Terms of Office

Elected Officers term of office shall begin on January 1 of the new year.  Term of office shall run until January 1 of the following year.

All officers shall serve a term of one year with the exception of the officers listed below.

The Trustees shall serve staggered terms of two years.  Each year the Department shall elect at lest three Trustees.

The Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Rescue Chief, Fire Police Captain and Fire Police Lieutenant shall each serve a term of two years.

(This amendment shall take effect for the elections held in December 2015.)

2.4.3           Nomination of Officers

At the regular November monthly meeting the President shall open the nominations for officers to the floor.

Any Active Member shall be permitted to make a nomination for the line offices.

Any member, except Probationary Members, shall be permitted to make a nomination for the administrative offices.

Members may not nominate themselves.

The Recording Secretary shall verify all names nominated from the floor for office eligibility.  Any member nominated for office that is not eligible in accordance with these By-Laws shall not be permitted to rum for election.

Upon vote of the Department, the nominations shall be closed.

After the closing of election nominations, the President shall appoint three election tellers who shall verify all names nominated from the floor for offices shall meet the established eligibility guidelines.  Any member nominated for office who is not eligible for that office in accordance with these By-Laws shall not be permitted to run for that elected position.  The three election tellers will work with the department secretary or assistant secretary to review the nominated members’ files to certify that their training meets department By-Laws.  The three election tellers will be responsible for contacting nominated individuals if questions occur during their training verification investigation.

No nominations shall be made on the night of elections except in the case where no one had been previously nominated for an office, or all nominees for an office decline or withdraw.  If nominations are made on the night of elections, those nominations shall be subject to verification of eligibility by the three election tellers prior to election. *Amended

2.4.4       Voting Eligibility

2.4.4.1    Standing

Only members in good standing shall be permitted to vote or cast a ballot for election of Department officers.

Active Members shall be permitted to vote for all administrative and line officer.

All other members shall be permitted to vote for administrative offices only.

2.4.4.2    Meeting Attendance

Only members who have attended (as attested to by the Recording Secretary’s minutes) a minimum of three (3) regular business meetings in the calendar year immediately preceding  the election being conducted, shall be permitted to vote or cast a ballot for election of officers.

Members who have a valid excuse may request a waiver of the above requirement.  A valid documented excuse may be employment, schooling or other recognized responsibilities that prevent the member from regular meetings.

The Executive Board shall be responsible to decide whether a waiver should be granted.  The request for a waiver must be applied for at the November meeting to allow the Executive Board time to review and approve the waiver.

2.4.4.3    Probation

No member on any probation at the time of election shall be permitted to vote or cast a ballot for election of officers.

2.4.5       Election Procedure

2.4.5.1    Voting Eligibility

Prior to commencing the vote for election of officers, the President and Recording Secretary shall confirm the voting eligibility of all members in attendance at the meeting.

Only those members eligible, as stated elsewhere herein shall be permitted to vote or cast a ballot for election of officers.

2.4.5.2    Campaigning

All campaigning shall be done in a courteous and professional matter.  No member shall degrade, lie or otherwise attempt to defame an opponent.  No campaigning shall be permitted inside the building where the elections are being held on the night of the election.

2.4.5.3    Rule limiting Number of Offices

No member shall be permitted to hold more than one elected administrative and one elected line officer’s position during the same term in the Department.  The only exception is as stated in Section 2.4.5.7 below.

No member shall hold the office of Chief and any other administrative office concurrently.

2.4.5.4    Ballots

Election of department officers shall be by written ballot

.

The three election tellers shall supply the department secretary or assistant secretary with a list of eligible candidates for each office and the secretary or assistant secretary will have prepared a written ballot preprinted with the names of the eligible candidates nominated in accordance with Section 2.4.3 above. 

Space shall be provided for a write-in for each office. 

The three election tellers will distribute ballots to the members present who have attended (as attested by the recording secretary’s minutes) a minimum of three (3) regular business meetings in the calendar year immediately preceding the election being conducted.  These eligible members will be permitted to cast a ballot for the election of officers.  The three election tellers will then collect and count the ballots when all eligible members have voted.

The voting members in attendance shall write in the names of the nominated candidates in the event nominations are required on the night of the election.

No absentee ballots shall be permitted.

Prior to commencing the balloting, the President shall appoint three election tellers who shall collect and count the ballots when all eligible members have voted.

