[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Bellmawr 9-26-2019 by Ord. No. 08:09-19[1]; amended in entirety 1-28-2021 by Ord. No. 01:01-21. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 09:09-19 also repealed former Ch.
36, Fire Department, adopted 3-16-1972 by Ord. No. 4-72 as Ch. 13 of the 1972
Code, as amended.
There is hereby created the Bellmawr Fire Department, in the
County of Camden and State of New Jersey. The object and purpose of
the Fire Department shall be preservation and protection of life and
property from fire or other emergencies that may occur in the Borough
of Bellmawr and the vicinity thereof. Under the Bellmawr Fire Department
shall be the Division of Fire, Division of Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) and Bureau of Fire Safety.
A.
It shall be the policy of the Borough of Bellmawr Fire Department
to accept only those new members who meet the minimum eligibility
requirements for entrance as adopted. It is further policy of the
Borough of Bellmawr Fire Department that members are required to maintain
all training requirements as specified for continued duty based on
classifications of membership.
C.
No other stations or volunteer fire companies may be formed without
the consent and approval of the Mayor and Council of the Borough of
Bellmawr.
Note: Bellmawr Fire & Rescue #1 and Bellmawr Park Fire Company
previously were identified as composition of the fire fighting force
for the Borough of Bellmawr, said fire companies will remain as named
entities only.
D.
Composition of the Division of Fire shall be a sufficient amount
of qualified and credentialed fire officers and firefighters, determined
by the Fire Chief, to provide firefighting services.
E.
Composition of the Division of Emergency Medical Services shall be
that of an Emergency Medical Services Supervisor, full-time Emergency
Medical Technicians and a pool of part-time Emergency Medical Technicians.
F.
Composition of the Bureau of Fire Safety shall be that of a Fire
Prevention Specialist who will also fulfill the fire official requirements
for the Borough of Bellmawr.
G.
General requirements.
(1)
The following requirements exist for eligibility:
(a)
Must be at least 14 years of age for a Junior member and 18
years old for Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
(b)
Must complete and submit a Borough of Bellmawr Fire Department
Application Package for the position of interest.
(c)
Must posses a valid New Jersey State Driver's License.
(d)
Must have no convictions for criminal activity.
(e)
Must meet all requirements for continued active service as specified.
(f)
Must receive and pass a fitness for duty clearance from Fire
Department Medical Provider.
H.
Classifications of membership requirements.
(1)
Recruit/probationary firefighter - new member.
(a)
New members without any previous firefighting experience or
training enter the department as recruit/probationary member. Probation
is the time period for which a new member achieves full minimum certifications
as a firefighter. Recruit members must complete the following:
(b)
Approved Firefighter I Certification within 1st year.
(c)
CPR - Professional Rescuer within 1st year.
(d)
Minimum attendance of department drills/training.
(e)
Other required training.
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Authorized Level of Participation: Recruit/Probationary Firefighters.
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Recruit/Probationary firefighter periods are established to
ensure that the member receives all necessary training, indoctrination,
and preparation prior to being exposed to, or authorized to participate
at the scene of an emergency. The primary duties and responsibilities
of probationary firefighters are focused on training. Once a recruit
meets the minimum training requirements to respond to emergencies,
their role becomes primarily observer/support firefighter. The list
of duties for "Support Firefighters" will be the realm of focus for
training and participation. These responsibilities are tailored for
the extra nonfirefighter riding position if available on the apparatus.
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(2)
Firefighter - active.
(a)
Active firefighters are personnel who have met and continue
to meet all mandatory and performance standards for continued service.
Firefighters' primary responsibilities are the physical activity
of fire suppression and rescue inside buildings/structures on fire.
These personnel are training and certified in the use of Self-Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), receive medical clearance for fitness
for the use of respiratory protection, have been fitted for and assigned
a personal SCBA face-piece and be expected to pass annual proficiency
examinations for continued service. The Fire Department also mandates
annual compliancy training to include bloodborne pathogens, haz-com,
sexual harassment, lock-out/tag-out, department operational procedures
review for all personnel. These considerations exist within the annual
drill and training parameters. Firefighters are required to enter
and operate within hazardous environments, to the extent of their
training and appropriate levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),
for the purposes of rescue, incident mitigation or other specified
activities. All firefighters are required to certify CPR certification
within the first year and maintain the certification.
