A.
There shall be and hereby is established a Fire Department of the
City of Vineland, in the County of Cumberland, the head of which shall
be a Director, hereinafter known and identified as the "Director of
the Fire Department."
B.
Composition; organization.
(1)
The Fire Department shall consist of the following:
(a)
The established volunteer fire companies as follows:
Fire Company No. 1, located at 810 East Chestnut Avenue, formerly
consisted of the Pioneer Volunteer Company No. 1, Reliance Engine
No. 2 and Truck Company No. 1 of the former Borough of Vineland; Fire
Company No. 2 (South Vineland), located at 876 East Sherman Avenue;
Fire Company No. 3 (North Vineland), located at 185 West Forest Grove
Road; Fire Company No. 4 (Main Avenue), located at 1500 East Oak Road;
and the Fire Company No. 5 (Panther Road), located at 4450 Italia
Avenue, of the former Township of Landis; said respective fire companies
representing the merged and consolidated companies under the jurisdiction
and control of the City of Vineland as a result of consolidation of
the former Borough of Vineland and the former Township of Landis on
July 1, 1952, by a majority vote of the people of said municipalities
on February 5, 1952; the established career fire company, Fire Company
No. 6, located at 110 North 4th Street.
(b)
The City of Vineland Fire Department is headquartered at 110
North 4th Street.
(d)
A Fire Chief of the Fire Department to be designated duties as set forth in § 56-7 (hereinafter referred as the "Fire Chief").
(e)
A
Deputy Fire Chief of the Fire Department to be designated the duties
and responsibilities of the Chief of the Fire Department in his/her
absence. Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the Deputy Fire Chief
shall also assist in the management and discipline of the Fire Department.
The Deputy Fire Chief shall have and maintain a valid Incident Management
Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety,
Department of Community Affairs.
[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-28[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation
of former Subsection B(1)(e) through (i) as Subsection B(1)(f) through
(j), respectively.
(f)
Volunteer Fire District Chiefs (hereinafter referred to as "District Chiefs") as approved by the Director of the Fire Department as set forth in § 56-9 and the Fire Department organizational chart.
(g)
Volunteer Fire Deputy Chiefs as approved by the Director of the Fire Department as set forth in § 56-10 and the Fire Department organizational chart.
(h)
Fire Battalion Chiefs as set forth in the Fire Department organizational
chart.
[Added 12-12-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-70]
(j)
Firefighters in such numbers as shall be recommended by the
Director of the Fire Department, with the approval of the Mayor, and
designated by the City Council pursuant to budget appropriation therefor.
(2)
Establishment
of Division of Emergency Medical Services.
[Amended 5-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-31]
(a)
Establishment.
There be and is hereby established a Division of Emergency Medical
Services in the City of Vineland Fire Department.
(b)
Implementation.
The Division of Emergency Medical Services shall be implemented pursuant
to N.J.A.C. 8:40 and N.J.S.A. 26:2H-1 et seq.
(c)
Annual
report. A report of the Division of Emergency Medical Services shall
be made annually and transmitted to the Director of the Fire Department
for filing with the Mayor of the City of Vineland.
(d)
Duties.
The Division of Emergency Medical Services is to provide emergency
medical care and transportation within the boundaries of the City
of Vineland and to other medical facilities and jurisdictions as deemed
medically necessary and in accordance with a Mutual Aid Agreement
with the City of Vineland.
(e)
Third-party
payment plan.
[1]
The Director of the Fire Department and the Chief Financial Officer
of the City of Vineland shall be responsible for the third-party billing
program for emergency medical services.
[2]
The Director of the Fire Department, together with the Chief Financial
Officer, shall review annually the cost-accounting records for services
provided and to adjust the fees therefor.
[3]
A certified copy of this section shall be filed with the Director
of the Fire Department, Chief Financial Officer and applicable federal
and/or state agencies.
The Fire Department shall have exclusive jurisdiction over the
control, fighting and the extinguishment of any conflagration which
occurs within the City limit. The Fire Department shall:
A.
Provide fire-fighting service for the preservation of human life
and property through the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue
services and special hazardous materials mitigation throughout the
City.
B.
Investigate the origin, cause and circumstance of fires and report
every case of suspicion of arson to the Vineland Police Department
who will then notify the Prosecutor.
C.
Inspect and test any automatic or other fire alarm system or fire-extinguishing
equipment.
D.
Be authorized to enter upon, without fee or interference, all premises,
grounds, structures, buildings, vessels and passages whenever necessary
in the performance of its duties.
E.
Operate a training program to maintain and improve the fire-fighting
efficiency of the members of the Fire Department.
A.
All officers, subordinates and firefighters in the respective companies
comprising said Fire Department immediately prior to the passage of
this chapter shall continue in his/her respective capacities and shall
be subject to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations
of the Department to the same extent as new members.