The election tellers shall be members not nominated or running for any office and shall not have openly campaigned for any member nominated or running for office.

The tellers shall accurately and fairly tabulate the votes cast on each ballot and turn over all ballots and the tabulation sheet to the President.

The President shall then announce the results of the voting to the members present.

2.4.5.5    Majority Required to Elect

A majority of vote’s cast shall be required to elect any candidate.

When more that two (2) members are nominated for an office and none receives a simple majority on the first ballot, the nominee receiving the fewest votes shall be removed from the ballot and the eligible members in attendance shall vote again for that office on a second ballot or until one candidate receives a majority.

2.4.5.6    Ineligible Write-in

In the event a write-in candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, and that write-in candidate is not eligible for office in accordance with these By-laws, the President shall announce to the meeting that the candidate is not eligible to hold office, and a second ballot shall be cast for that office.

2.4.5.7    No Candidate for Office

In the event that no eligible candidate is nominated, all nominee’s decline or withdraw, or if an office is vacant for any reason after elections are held, the President shall be empowered to appoint an eligible member to the vacant office.  The appointed member is this case, shall be permitted to hold one other administrative and/or line officer’s position.

2.4.5.8    Posting of Election Results

Upon completion and announcement of election of Officers, the President shall post, in a conspicuous place, the results of the balloting clearly indicating the winning candidate.  The actual member of votes cast for each candidate shall not be included in the posting, but shall be included in the Recording Secretary’s minutes of the meeting.

Any member may view the information in the recording Secretary’s minutes detailing the actual number of votes cast for candidates.

2.4.5.9    Request for Recount

Any candidate may, upon posting of the election results, request of the President a recount of the ballots.

If a recount request is made, the recount shall be performed again by the tellers in the presence of the President, the candidate making the request and any other candidates wishing to be present.

At the conclusion of the recount, the voting shall stand as recounted and the candidate making the request may not again request a recount.

Other candidates may request a second recount.

Recount requests can only be made until the meeting at which the election is held is adjourned.  Once the election meeting is adjourned, no recount requests shall be permitted and the ballots shall be destroyed.

Article 3

Meetings

3.1          Meeting Schedule

The Department shall hold a regular meeting for the purpose of conducting Department business on the third (3^rd) Tuesday of each month.  The time of the meeting shall be 19:00 hours.

Fifteen (15) members in good standing shall constitute a quorum and be required to conduct business at any Department meeting.

The President shall order special meetings when a written request is received stating the purpose of the meeting and ten members in good standing sign the request.  The Chief may direct the President to call a special meeting in accordance with other Articles herein.

If a special meeting is properly requested, the President shall set the time and date of the meeting as soon as possible and notify as many members as possible by public announcement and other means so that a quorum, as stated elsewhere herein, can be gathered for the meeting.  The notification of members shall state the time, date and place of the meeting, and state it’s purpose.

The special meeting shall be conducted, minutes taken, and roster collected as with regular meetings except that the only business to be conducted is the discussion and resolution of the matter for which the special meeting was called.

A quorum shall be required for any action to be taken as a Special Meeting.

The Department shall set and establish a weekly work/training night.

3.2                Meeting Procedures

3.2.1       General

All members shall be expected to attend the monthly Department meetings.  During the monthly Department meetings the building shall be closed to all other activities, unless the President authorizes an exception.

Meetings shall be conducted in an orderly, polite and considerate manner.  Rules of Order shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Latest Edition.

The meetings may be conducted in an informal manner rather that in strict compliance with the Rules of Order so long as the meeting remains orderly, polite, considerate and productive.  The President is responsible for conducting the meeting and may, at his or her own discretion, or when requested by any member of the Department, call the meeting back to order, and continue the meeting in strict compliance with Roberts Rules of Order.

In addition to Roberts Rules of Order the following rules of order shall apply to Department meetings:

All matters or questions to be voted upon by the Department shall be put forth in form of a motion.  Once moved, the motion must be seconded.  After the second the matter or question shall be discussed or debated.  The President shall control the debate or discussion, and decide, in accordance with the Rules of Order, when the matter shall be voted upon.  When appropriate, the President shall bring the meeting to order, ask the Recording Secretary to read the question or matter, and the President shall ask for the vote.

