[HISTORY: Adopted by the Fire Department of the Town of Blackstone
effective 7-1-1976.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire prevention — See Ch. 77.
The following rules and regulations have been adopted for the government
of the Fire Department, reserving the right to alter, amend or revoke any
of said rules and regulations, or to make additions thereto from time to time,
as circumstances or the good of the service may require.
Members of the Department should understand that this chapter is not
intended to cover every case which may arise in the discharge of their duties.
Something must be necessarily left to the intelligence and discretion of the
individual, and according to the degree in which they show themselves possessed
of these qualities, and to their zeal, activity and judgment on all occasions,
will be their claim for future promotion or reward.
It is obligatory upon the officers of the Fire Department to report
all violations under their command, and immediately prefer charges for such
violations and submit them to the Chief of the Fire Department. Any failure
to do so will be treated as neglect of duty.
A.
The Deputy Chief shall be under the immediate direction
of the Chief, and he shall assist him in the performance of all his duties.
B.
He shall respond to all fires while on duty, or as the
Chief may determine and direct.
C.
He shall assume and exercise full command at all fires
or other emergency operations pending the arrival of the Chief.
D.
He shall, under the general direction of the Chief, have
complete supervision over all Fire Department personnel.
E.
He shall establish and maintain standardized methods
of drill operation and shall determine that all members are properly and efficiently
trained under competent supervision, by means of an adequate drill program.
F.
In the absence of the Chief, the Deputy Chief shall assume
and exercise all of the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Chief.
G.
He shall examine all station records and shall, when
necessary, give instructions for the proper keeping of such records, and the
making of proper and sufficient reports.
H.
He shall receive from officers all reports called for
by Department rules by order of the Chief, and shall see that such reports
are made on proper forms and shall certify as to their accuracy before presenting
them to the Chief.
I.
He shall familiarize himself with all laws, Town ordinances
and forms issued by the Department of Public Safety, pertaining to the use
of and occupancy of buildings, garages, cleaning establishments, places for
storage, transportation, sale and use of petroleum or products thereof and
inflammable or explosive fluids or compounds.
J.
He shall make inspections of properties and hazards when
so directed by the Chief, and when so assigned shall recommend to owners and
occupants such actions, alterations or changes as will tend to reduce hazardous
conditions, and upon reinspection shall note whether such recommendations
have been adopted by said owner or occupant, noting the same on the appropriate
record.
A.
Each Captain and Lieutenant shall be responsible for
duties, apparatus and equipment assigned to him. All apparatus and equipment
must be inspected regularly.
B.
He shall be held responsible for the maintenance of discipline
within his sphere of authority.
C.
He shall forward requisitions, written reports, complaints
and other communications pertaining to the Department to his superior officer
for transmittal to the Chief.
D.
He shall not allow games of chance nor gambling in or
about the building.
E.
He shall promptly report to the Chief any member who,
from causes other than illness or injury, is unfit for duty or whose conduct
is, or had been, prejudicial to discipline.
F.
Unless properly authorized by competent authority, he
shall not allow additions to, destruction of, or alterations in any part of
the station, apparatus, electrical or other equipment.
G.
He shall cause each new appointee (probationer) to be
thoroughly instructed and shall see that he is not used for duties with which
he is not thoroughly familiar.
H.
He shall see that use of water, gas, electricity, fuel
or other supplies is kept at a minimum.
I.
He shall not allow the station to be used except in the
interest of the Fire Department, and shall not permit automobiles or any other
than Departmental property to be stored therein. Doubtful cases must be referred
to the Chief.
J.
He shall report all verbal alarms.
K.
When first to arrive at a fire he shall take and retain
command until a superior officer arrives and assumes control.
L.
He shall stay with his apparatus or assignment at fires
to direct their movements, unless otherwise ordered by a superior officer.
M.
He shall keep a record of all activities under his jurisdiction
while responding to, working at or returning from an alarm or emergency call.
N.
He shall be responsible for the Station Journal and entries
therein whether made by himself or others under his control.
O.
When being relieved, he shall inform the incoming officer
of any condition which may affect the operation.
P.
He shall report promptly to the Chief any interference
with the work of the Department by any individual, firm or corporation or
other Town department, for such action as the Chief alone may take.
Q.
