Chapter 2.9 Establishment of the Fire Department

2.9.10 Purpose of this Chapter

This Chapter governs the establishment of the City of La Habra Fire Department.

2.9.20 Established; Composition; Authority Generally

The Fire Department of the City is hereby created and established. The Fire Department shall consist of regular full-time, part-time and volunteer personnel under the command of the Fire Chief. All members of the Fire Department shall be governed by the departmental rules and regulations including such manuals of operation, drill manuals, by-laws and other rules as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief. All departmental rules, regulations, manuals of operation, drill manuals, by-laws and other rules shall be approved by the City Manager, except as otherwise directed by the City Council. In addition, all regular personnel shall abide by all personnel rules and regulations of the City of La Habra Heights that govern employees of the City and all volunteer personnel shall abide by such personnel rules and regulations and other policies of the City as are applicable to those personnel. No person, organization, association or corporation shall provide or conduct fire fighting rescue, and/or paramedic operations within the city limits of the City of La Habra Heights except the La Habra Heights City Fire Department, fire-fighting personnel from other local, state and federal agencies and such other individuals and organizations as are formally authorized by the City Council.

2.9.30 Fire Chief Position Created; Appointment

The unclassified position of Fire Chief of La Habra Heights is hereby created and established. The City Manager shall appoint the Fire Chief on the basis of his or her administrative and executive qualifications and abilities. The Fire Chief may be removed at any time with or without cause from his office by the City Manager. The City Manager shall supervise the Fire Chief and the Fire Chief shall be responsible to the City Manager. (Ord. 2010-05 § 1)

2.9.40 Powers and Duties of the Fire Chief

The Fire Chief shall be the operational head of the Fire Department and shall be responsible, under the direction of the City Manager, for the administration of all the affairs of the department within his or her jurisdiction. The Fire Chief shall direct all members of the department, both regular employees and volunteers, in the lawful exercise of their functions and shall have full authority to detail any fire department employee to such public safety service as he or she may direct. The Fire Chief shall have control of the engine houses and of the apparatus and equipment of the department. The Fire Chief shall cause to be put into effect rules and regulations to govern the operation of the Fire Department and shall establish such fire prevention rules, subject to the Uniform Fire Code, as are necessary. The Fire Chief shall also have charge of all fire, rescue and paramedic services.

2.9.50 Compensation of Volunteer Firefighters

There shall be paid to the volunteer firefighters such compensation for time and services provided as is established by resolution of the City Council.