(3)
Firefighter - inactive.
(a)
Any firefighter who fails to maintain the minimum training and
certification standards; by missing two consecutive months of department
training sessions and/or any of the annual regulatory training sessions,
will be re-assigned to the "inactive" roster. The fire department
officer staff will be advised by the Fire Chiefs' office of any
member that is being removed from active status. Personnel who become
inactive must return all fire department property, including pagers,
PPE and badges to the fire department officer staff. Personnel transferred
to the inactive roster are restricted from riding/participating and
may request to return active by executing the following:
[1]
Inactive member makes request to Fire Chief's Office to return
to active status.
[2]
Member will be advised of what training requirements are needed
to return to active status.
[3]
Once training has been completed; the firefighter will be placed
back on the active status roster and all PPE/equipment will be reissued.
[4]
If tenure of inactive status exceeds one year, the member will
be required to receive a medical clearance from the fire department
medical provider for fitness for duty.
(4)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
(a)
Emergency Medical Technicians are personnel who have met and
continue to meet all mandatory and performance standards for continued
service. EMTs' primary responsibilities are to engage in administering
emergency medical care, to sick or injured people, as the result of
but limited to fire, accidents, hazardous materials and weapons of
mass destruction. EMTs also maintain all related equipment, building/grounds
and other related work as required. In accordance with N.J.A.C.:840A,
individuals in this position must possess a valid Emergency Medical
Technician Certification.
(5)
Support firefighter.
(a)
Support firefighters are authorized to respond on emergency
vehicles, as indicated, but are not authorized to participate in structural
and non-structural firefighting, rescue assignment, hazardous materials
incidents or any other incident that places the individual in imminent
danger without appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, training
or abilities. The duties authorized are logistical and will support
emergency incidents, as follows:
[1]
Scene lighting.
[2]
Equipment movement - exterior (interior only when authorized).
[3]
SCBA Cylinders - recharging and replacing.
[4]
Equipment restoration/inventory management.
[5]
Rehabilitation - assisting EMS/Fire w/personnel rehab.
[6]
Scene security.
[7]
Any other assigned duties where SCBA would not be required and
such activity does not place the individual to an increased level
of risk as a result.
[8]
Support firefighters may respond on fire apparatus in the 5th
or 6th non-firefighter positions, provided that "firefighters" are
filling those extra positions. They may drive apparatus and vehicles,
where authorized and designated, provided that they have completed
the proper apparatus chauffeur training/certification program.
(b)
Eligibility - support firefighters.
[1]
Support firefighters is not an entry-level membership classification.
To be eligible for support firefighter, an active firefighter/member
must meet any one of the following criteria:
[2]
Any active firefighter who is eligible for a change in status
to support firefighter, and desires to make such a change, may do
so by making a written request to Fire Chief's Office.
(c)
Training requirements - support firefighters.
[1]
Support firefighters will be required to maintain annual certifications
(except SCBA) and attend monthly drills in order to serve the department
in this capacity. Support firefighters that are qualified apparatus
chauffeurs must complete a physical examination and basic SCBA use
program.
(6)
Junior firefighter.
(a)
Candidates who are a minimum of 14 years old are eligible to
join the fire department as a "junior firefighter." Within the application
package, junior firefighters must present signed parental consent
forms, one for membership in general and the second form is for consent
for a medical examination/drug screen for fitness for duty.
(b)
Junior firefighters are subject to the same indoctrination/orientation
procedures for all new members. The role of the junior firefighter
is that of an apprentice, with activities governed by Federal, State
and Departmental rules and regulations for minors. Junior firefighters
shall be considered in a training/learning/observing mode until reaching
the age of 18, a junior firefighter will complete the background investigation
of the application process.
(c)
Junior firefighters are NOT permitted to:
[1]
Wear SCBA or enter a structure on fire or perform any firefighting.
[2]
Operate within or near any hazardous environment, interior or
exterior or be exposed to any hazardous atmospheres or conditions.