He shall keep a correct list of all tools and appliances
carried on the apparatus together with the Department number of each length
of hose carried on apparatus and in reserve supply.
R.
He shall keep an accurate record of all supplies received
and repairs to apparatus as well as to the servicing of such equipment.
S.
He shall notify the Chief in writing, of any mechanical
condition of the apparatus which, in his opinion, may develop defective operation
thereof. The need for emergency repairs to the apparatus shall be immediately
reported.
T.
He shall perform such other duties as the Chief or other
superior officer may prescribe.
A.
The duties of a call fire fighter shall be as follows:
(1)
Fire fighting in combating, extinguishing and preventing
the spread of fire and such other work of a lesser nature that may from time
to time be required.
(2)
Answering alarms as assigned, driving and operating fire
vehicles, lay hose lines, direct nozzle streams of water, raising and climbing
ladders, using portable fire extinguishers, portable pumps and such other
Fire Department tools as required to extinguish and control fire; entering
burning structures to perform rescue and to ventilate in order to more efficiently
extinguish fire.
(3)
Performing desk watch and the necessary work involved,
clerical, fire alarm operation and radio dispatching. In most fire situations,
considerable physical effort is expended, involving performance of personal
danger and exposure to all types of climate conditions.
(4)
Performing general maintenance work in the upkeep of
property of the Fire Department, including minor repairs, painting and housekeeping
of station, equipment and vehicles.
(5)
Performing emergency first aid for serious bleeding,
breathing, heart condition, operation of the resuscitator and inhalator and
performing deliveries of babies if the situation arises; performing rescue
and recovery operations during and after water accidents; making frequent
contacts with the general public.
B.
All of these duties and such other duties as might be
required are performed under the direct supervision of the Chief, Deputy Chief,
Captain or Lieutenant.
C.
A fire fighter must exercise his own judgment and methods
of fighting a fire at times when a superior officer is not immediately present
or is preoccupied with another fire or emergency and to perform related work
as required.
A.
General rules shall be as follows:
(1)
Every member of the Fire Department shall, upon appointment,
be provided with a badge, fire helmet and a copy of this chapter.
(2)
Every member shall be issued a full uniform for himself
after one year following the date of his appointment, and such member shall
appear before the Chief or Deputy Chief within this time for an inspection
of such uniform.
(3)
Except as hereinafter provided, all fire fighters shall
wear fire helmets while going to and working at a fire, and any injury suffered
by a member as a result of a violation of this section will not be recognized
as a Departmental liability.
(4)
Smoking while on duty in uniform on the street and in
public view, or while responding to or returning from a fire is strictly forbidden.
Smoking by members at the scene of a fire or during drill operations will
be permitted only on approval of the officer in charge of such operations.
(5)
Officers and members shall address superior officers
by their proper full title.
(6)
Members shall respond to every alarm of fire for which
their tone has been sounded.
(7)
In the event that more than one piece of apparatus shall
respond to the same alarm of fire or other emergency, the right-of-way shall
be conceded to the engine company responding, unless such engine company is
delayed for any reason.
(8)
All fire fighters shall assist in loading of hose, replacing
ladders, filling masks, etc., to aid in the returning of apparatus to service
without delay and shall assist custodial in returning station to order.
(9)
In the absence of an officer, the duties of an officer
shall be assumed by a fire fighter. It must be clearly understood by all members
of the Department that a chain of command will be in effect at all times,
and all members will be expected to take orders from any officer in the Department.
(10)
The keeping or use of drugs or intoxicating liquors on
any Fire Department property is strictly prohibited.
(11)
No fire fighter shall leave the scene of a fire without
orders from the Chief or other officer in charge of fire-fighting operations.
(12)
Every member of the Blackstone Fire Department shall
be a resident of the Town of Blackstone, legally and permanently domiciled
therein.
(13)
No member shall, when operating at an alarm of fire or
other emergency, leave the location of his assignment for any reason, unless
he is assigned elsewhere by a Chief Officer or unless he has received permission
to do so from an officer.
(14)
Each fire fighter has been assigned to a tone. In the
event that the dispatcher requests a particular tone, this is the only tone
that you will respond to.
(15)
Members shall arrange to receive a signal for an alarm
of fire or other emergency when they are away from home, if they are available
and within a reasonable distance.