B.
For the greater efficiency of the Department and to provide proper
and adequate fire protection throughout the City of Vineland, said
Fire Department shall have six companies divided into five districts.
Each company will be known and designated as "Company No. 1," "Company
No. 2," "Company No. 3," "Company No. 4," "Company No. 5" and "Company
No. 6."
A.
The Fire Department of the City of Vineland shall be headed by a
Director, who shall be known as the "Director of the Fire Department
of the City of Vineland."
B.
Said Director shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and
consent of the Council of the City of Vineland and shall serve only
during the term of office of the Mayor appointing him.
C.
The Director of the Fire Department shall be technically qualified
by training and experience in management and familiar with budgeting,
grant writing and supervision of employees. The Director shall have
not less than 10 years' experience in public safety (e.g., firefighter,
emergency management officer, emergency medical technician); firefighter
experience is preferred but not mandatory. In lieu of the 10 years'
experience, the Director shall have five years' experience in public
safety and shall have graduated with a degree from an accredited college
or university related to the qualifications specified herein.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-52]
A.
The Director of the Fire Department shall have general administrative
authority over the Department of Fire. He/she shall recommend to the
appointing authority the appointment of subordinate officers and employees
of said Department under his/her jurisdiction, which are herein or
which may hereafter be authorized by ordinance, subject to the provisions
of the laws of the State of New Jersey. The Director of the Fire Department
shall be required to serve in that capacity for such time as necessary
to carry out the duties of the Director of the Fire Department as
specified herein.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-52; 2-8-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-08]
B.
The Director of the Fire Department shall prepare and submit to the
Council of the City of Vineland, for its approval, a manual or set
of rules and regulations for the administration, control and discipline
of the Fire Department and all of its officers and members. Upon approval
by resolution of the City Council, said rules and regulations shall
go into effect, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to each officer
and member of the Department.
C.
The Director of the Fire Department may discipline fire officers
and firefighters within the Fire Department with input from the Fire
Chief.
D.
The Director of the Fire Department may, with the approval of the
Mayor, remove such fire officers and employees, subject to the provisions
of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 11, Civil Service.
E.
The Director of the Fire Department shall serve as the liaison to
the City administration and receive direction from the Mayor.
F.
The Director of the Fire Department shall prepare the Fire Department
budget and provide oversight on the expenditures of approved funds
and payroll.
G.
The Director of the Fire Department may issue administrative orders
of the Fire Chief.
H.
The Director of the Fire Department shall approve all fire line officers
for each company with input from the Fire Chief.
I.
The Director of the Fire Department shall preside at and serve as
the hearings officer with input from the Fire Chief on suspensions
and dismissals from the Fire Department unless otherwise directed
by the Business Administrator and/or City Solicitor with the consent
of the Mayor.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-52]
J.
The Director of the Fire Department shall review and approve standard
operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines and general orders proposed
by the Fire Chief.
K.
The Director of the Fire Department shall develop, implement and
revise administrative and personnel related SOPs as needed.
L.
When the Director also holds a certification as a Fire Official issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, he/she shall also assist in the performance of the necessary duties of the Fire Official as specified in N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq. and the Code of the City of Vineland § 372-1 et seq.
[Added 8-8-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-52]
M.
The Director shall also assist the local enforcing agency in the
enforcement of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Safety Act, N.J.S.A. 52:270-19
et seq. and the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq.
[Added 8-8-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-52]
A.
When the Fire Chief is not also the Director of the Fire Department,
orders or instructions regarding management, budgets, supervision
and/or department policies shall be issued to the Fire Chief by the
Director with the approval of the Mayor. All such orders or instructions
shall be recognized, carried out and obeyed by the Fire Chief and
all other members of the Fire Department. Such orders or instructions
shall not in any way conflict with the provisions of any ordinance
or law.
[Amended 8-8-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-52]
B.
The Fire Chief shall have control and general supervision and direction
of the Department of Fire for the preservation of human life through
the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services and special
hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
A.
When the Fire Chief is not also the Director of the Fire Department,
the Fire Chief shall assist the Director of the Fire Department in
the discharge of duties of the Director of the Fire Department, and
he shall have such other duties provided by law, under the direction
and authority, however, of the Director of the Fire Department.
B.
The Fire Chief shall have control and general supervision and direction
of the Department of Fire for the preservation of human life and property
through the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services
and special hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
C.
The Fire Chief shall be directly responsible to the Director of the
Fire Department for the efficiency and routine day-to-day operations
of the Fire Department.
D.
The Fire Chief shall preserve the discipline of the Department and
provide instruction to the subordinate Fire Department personnel in
the performance of his/her duties in connection with the services
provided.
E.