Voting on matter’s before the Department, except election of officers as stated elsewhere herein, shall be by means of verbal ayes and nays.  The President shall determine which is the majority unless requested by any member in attendance for a count of the ayes and nays.  When a count is taken the Recording Secretary shall note in the minutes the count taken.

3.2.2           Order of Business

3.2.2.1    Call to Order

Te President shall call the meeting to order as near the stated meeting time as possible.

The President shall lead the Department in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.2.2.2    Roll Call

Immediately upon calling the meeting to order, the President shall direct the recording Secretary to call and record in the minutes, the role of members in attendance.  Alternately, a roster may be placed in a conspicuous place for attending members to sign as they arrive at the meeting.  Each member shall sign only his or her own name.

Immediately after the Call of Order, the President shall collect the roster and direct the Recording Secretary to enter the attending members names into the minutes.

Only those members in attendance at the time the President calls the meeting to order shall have their names included in the minutes as being in attendance.

Members arriving after the call to order shall be permitted to attend the meeting, but shall not be included in the minutes as having attended and shall not have a vote in matters brought before the Department.

Any member who leaves the meeting prior to adjournment shall have their name stricken from the minutes as an attendee.

Exceptions to the attendance rules shall include arriving late or leaving prior to adjournment due to employment commitment’s, response of the Department to an emergency, or other similar reasons acceptable to the Department.

3.2.2.3    Guests

Any person who is not a member of the Department, and who wishes to address the Department, and has been invited to do so in advance, shall be introduced and allowed to speak or otherwise make a presentation to the Department.  The guest shall then be required to leave the meeting as stated elsewhere herein.

3.2.2.4    Reading of the Previous Minutes

The Recording Secretary shall read the minutes of the previous months regular meeting, and special meetings conducted since the last regular meeting.  Corrections, if needed, shall be noted and made, and upon motion and vote of the Department the minutes shall be accepted.

3.2.2.5    Reports

The following reports shall be made at each regular Department meeting, and submitted in writing, to the recording Secretary for inclusion in the minutes:

Treasurer’s Report

Chief’s Report

Financial Secretary’s Report

Relief Association’s Report

Trustee’s Report

Department Committee Reports

3.2.2.6    Consideration of New Members

Application(s) for membership shall be read and voted upon as stated elsewhere herein.

3.2.2.7    Old Business

Outstanding and pending matters before the Department shall be discussed and when appropriate, voted upon or otherwise resolved.

3.2.2.8    New Business

New matters shall be brought before the Department for consideration, discussion, and when appropriate, voted upon or otherwise resolved.

3.2.2.9    Financial Business

The receipts and bills received for the month shall be read, and approval of the bills for payment shall be by majority vote of the Department.

3.2.2.10   Election of Officers

Officers shall be nominated and elected at this point in the meeting in accordance with other sections of these By-Laws.

3.2.2.11 For the Good of the Order

Matter of general interest to the Department shall be raised during this part of the meeting.  Such matters may include but are not limited to: reading of cards of thanks, upcoming training sessions, special work sessions, etc.

3.2.2.12 Adjournment

The President shall adjourn the meeting upon majority vote of the Department.

Article 4

Disciplinary Actions and Penalties

4.1                Actions of Members

All members shall conduct themselves in a dignified, professional manner at all times when acting with or on behalf of the Department.

No member shall steal from the Department, intentionally destroy or damage Department vehicles, equipment, building, furnishings or other Department property.

No member shall give the combination or key to any lock on any Department property to any unauthorized person not a member of the Department.

No member shall use or reside in or on any Department property.  Nor shall any member use any Department property for his or her own personal gain.  In the event of unusual, emergency, or extenuating circumstances the President, at his or her discretion, may temporarily waive this regulation.

Department equipment or other Department property may only be used or removed for personal use by members with the permission of three (3) Trustees.  In addition, tactical equipment must be approved by the Chief.

Disorderly conduct and illegal gambling is prohibited in or on all Department property.

Actions outside of Department functions or events that may adversely effect the Department in anyway, shall be prohibited.

All members shall act in a safe manner, both personally and toward other members and the public at all times whether at an emergency scene, training session, work or social function, etc.

All members shall maintain the highest moral standards both in and out of Department functions.

No member shall lie about, falsely accuse, or otherwise defame any other member.