(16)
All officers and members will not endorse materials,
apparatus or equipment used in the Department except upon permission of the
Chief. Requests for information relative to personnel or the operation or
administration of the Department will be forwarded or referred to the Chief.
(17)
All officers and members shall familiarize themselves
with the Town, including buildings, streets, water mains, hydrants, fire alarm
boxes, routes thereto and all other factors to assist in fire fighting.
(18)
No article of value or otherwise, found at alarms of
fire or other emergency shall be appropriated by an officer or member, but
all such items shall be delivered forthwith to the senior officer and a detailed
report entered in the Journal and also to the Chief.
(19)
Water streams shall be so controlled and directed to
produce results with a minimum of fire or water damage. Such streams shall
not be maliciously turned on civilians.
(20)
All damage, by carelessness or otherwise, must be avoided
at all times.
(21)
No member shall shut off a stream or tamper with the
mechanism of a pump unless requested to do so by the pump operator.
(22)
When a member of the Fire Department resigns, retires,
is dismissed or dies, all Fire Department property issued him shall be returned
to the Chief.
(23)
A member of the Fire Department must not wear long hair
or sideburns because of the danger of toxic gases getting under the face piece
when wearing a gas mask.
(24)
All members of the Fire Department are prohibited from
affiliating with any organization or body, the constitution teachings or regulations
of which would in any way prevent them from performing their fire-fighting
duties loyally and effectively.
(25)
Every member of the Department must be mentally and physically
fit for his duty at all times.
(26)
The following are forbidden at the station: gambling,
improper or offensive language, disorderly or boisterous conduct, quarreling,
fighting or assault, discussion or controversy on matters of religion or politics,
lounging on or about the signal room, apparatus or apparatus floor, use of
intoxicating liquors or narcotics, drugs, meddling with the property or belongings
of others, unclean or objectionable habits.
(27)
Cars must not be parked in front of the fire station
unless the operator is answering an alarm for fire or other emergency. Cars
should be parked in the lot adjacent to the fire station or pulled in toward
the building on either side, leaving room for the safe departure of fire apparatus.
(28)
All apparatus shall be washed and cleaned after each
run or as soon thereafter as possible.
(29)
Except as hereinafter provided, every member of the Department
must hold himself in readiness to instantly respond to an alarm of fire or
other such call when summoned.
(30)
Visitors at the station shall be treated with civility
and politeness and accommodated in any way that is not inconsistent with this
chapter.
(31)
All orders of superior officers which pertain to the
service of the Fire Department and do not conflict with this chapter shall
be obeyed promptly and without question. Such superior officers shall file
charges against any member who neglects or refuses to comply with such orders.
(32)
No member of the Department, not actually on duty, shall
be allowed to wear the uniform of the Department, or any part thereof, for
the purpose of identifying himself as a member of the Department except while
going to and from his home and the fire station; nor in order to gain admittance
to any place of public amusement, or for any other purpose whatever, unless
so ordered by, or with the knowledge of the Chief or Deputy Chief acting in
his stead.
(33)
Members shall so equip themselves while or before responding
to a fire that they will be ready to perform efficient service upon arrival
at the scene of the alarm.
(34)
The hose carried on apparatus shall be changed at least
once a year and whenever wet or damp, as soon as possible after returning
from a fire. Used, wet or dirty hose shall be washed, brushed and placed in
position to dry without delay.
(35)
All ladders carried on ladder apparatus shall be removed
regularly and thoroughly inspected for any defect which may render such equipment
unsafe for use. Such inspection shall also be made to ladders used at fires,
immediately upon the return of the apparatus to quarters. Any defect found
during such inspection shall be called to the attention of the Deputy Chief
by the officer.
(36)
No apparatus shall leave quarters except in response
to an alarm of fire or other emergency, without the knowledge and consent
of the Chief.
(37)
When a member loses his fire helmet, badge or other Town
property, he must at once report the fact to the Chief, and the lost article
will be replaced at his expense unless it appears that it was not lost through
such member's negligence.
(38)
Drills will be held on any weekday, Monday through Friday.
Special Saturday, Sunday or evening drills may be substituted. Such drills
shall be about two hours' duration and shall be conducted by the Chief, Deputy
Chief or officer assigned for this duty by the Chief. Drill evolutions shall
be in accordance with drill standards established by the Chief or Deputy Chief.
Each member must attend one training session a month when posted.