[3]
Operate a charged hand line larger than one inch in diameter.
[4]
Operate on aerial apparatus - training/emergency or otherwise.
[5]
Operate on ground ladders or roofs of structures or above grade.
[6]
Operate below grade/confined space operations.
[7]
Operate any portable power/hydraulic tools, torches or flame
producing devices.
[8]
Be in fire stations after 2,200 hours on school nights.
[9]
Participate at any level without the permission and supervision
of a fire officer or senior member.
[10]
Operate above or beyond the standard of training and authorization.
A.
No fire station within the Borough of Bellmawr Fire Department shall
have fewer than 10 qualified and credentialed firefighting members
to conduct firefighting operations. Fire station roster shall be certified
by the Chief of the Department and the Borough Clerk shall keep an
accurate master roll of all members of the Department.
B.
New member service authorization. New members are prohibited from
any fire department operations prior to review and authorization by
the Fire Chief's Office.
C.
Change in membership status. It is imperative that any changes in
a given member's status must be reported to the Fire Chief's
Office. Leave of absence, medical leave (non-service connected), injuries,
military leave, family Leave, etc. shall be reported to the Fire Chief's
Office.
The Borough Clerk shall keep an accurate master roll of members
of the Department.
Each active member of the Fire Department shall maintain Department-required
proficiencies and activity. All personnel of the Bellmawr Fire Department
will abide by the standard operating guidelines set forth by the Chief
of the Bellmawr Fire Department.
A.
The department shall be equipped with such apparatus and other equipment
as may be required from time to time to maintain their efficiency
and properly protect life and property from fire and other emergencies.
B.
The procurement of all fire prevention material shall be vested in
the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Bellmawr.
C.
Recommendations for apparatus and equipment needed shall be made
by the Fire Chief to the Mayor and Council at such time and manner
as the Mayor and Council determine.
No person shall use any fire apparatus or equipment for any
private purpose, nor shall any person willfully and without authority
take away or conceal any article belonging to or used in any way by
the Department.
No person shall enter any place where fire apparatus is housed
nor handle any equipment, property or apparatus belonging to the Department
unless accompanied by or having the special permission of an officer
or authorized member of the Department.
The officers shall be as follows:
A.
Fire Chief of Department (appointed by Mayor and Council): three-year
term.
B.
Battalion Chief (appointed by Fire Chief): two-year term.
C.
Fire Captain (appointed by Fire Chief and Battalion Chief): one-year
term.
D.
Fire Lieutenant (appointed by Fire Chief, Battalion Chief and Captains):
one-year term.
A.
Fire Chief. The Fire Chief is the highest-ranking officer in the
Department and takes direction from the Mayor and Council. The Fire
Chief administers all Borough and Department policies and procedures,
prepares and administers the budgets, and oversees the emergency medical
services and Bureau of Fire Safety divisions. The Fire Chief evaluates
the emergency needs of the community and plans for the acquisition
and maintenance of facilities, apparatus and equipment. The Fire Chief
attends meetings of the Borough Council as well as various committees
which direct the operations of the Fire Department. The Fire Chief
prepares and issues standard operating procedures in keeping with
the safety of personnel and the best interest of the community while
following national standards.
B.
Battalion Chief. The Battalion Chief is the highest-ranking officer
within the Division of Fire and takes direction from the Fire Chief.
The Battalion Chief supervises all line personnel assigned to the
fire suppression division of the Department, enforces Department rules
and regulations, schedules training activities, ensures that the Department
complies with those training schedules, and reviews the reports prepared
by company officers.
C.
Emergency Medical Services Supervisor. Under the direction of the
Fire Chief for day-to-day operations and the Borough Clerk for all
administrative/human resources, the Emergency Medical Services Supervisor
is responsible for the supervision and operation of the Emergency
Medical Services Division of the Bellmawr Fire Department. The EMS
Supervisor provides direct supervision of the Emergency Medical Technicians,
handles ambulance operations, coordination of training and system
review tasks, scheduling of EMS staff, equipment inventory and billing
for services.
D.
Fire Captains. The Captain is the second-highest-ranking officer
within the Division of Fire and takes direction from higher-ranking
officers. The Battalion Chiefs directly supervise the Captains in
the fire division.