The Fire Chief, or his/her designee(s), shall inspect all equipment
in each station on at least a monthly basis, to see that all equipment
is clean, in its proper place and ready for service. A complete report
of the same shall be maintained by the Fire Chief or his/her designee(s).
F.
The Fire Chief with input from the Director of the Fire Department
shall:
(1)
Develop standard operating procedures, guidelines and general orders
with the approval of the Director of Fire.
(2)
Develop firefighter safety and health programs and operational programs
with the approval of the Director of Fire.
(3)
Recommend to the Director of Fire the appointment, discipline and
removal of fire officers, firefighters and employees.
(4)
Recommend and advise the Director of Fire on the budget of the Fire
Department and assist with the financial administration of the Department.
(5)
Oversee the Fire Department's role in fire prevention programs.
(6)
Ensure that all fire officers and firefighters are properly trained.
(7)
Provide the Director of Fire with monthly or other periodic reports
on the operations of the Fire Department as may be required.
A.
The career firefighter staff of the Fire Department shall consist
of those career firefighters in the employ of the Department at the
time of the passage and adoption of this chapter and such other and
additional career firefighters as may hereafter be designated by the
Council of the City of Vineland.
B.
The present career firefighters staff shall continue to enjoy the
privileges and legal status afforded them by statute.
C.
All career firefighter staff of the Department shall be subject to
discipline, suspension and removal for the good of the Department
in the manner prescribed by law (Title 11 of the New Jersey Statutes
Annotated); provided, however, that the Director of the Fire Department
may, after a formal hearing, prescribe reprimand, extra duty, deduction
in pay or reduction in rank, depending upon the gravity of the offenses.
D.
All career firefighters staff shall receive such salaries as may
be fixed by the Council of the City of Vineland in the compensation
schedules heretofore adopted or hereafter to be adopted in the Schedule
of Classified Positions and Applicable Salary Ranges in the Civil
Service of the City of Vineland.
E.
The personnel of the career firefighter staff of the Fire Department
shall consist of the ranks of Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Battalion
Chief and Captain and such other employees as recommended by the Director
of the Fire Department to the Mayor and City Council.
[Amended 12-12-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-70]
A.
Each volunteer company shall be in direct charge of a District Chief,
who shall be elected by the active volunteer members of each respective
company and approved by the Director of the Fire Department.
B.
Each District Chief shall be responsible to the Director of the Fire
Department for the efficient operation of his/her station.
C.
Each District Chief shall preserve the discipline of his/her company
and provide instruction to the subordinate Fire Department personnel
in the performance of his/her duties in connection with the emergency
services provided.
D.
Each District Chief, or his/her designee(s), shall inspect all equipment
in his/her charge each month to see that all equipment is clean, in
its proper place and ready for service. A complete report of the same
shall be made each month to the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
E.
Each District Chief shall keep or cause to be kept a record of the
fire and training attendance of each member of his/her station and
shall submit such to the Fire Chief or his designee. For this purpose
and for other clerical work of his/her station, the District Chief
may appoint one of his/her station members to assist in the performance
of these clerical duties.
F.
Each District Chief shall assist and make recommendations to the
Fire Chief on the control, general supervision, development of standard
operating procedures, guidelines and general orders and the direction
of the Department of Fire for the preservation of human life through
the extinguishment of fires, performance of rescue services and special
hazardous materials mitigation throughout the City.
A.
Each volunteer company shall elect from its members a Deputy Chief,
who shall, in the absence of his/her District Chief, exercise the
same duties and have the same powers as devolve upon the District
Chief. At all other times, the Deputy Chief shall perform such duties
as the District Chief may direct.
B.
In addition to the District Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs as aforesaid,
the active members of each company shall elect from among its members
a Captain, Lieutenant(s) and such other officers as may be necessary
and expedient for the efficient operation of each station.
A.
The membership of the Fire Department shall consist of the Fire Companies
herein organized and any new firefighters who may be approved for
membership by resolution of the City Council of the City of Vineland.
No person shall become a member unless:
B.
Volunteer staff:
(1)
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. Members must
be at least 18 years of age and not older than 45 years of age to
be accepted into the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. Members
over the age of 45 may still join, but will not be entitled to the
benefits of membership in the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.
(2)
Possess or be actively acquiring, within five years of joining the
Department, a high school diploma, GED certificate or graduating from
a vocational school. Current members who do not possess the required
diploma or certificate are exempt from this requirement.
(3)
Submit an application to the City of Vineland.
(4)
Possess a valid New Jersey driver license.
(5)
Successfully pass a medical examination administered by the Fire
Department's contracted occupational healthcare provider. The medical
examination will be performed utilizing NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical
Requirements for Firefighters.
