Chapter 2.40
FIRE CHIEF

Sections:

2.40.010    Office created – Appointment.

2.40.020    Residence requirement.

2.40.030    Compensation.

2.40.040    Powers and duties.

For statutory provisions on the establishment of a fire department, see Gov. Code §38611.

2.40.010 Office created – Appointment.

The office of fire chief of the city is created and established. The fire chief shall be appointed by the administrative officer of the city, subject to ratification by the city council, and shall hold office at and during the pleasure of the administrative officer and of city council. (Prior code §9.1).

2.40.020 Residence requirement.

Residence in the city, at the time of appointment of the fire chief, shall not be required as a condition of appointment, but during his term of office he shall be required to be a resident of the city. (Prior code §9.2).

2.40.030 Compensation.

A. The fire chief shall receive such compensation as the city council shall from time to time determine and fix, and such compensation shall be a proper charge against such funds of the city as the city council designates.

B. The fire chief shall be reimbursed for all sums necessarily incurred or paid by him in performance of his duties, or incurred when traveling on business pertaining to the city under the direction of the city administrator. Reimbursement shall only be made, however, when a verified itemized claim, setting forth the sums expended for which reimbursement is requested, has been presented to the city administrator and approved by the city administrator and allowed by the city council. (Prior code §9.3).

2.40.040 Powers and duties.

A. The fire chief shall, under administrative direction of the city administrator, plan, organize and direct the activities of the fire department in preventing and extinguishing fires and in the protection of life and property against fire.

B. The fire chief shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of all property and equipment used by his department.

C. The fire chief shall plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the fire department personnel, including volunteer firemen and all fire-fighting and fire prevention apparatus and equipment. The fire chief shall be responsible for the enforcement of all applicable fire ordinances and codes.

D. The fire chief shall formulate departmental rules, procedures and policies in respect to the department; shall interview and hire prospective fire department employees, subject to the approval of the city administrator; and shall supervise a training program of his department and do related work as required.

E. The fire chief shall attend meetings, conferences and conventions of fire-fighting and fire prevention personnel shall confer with agents of other governmental jurisdictions, with the board of fire underwriters, with fire prevention bureaus and with the office of the State Fire Marshal.

F. The fire chief shall formulate an annual budget and estimate and recommend purchases of equipment and supplies for his department.

G. The fire chief shall devote his entire time to the duties of his office and the interests of the city.

H. The fire chief shall perform such other related duties and exercises and such other related powers as may be delegated to him from time to time by the city administrator or by the provisions of this code or other ordinance or resolution of the city council. (Prior code §9.4).