E.
Fire Lieutenants. The Lieutenant is the third-highest-ranking officer
within the Division of Fire and takes direction from higher-ranking
officers. The Captains directly supervise the Lieutenants in the fire
suppression division.
The requirements are as follows:
A.
Fire Chief:
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NJ State Firefighter 1 Certified
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NJ State Fire Officer 1 Certified
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IMS Level 2
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ICS 400
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10 years of firefighting experience
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6 years of fire officer experience
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NJ State Fire Instructor Level 2
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NFA Safety Officer
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Pass annual department SCBA qualification
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Staff and command training
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Maintain average percentage of fires/drills
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Borough of Bellmawr resident
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Must meet minimum LOSAP requirements
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B.
Battalion Chief:
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NJ State Firefighter 1 Certified
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NJ State Fire Officer 1 Certified
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IMS Level 2
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ICS 400
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8 years of firefighting experience
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4 years of fire officer experience
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NJ State Fire Instructor Level 2
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NFA Safety Officer
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Pass annual department SCBA qualification
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Staff and command training
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Maintain average percentage of fires/drills
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Borough of Bellmawr resident
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Must meet minimum LOSAP requirements
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C.
Fire Captains:
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NJ State Firefighter 1 Certified
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IMS Level 2
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ICS 300
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6 years of firefighting experience
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3 years of fire officer experience
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NJ State Fire Instructor Level 1
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NFA Safety Officer
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Pass annual department SCBA qualification
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Fire pump operations training
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Ladder company training
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Rescue company training
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Rapid intervention training
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Borough of Bellmawr resident
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Maintain average percentage of fires/drills
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Must meet minimum LOSAP requirements
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D.
Fire Lieutenants:
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NJ State Firefighter 1 Certified
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IMS Level 1
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ICS 300
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4 years of firefighting experience
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NFA Safety Officer
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Fire pump operations training
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Pass annual department SCBA qualification
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Ladder company training
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Rescue company training
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Rapid intervention training
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Qualified on all assigned station apparatus
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Maintain average percentage of fires/drills
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Must meet minimum LOSAP requirements
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A vacancy which occurs in the office of the Borough Fire Chief
will require the Borough's Public Safety Committee to review
and interview all interested, eligible applicants for the position.
The final recommendation will be made by the Mayor and Council.
All officer appointments will be made by the Borough Fire Chief
with input from the other fire officers in keeping with the best interest
of the Department. Interested applicants will submit a letter of interest
by November 31 with appointments being made by January 1.
The Chief of the Department shall keep a permanent record of
the alarms of fire and drill attendance of each member of the Department.
The command staff shall drill and instruct the department at
least twice a month.
The Command Staff of the department shall maintain its apparatus
in good condition and ready for immediate service.
A lease agreement for the annual housing rental of fire station
is vested with the Mayor and Council. Borough-owned vehicles and equipment
shall have housing priorities over any other vehicle or equipment.
A.
There shall be a set of Recommended Operating Procedures (ROPs) that
govern the conduct of emergency operations, the training for such
operations, any necessary preparations for such operations, the day-to-day
conduct of the department, the duties of officers and members, the
establishment of line and staff officers and the member discipline
process.
B.
The Recommended Operating Procedures shall be determined by the Chief
of Department and command staff. All operating procedures shall be
reduced to writing and a copy of the same provided to each members
of the department. A copy shall also be filed with Mayor, Council
and Borough Clerk.
C.
Mayor and Council shall adopt the recommended operating procedures
annually.
D.
Each member shall be responsible to stay abreast of all recommended
operating procedures and any changes that may occur in such procedures.
E.
Failure to adhere to the recommended operating procedures can result
in disciplinary action against a member by the Chief of Department
or command officer.
All automobile apparatus shall be operated in strict accordance
with Borough and state laws applicable thereto.
Every person shall, by joining the Bellmawr Fire Department,
agree to release the Borough of Bellmawr from any liability for injury
incurred in the course of performance of his duty, except for such
recovery as may be allowed under the insurance coverages maintained
by the Borough.