(39)
Every member shall have a full work uniform at all times
that such member is on duty. No excuse will be accepted for failure to comply
with the requirements of this subsection.
(40)
Following any period of illness or injury, every member
shall bring in a report from his physician stating his ability to resume his
duties as a fire fighter.
(41)
All members shall, when on any tour of inspection or
investigation, be attired in full uniform, provided that, in the event of
exceptionally hot weather, the officer in charge may permit the removal of
the uniform blouse when such duties are being performed, in which case the
badge shall be worn on the left breast of the shirt.
(42)
Before leaving quarters on any detail assignment of inspection,
investigation, traffic control or other similar duty, a member shall place
his protective clothing including rubber coat, boots, helmet, etc., on the
apparatus to which he is assigned. If while engaged in such duty, he learns
or is informed of an alarm, he shall immediately report to the scene of the
alarm.
(43)
Suggestions by members for the improvement of the Department,
or the well-being of the men, will, when presented through the regular official
channels, be gladly received and carefully considered.
B.
Officers must place themselves where they are most needed,
i.e., depending on the number of officers at the scene, pumps, hose lines,
laddering, entering building, salvage, etc., must have supervision.
C.
Mutual aid alarms shall be sounded only at the direction
of the ranking officer in charge of fire-fighting operations.
D.
The officer in charge at a fire or other emergency will
relieve as many fire fighters as conditions will permit and direct them to
return to the station until apparatus has returned and is readied for next
alarm.
E.
No officer shall interfere with operations conducted
by an officer of equal rank, except with the consent of the latter or by order
of the officer in charge at a fire.
F.
In case of fires of suspicious or incendiary origin,
the officer in charge shall secure and safeguard all evidence, determine methods
of illegal entry if such exists, and shall make every effort to apprehend
the culprit and notify the police and State Fire Marshal's office.
G.
The officer in charge shall not allow persons who are
not members of the Fire Department to ride on any of the apparatus either
going to or returning from an alarm of fire or other emergency or at any other
time, except such persons known to him as having special permission to do
so from the Chief.
H.
It shall be the duty of an officer in charge to at once
inform a superior officer arriving on the fire ground of the general conditions
at the fire, its extent, and the steps taken to control its spread, together
with all strategic information and suggestions for meeting the emergency.
I.
Any officer confronted with a violation of any rule or
regulation herein contained, or with any general or special order not included
in this chapter, shall forward a complete written report of such violation
to the Chief.
J.
In the event of a breakdown of apparatus while en route
to a fire, the driver, unless otherwise ordered, must take immediate steps
to notify the officer in charge of the condition existing, and after detailing
a member to remain with the apparatus, shall take the action required to secure
transportation to the fire location for the remaining members.
K.
If an accident involving fire apparatus occurs while
such apparatus is en route to a fire, the officer in charge shall detail a
member to the accident scene to submit and secure necessary information, and
the apparatus, unless disabled, shall continue on to the fire.
L.
Apparatus should never be operated in reverse speed if
it is reasonably possible to accomplish the desired results otherwise. If
conditions are such that reverse speed must be used, the operator shall make
certain that men are placed in proper position at the rear and sides of the
apparatus to guide him before such apparatus is put into motion.
M.
Special orders, rules or notices, when issued, shall
be read and properly posted in a conspicuous location and shall be maintained
in good condition so that they may be referred to at any future date.
N.
In responding to an alarm of fire, every officer shall
adopt the following procedure:
(1)
Before leaving quarters, he shall carefully check the
alarm signal to determine correctly the exact location of the fire.
(2)
While en route to the fire, he shall, through the driver,
control the rate of speed and direction of travel of the apparatus consistent
with all provisions of law (MGL c. 89, § 7B) to ensure maximum safety
to persons, property, Fire Department personnel and equipment.
(3)
Upon arrival at the fire, he shall take such action as
may be required to quickly and efficiently control and extinguish the fire
with the least amount of damage possible, keeping in mind at all times that
the safety of endangered persons is his first responsibility. The orders of
a superior officer, if present, will be exactly followed.
(4)
While returning from a fire, he shall, through the driver,
control the rate of speed and direction of travel of the apparatus consistent
with all state and local traffic rules and regulations.
(5)
After returning to quarters. He shall:
(a)
Upon returning to quarters, immediately report back in
to the fire alarm operator.