No members shall be permitted to remain active, and may be expelled from the Department, as stated elsewhere herein, who is convicted of a serious criminal offense that in the opinion of the Department, may adversely effect the Department, it’s membership, or their ability to work with the convicted member.

All members shall comply fully with the spirit of the Department Constitution and By-Laws.  Grammatical and semantic arguments in regards to these documents, when used as reasons or excuses for actions, will not be permitted.

4.2          Procedure for Violations

4.2.1       Violation to be Brought Before the Grievance Committee

Any member who witnesses or becomes aware of any action of any member that violates the letter or spirit of the Department Constitution and By-Laws shall immediately make the President or Chief aware of the actions.

The President and Chief shall then meet with the accused member or otherwise investigate the allegations.

If it is found that there is reasonable evidence supporting the accusation, and in their opinion the action warrants, the President and Chief may, only at their unanimous discretion place the accused on probation, in accordance with procedures set forth elsewhere herein and refer the matter to the Grievance Committee for resolution.

The Grievance Committee shall immediately have a meeting to hear the grievance and the accused shall then have the right to be heard by the Committee.

The accused shall not be present during the hearing of the grievance and evidence of the same, nor shall the accused be present during the subsequent discussion of the matter.

The accused may be called into the meeting for the purpose of further explanation of clarification.

4.3          Actions and Remedies for Violations

Once a violation of any member is brought before the Committee, the Committee may act in one or a combination of the following manners within the procedures set forth elsewhere herein:

1.                   Decide the accusations are unfounded or insignificant and drop the matter.

2.                   Issue a written reprimand.

3.                   Require the violating member to reimburse the Department for damages.

4.                   Place the member on probation.

5.                   Suspend the member.

6.                   Expel the member.

7.                   Order the President to file Criminal Charges.

The Grievance committee shall announce its recommendation for action at the next regular monthly meeting of the Department who must then approve the action.

Any action taken by the Department regarding a violation must be by means of majority vote after the Department action is moved and seconded.

4.3.1       Dropping of a Matter

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, upon the recommendation of the Committee, the Department may decide that no action is necessary and upon motion, second and majority vote, drop the matter.

If, after hearing a recommendation of the Committee, there is no majority vote or no motion or second, the matter shall be dropped.

If the matter is dropped, no record of the accusation shall be placed in the members permanent file.

4.3.2       Issuance of a Written Reprimand

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, the Committee may decide that violation warrants only a written reprimand.

The written reprimand shall be in a form established by the Committee and approved by the Department as stated above.

The written reprimand shall be placed in the violating member’s permanent file.

When, in the opinion of the Department, a sufficient number of written reprimands have been issued to any member, that member shall be subject to review by the Committee for further disciplinary action.

Written reprimands shall be maintained in member’s files for a minimum period of 2 years.  All written reprimands will remain in a member’s file until 2 years without the issuance of additional written reprimands has passed.  If no other written reprimands are issued in that 2-year period, the written reprimand will be removed from the member’s permanent file.

The President and Chief must sign written reprimands, and receipt by the accused must be acknowledged on the reprimand.

4.3.3       Require Reimbursement

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, the Committee may vote that the accused member shall reimburse the Department for the actual repair or replacement cost of any damages.

The Department may vote to require payment in full immediately, may establish a repayment plan, or may seek reimbursement through the local magistrate or court.

4.3.4           Probation

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, the Committee may decide to place the accused member on probation in accordance procedures stated elsewhere herein.

Probation shall be for a specified time period and state clearly the limits placed on the accused member.

A member placed on probation may be restricted in activities, i.e.; prohibited from responding to emergencies or participating in social events, may be restricted from operating vehicles, or etc.

If a member is placed on probation, the member shall be notified in writing by the President and the Chief and the member shall sign the probation reprimand acknowledging its receipt.

Any member placed on probation shall forfeit their right to vote on all matters before the Department for the duration of the probation.

4.3.5           Suspension

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, the Committee may decide to suspend the accused from all Department activities and functions for a specified period of time.

Suspension shall differ from probation in that when suspended, a member may not participate in any Department related activity, including emergency incidents, training, social functions, etc.

If a member is suspended, the member shall be notified in writing by the President and Chief and the member shall sign the suspension reprimand acknowledging its receipt.  The member shall immediately turn in any and all equipment that has been issued to the member, which will be held by the Chief until the member has been reinstated.