(6)
Successfully pass a criminal background investigation, a drug screen,
a driver license abstract investigation and other tests as may be
required by the City of Vineland.
(7)
Successfully complete a course of training and obtain a Firefighter
I certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
Candidates currently possessing the said certification shall take
a challenge examination. The Fire Department's training officer or
his/her designee will administer the challenge examination.
(8)
Complete all additional training as may be required by state and/or
Fire Department regulations and procedures.
(9)
Perform periodic proficiency assessments to demonstrate skills and
abilities necessary for the Fire Department operations in accordance
with the most current Fire Department standard operating procedure.
(10)
Members shall comply with the rules and regulations of the relief
association, particularly those regulations which preclude the membership
of a volunteer in more than one fire company relief association.
C.
Career staff.
(1)
Career service competitive positions are made from eligible lists
compiled and approved by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission.
Candidates are ranked according to the result of an examination or
education/experience. Any employee who is not hired from such a list
to fill a position in the Career Service, Competitive Division, is
considered a provisional appointment. All hiring procedures are subject
to the N.J.A.C. Title 4A, and N.J.S.A. 11A.
(2)
Requirements are:
(a)
A citizen of the United States.
(b)
Resident preference.
(c)
High school or an equivalence certificate or vocational school
graduate.
(d)
Between the age of 18 and 35. Volunteer firefighters are not
to exceed 40 years of age prior to an appointment date.
(e)
Successfully pass a medical examination administered by the
Fire Department's contracted occupational healthcare provider. The
medical examination will be performed utilizing NFPA 1582, Standard
on Medical Requirements for Firefighters.
(f)
Successfully pass a criminal background investigation, a drug
screen, a driver license abstract investigation, a psychiatric exam
and other tests as may be required by the City of Vineland.
(g)
Possess a valid New Jersey driver license.
(h)
Successfully complete a course of training and obtain a Firefighter
I Certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.
Candidates currently possessing the said certification shall take
the challenge examination. The Fire Department's training officer
or his/her designee will administer the challenge examination.
(i)
Complete all additional training as may be required by state
and/or Fire Department regulations or procedures.
(j)
Perform periodic proficiency assessments in accordance with
the most current Fire Department standard operating procedure.
D.
Any member of the Department may be suspended or discharged from
the Department by the Director of the Fire Department at any time
the Director may deem such action necessary for the good of the Fire
Department. On written request of such member to the Director, he
shall be given a public hearing on the charges against him.
A.
The Department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment
which it now has and such as may be required from time to time to
maintain its efficiency and properly protect life and property from
fire and other hazards.
B.
Recommendations of apparatus and equipment needed shall be made by
the Director of the Fire Department and shall be purchased in such
a manner as may be designated by the City Council.
C.
All apparatus and equipment of the Department shall be safely, properly
and conveniently housed in such places as may be designated by the
Director of the Fire Department.
D.
Suitable arrangement or equipment shall be provided for notifying
all members of the Department so that they may promptly respond.
E.
No person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private
purposes, nor shall any person willfully and without proper authority
take away or conceal any article used in any way by the Department.
F.
No person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed or
handle any apparatus or equipment belonging to the Department unless
accompanied by or having the special permission of an officer or authorized
member of the Department.
G.
No apparatus shall be hired out or permitted to leave the City of
Vineland except in response to a mutual aid call in a neighboring
community, without the consent of the Director of Fire Department
or his designee.
A.
Each member of the Department shall be issued an identification card
his/her rank and that he/she is to be considered essential personnel.
A.
All personal vehicles of members of the Fire Department shall be
governed by N.J.S.A. 39:3-54.12 when responding to an alarm.
B.
No unauthorized person with any vehicle shall follow within 600 feet
of any apparatus belonging to the Department nor park any vehicle
within 300 feet of any fire.
C.
No person shall drive any vehicle over fire hose except upon specific
orders from the officer in charge where the hose is being used.
No person shall park any vehicle or otherwise cause any obstruction
to be placed within 50 feet of the entrance to any fire station or
other place where fire apparatus is stored or within 10 feet of any
fire hydrant.
No person shall maliciously tum in or case to be turned in a false alarm as per § 372-12, False/nuisance alarms.
The personnel of each volunteer station of the Fire Department
shall consist of the ranks of district chiefs, deputy chiefs, captains,
lieutenants, firefighters, fire police, and such other positions as
recommended by the Director of Fire Department to the Mayor and City
Council.
All appointed members of the Fire Department are hereby given
the necessary special police powers for the purpose of enforcing the
provisions of this chapter.
It is hereby made the special duty of the Chief of Police and/or
other police officers who may be on duty and available for fire duty
to respond to all fire alarms and assist the Department in the preservation
of human life and property, in regulating traffic, maintaining order
and in enforcing observance of all sections of this chapter.
