Township of Athens, PA Chapter 17 Fire Department

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Athens 3-26-1997 by Ord. No. 131. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 17-1 Recognition.

The Township of Athens hereby recognizes the Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company, which has been organized by residents of said Athens Township. No other organization dedicated to the fighting of fires is authorized to operate within the Township of Athens except for those acting under mutual aid or other agreement approved by the Athens Township Supervisors.

§ 17-2 Authority.

The Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company is hereby given all power, so far as the Township has power to grant the same, to enact such rules and regulations for the management and government of individual members thereof as shall be necessary for the proper maintenance and control of said volunteer fire department.

§ 17-3 Election of officers.

The members of Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company may elect from their number such officers as may be provided by the bylaws of the Fire Department.

§ 17-4 Powers and duties.

A. The Fire Department recognized by the Township is hereby authorized to provide such services to the Township as may be necessary for the protection of property and persons situate therein, which include, by way of example and not of limitation, the extinguishment and prevention of loss of life and property from fire, automobile accidents, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other dangerous situations.

B. The Fire Department may also provide nonemergency and public service functions, such as, again by way of example and not of limitation, removing water from property after storms and assisting in the removal, abatement and prevention of damage or injury to persons or property, whether through natural causes or man-made situations.

C. The Fire Department may also conduct and participate in such training activities and drills, either within or outside of the Township, as may be deemed necessary by the officers of the Fire Department to maintain proficiency in providing service.

D. The Fire Department may also respond to calls and provide services to municipalities outside of the Township.

§ 17-5 Authorized active, junior, part-time members and volunteers.

In addition to actually participating in the activities of the Fire Department as authorized above or in going to or returning from any activity authorized, the active, junior, part-time members and volunteers assisting with approved Fire Department activities of the Fire Department recognized by the Township are also authorized to do the following things:

A. Engage in any type of drill, training, ceremony, practice, test or parade when duly called for or authorized by an officer or officers of the Fire Department.

B. Engage in fund-raising activities for the Fire Department when authorized by an officer or officers of the fire company.

C. Engage in the performance of any other duty or activity authorized by any officer of the Fire Department.

§ 17-6 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to recognize the Fire Department as the official fire company of the Township and to state additional authorized activities for firefighters for workmen's compensation purposes.