Chapter 2.48
FIRE DEPARTMENT

Sections:

2.48.010    Establishment of fire department.

2.48.020    Incorporation.

2.48.030    Membership.

2.48.040    Officers.

2.48.050    Monthly drills.

2.48.060    Chief accountable to city council.

2.48.070    Ownership of fire department equipment.

2.48.080    Duties of chief.

2.48.090    Primary responsibility to city.

2.48.010 Establishment of fire department.

A department to be hereafter known as the “St. Helena Fire Department” of the city, hereinafter called the fire department, the primary purposes of which shall be the prevention and suppression of fire and the protection of life and property within the city limits is created. (Prior code § 5A.1)

2.48.020 Incorporation.

The fire department shall have the power to incorporate under the laws of the state and to adopt bylaws for its proper government. (Prior code § 5A.2)

2.48.030 Membership.

The fire department shall have not more than thirty (30) members unless authorized to have more members by resolution of the city council. Members shall be elected to the fire department in accordance with applicable provisions of the bylaws of the fire department. (Prior code § 5A.3)

2.48.040 Officers.

The officers of the fire department shall consist of a chief, a first assistant chief, a second assistant chief, a fire marshal, and company officers as may be provided by the bylaws of the fire department.

The chief shall be appointed by the city council. The chief shall be appointed every three years in February of the three year cycle. The fire department may recommend to the city council prior to appointment of a chief its choice or choices for chief.

The chief shall hold office until the chief’s successor is appointed.

The other officers of the fire department shall be selected as provided in the bylaws of the fire department. (Prior code § 5A.4)

2.48.050 Monthly drills.

The fire department shall conduct, at least twice a month, suitable drills or instruction in the operation and handling of equipment, first aid and rescue work, salvage, a study of buildings in the city, fire prevention, water supplies and all other matters generally considered essential to the safety of life and property from fire. (Prior code § 5A.5)

2.48.060 Chief accountable to city council.

The chief shall be accountable to the city council and shall make written and verbal reports to the city council as the city council may require. All other fire department officers and members shall be accountable to the chief. (Prior code § 5A.6)

2.48.070 Ownership of fire department equipment.

All the equipment now owned or which may be acquired hereafter by the fire department shall belong to the city. (Prior code § 5A.7)

2.48.080 Duties of chief.

The chief shall be responsible for the morale and general efficiency of the fire department, shall take charge of any fire that may occur, shall see that complete records are kept of all fires, inspections, apparatus and equipment, shall perform all duties imposed upon the chief by the bylaws of the fire department and by all laws, rules and regulations of any public agency. In the absence of the chief, the next ranking officer of the fire department shall discharge the chief’s duties and exercise the chief’s powers. (Prior code § 5A.8)

2.48.090 Primary responsibility to city.

The primary responsibility of the fire department is to provide fire protection and suppression to the territory within the city; provided, however, the city council may enter into agreements with the county or other public agencies to provide fire suppression services outside the city limits and to provide for mutual aid. (Prior code § 5A.9)