4.3.6       Expulsion

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, the Committee may decide to expel the member from Department.

If a member is expelled from the Department, the member shall be notified in writing by the President and Chief.

Any member expelled from the Department shall immediately turn in any and all equipment issued to the member.

Any member expelled from the Department shall not be eligible for reinstatement at any time.

4.3.7       Criminal Charges

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, the Committee may decide to press criminal charges against the accused member.

If criminal charges are to be filed against the accused member, the President and chief will notify the proper authorities.

4.4          Appeals Procedures for Accused Members

After the action of the accused member and supporting evidence has been heard by the Committee, and the Committee has made its decision with regards to action to be taken against the accused member which has been approved by a majority vote of the Department, and the accused member has been duly notified of the Department’s decision, the accused member shall have the right to appeal the decision to the President and request a trial before the Executive Board.

If an appeal is requested, the request must be within 15 days of the accused member’s receipt of the Department’s written notification to the accused member.

If such an appeal and Executive Board trial are requested by the accused member, the President shall immediately inform the members of the Executive Board who will sit as the jury at the requested trail with the exception of the Vice-President.

The jury shall set a timely date and time for the trail. Notify the accused and the Vice-President, who shall act as the prosecutor, and conduct the trial by hearing the arguments for and against the accused.

No member of the Executive Board who is either an accuser or a witness may sit on the jury.  If there are less than five (5) members of the Executive Board who are eligible to sit on the jury than the Chiefs shall also sit on the jury, provided they are neither an accuser or a witness.

If the accused fails to appear for the trail, the charges and subsequent action of the Department shall stand and be immediately executed.

If in the majority opinion of the jury, the accused is guilty of the offenses for which he/she is accused, the jury shall by majority vote uphold the actions of the Department at the next regular meeting.

The Recording Secretary shall be present at the trail and record minutes of all proceedings.  The Recording Secretary shall then read the minutes of the trail to the Department at the next regular meeting.

4.5    Fire Related Disciplinary Actions

4.5.1

This by-law establishes the procedures relevant to disciplinary action for fire related incidents.

4.5.2

In the event of a gross infraction of the Bloomsburg Fire Department Constitution, By-Laws or Standard Operating Guidelines, or in the event that a member commits a direct insubordinate act or disobeys a direct order during a firematic activity or incident, the Fire Chief or incident commander shall have the authority to invoke a fire ground suspension.  This suspension can take effect immediately.  If the member refuses to obey the order or to leave the scene or otherwise cease and desist from his or her actions, the Fire Chief or incident commander can have the member removed by a law enforcement officer.

4.5.3

A fire ground suspension can also be invoked if a member acts in an unsafe manner and commits acts that could endanger firefighters or civilians at the firematic activity or incident.

4.5.4

A fire ground suspension can be used to describe a suspension from any or all of the following activities.

A.      Response to fire incidents.

B.      Response to the fire station for the purpose of attending an incident.

C.      Participation in department level training.

D.      Operation of department equipment or apparatus.

4.5.5

Once the Fire Chief or incident commander has placed a member on fire ground suspension, he or she shall notify the department President in writing as soon as possible.  The President or designee, if the President is also a chief officer, shall then meet with the department chiefs to review the incident and decide if there should be further disciplinary action.  A firematic related suspension shall normally be for a period of thirty (30) days pending the result of the meeting of the chief officers.  After that meeting the suspension can be ended or extended for a period to be determined by the chief officers.

4.5.6

If the incident warrants further action, beyond the fire related sanctions, a grievance shall be filed to initiate further department action.

4.5.7

A written record of the incident shall be maintained by the department.  A copy of this record shall be forwarded to the firefighter(s) involved specifying all details of the incident and the type and length of the disciplinary action.  This record shall be mailed to the firefighter(s) involved within one week of the meeting of the chief officers.

Article 5

Dues, Fees and Other Assessments

5.1                Application Fee

At each December regular meeting of the Department, the Department shall set, by majority vote, the application fee to be charged all persons apply for membership in the Department for the coming year.

5.2          Annual Dues

At each December regular meeting of the Department, the Department shall set, by majority vote, the dues to be charged all members of the Department for the coming year.

All members, except Life members and Honorary members, shall be assessed the yearly dues established at the December regular meeting of the Department.

Yearly dies shall be due and payable at the beginning of each year and must be received by the Department no later than February meeting of the Department.  Any member not paying their dues by the February meeting of the Department shall be considered in default of their dues.

5.3          Other Assessments

The Department may from time to time establish, by majority vote, other fees and assessments to be imposed on it’s members as is necessary to reimburse the Department for expenses incurred in relation to specific events, functions or operations.  Such fee’s or assessments may include training class cost, equipment repair costs, social function expenses, etc.

5.4          Non Payment of Dues

Any member who is in default of payment of dues shall no longer be considered a member in good standing and shall lose their right to vote and hold office in the Department.

Any member who is in default of payment of dues shall not become a member in good standing and regain their right to vote on Department business and hold office in the Department until 24 hours after their dues have been paid and recorded by the Financial Secretary.

Any member who is in default of payment of dues shall not be eligible to vote in the election of officers unless their dues have been paid and recorded by the Financial Secretary before the start of the November meeting.

Any member, who is in default of payment of dues after the February meeting, shall be notified in writing, and if the dues are not brought current within 30 days of notification, the member shall be expelled from the Department.

Any member expelled for non-payment of dues may apply of re-instatement as with any other new member, including any new member application fees, except that the member applying for re-instatement must pay all back dues formerly owed the Department.

5.5          Military Exemption

Any member of the Department entering active military service shall be exempt from payment of dues for the period the member is in active military service.  The member on active military service shall be required to begin paying dues again the First January after the member’s active military service terminates.

Article 6

Gifts by the Department

6.1          Cash Gifts & Contributions Prohibited

Because the Bloomsburg Fire Department is a nonprofit volunteer organization, the Department shall not make any cash or other monetary contributions to any other organization, group, agency, or person.

This Article shall not however exclude, in any way, the Department from performing services to the public or acts of kindness that do not involve payment of money.

Article 7

Alterations, Amendments & Revisions

7.1          Alterations

For the purpose of the Article, an alteration to the Department Constitution or By-Laws shall mean a small or minor change to these documents that does not alter it’s basic meaning or spirit.  Such changes may include grammatical corrections, addition of clarifying statements, etc.

Any member at a regular monthly meeting may propose alterations to the above stated documents in the form of a motion.  Upon second and majority vote in favor, the alteration shall be made and become part of the altered document.

7.2          Amendments & Revisions

For the purpose of the Article, an amendment or revision to the Department Constitution or By-Laws shall mean a change or changes to one or more parts of the document(s) stated above, that amends or revises the meaning or spirit of the original document(s), and/or adds news procedures or requirements to the document(s).

Any member in good standing may submit in writing to the President at a monthly meeting, an amendment or revision to the Department Constitution or By-Laws, which has been signed by at least 12 members.  The President shall refer the amendment or revision to the Bylaw Committee for review.

The Bylaw committee shall review the amendment or revision for legal or procedural ramifications.  The Committee may only change the original submission for clarity or grammatical correctness.

The Bylaw Committee shall propose to the Department on a quarterly basis all submissions referred to it and make a recommendation of acceptance or rejection on the proposed change.

The proposed amendments or revisions will then be read by the President at 2 consecutive Department meetings before being voted upon.

After each of the two readings, the President shall call for discussion on the matter, and after the second reading and discussion, the Department shall vote upon the proposed amendments or revisions.

Adoption of the proposed amendments or revisions shall require a favorable two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present at the second reading.

Article 8

Proposal and Adoption

The By-Laws Committee respectfully submits these amended and revised Constitution and By-Laws to the Chairperson, of the Board of Directors of the Bloomsburg Fire Department for consideration of adoption.

The By-Laws Committee formally requests that these amendments and revisions be read aloud to the Department, so that the Department may comment on these amendments and provide direction to their appropriate Board members.

These Constitution and By-Laws shall take effect and be in force immediately upon their adoption.  Upon adoption of these Constitution and By-Laws, the current Chairperson of the board of Directors shall call a Department meeting on the first Thursday of the month following adoption for the purpose of nominating and electing officers.

The Administrative Officers elected will take office immediately and their term of office will carry over through the following year.

The Line Officers elected will take office at the 2^nd Department meeting after the occupation of the new firehouse.  The existing Line Officers and Fire Board will remain in command until the new line Officers take office.  The new Line Officers will meet after their election to office to develop the Department STOP manual.

End of By-Laws