(b)
See that all hose is replaced on apparatus.
(c)
Take necessary action to see that wet or damaged hose
is properly cared for.
(d)
Immediately inspect all ladders used at the fire.
(e)
Inspect and replace life-saving equipment used at the
fire and determine that such equipment is in operable condition.
(f)
Carefully check apparatus to determine that everything
connected therewith is in proper order and ready to respond immediately to
and operate at a fire or other emergency.
A.
Drivers of fire apparatus shall familiarize themselves
with, and abide by the following section of the General Laws applicable to
the operation of fire apparatus (MGL c. 89, § 7B): The driver of
a vehicle of a fire, police, or recognized protective department shall be
subject to the provisions of any statute, rule, regulation, ordinance or bylaw
relating to the operation or parking of vehicles, except that a driver of
fire apparatus while going to a fire or responding to an alarm, or the driver
of a vehicle of a police or recognized protective department, in an emergency
and in the performance of a public duty may drive such vehicle at a speed
in excess of the applicable speed limit if he exercises caution and due regard
under the circumstances for the safety of persons and property and may drive
such vehicle through an intersection of way contrary to any traffic signs
or signals regulating traffic at such intersection, if he first brings such
vehicle to a full stop and then proceeds with caution and due regard for the
safety of persons and property, unless otherwise directed by a police officer
regulating traffic at such intersection.
B.
Drivers of apparatus shall carefully avoid the unnecessary
blocking of traffic at fires or the obstruction of hydrants, driveways, streets
or alleys.
C.
All apparatus shall be driven in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles and local traffic
laws. Racing, reckless or careless driving is strictly forbidden. Running
abreast of or passing apparatus is forbidden, unless the apparatus being passed
is broken down, or the operator of such apparatus signifies his desire to
have his vehicle passed due to mechanical or other difficulties.
D.
In no case is the driver to operate his vehicle in reverse
speed until he is provided with proper guidance at the rear and on each side
of the apparatus.
E.
All drivers shall:
(1)
Obey all orders of an officer.
(2)
Keep the apparatus under control at all times.
(3)
Maintain a low rate of speed through congested areas,
approaching and crossing railroad tracks, on wet or icy pavements, on descending
grades or over excavations.
(4)
Use extreme precaution at all times when driving against
traffic lights.
(5)
When delayed in leaving quarters or when the normal route
of response is changed for any reason, exercise care while en route to alarms,
to avoid collision with other apparatus responding that will not expect to
meet the delayed apparatus.
(6)
Maintain such a rate of speed when approaching intersections
that the apparatus can be stopped before entering the intersection.
(7)
Avoid running over hose lines.
(8)
Unless otherwise directed, never leave apparatus while
motor is running.
(9)
When the operator leaves apparatus for any reason, wheels
must be blocked.
(10)
To prevent freezing in cold weather, start motors frequently
or keep them operating at low speeds. If necessary, start pump and run water
through pump from booster tank back into tank.
(11)
To conserve gasoline and oil and to reduce wear and tear,
shut down motors or pumps when conditions permit.
All pump operators shall:
A.
Operate valve controlling volume and pressure discharges
frequently to prevent them from sticking.
B.
Upon arriving at the fire scene, determine the condition
of the hydrant, make connection first to the hydrant and then to the pumper.
All connections to be made tight to prevent leakage and resultant loss of
pressure.
C.
When engaged in pumping operations, remain at the pump.
D.
Give entire attention to the work involved and avoid
unnecessary conversation.
E.
Frequently note readings on all pressure gauges and carefully
record variations of pressure for the subsequent information of the officer
in charge.
F.
When drafting water, the suction connections should be
made spanner tight, discharge gates on centrifugal pumps closed and the pump
thoroughly primed before release of water into hose line.
G.
Upon return to quarters following a drafting operation
involving muddy water which may result in an accumulation of dirt or debris
within the pump casing, connect the pump to a hydrant and thoroughly flush
out the unit.
H.
After each alarm, examine all bolts, spring clips, shackles,
brake mechanism, steering arms, batteries and lights, gasoline supply, oil
in crankcase, water in radiator and all parts of the motor and pumping unit.
I.
Pump operators shall be careful not to develop excessive
pressures when operating at a fire.
A.
Running order of apparatus.
|
Building fires
|
Engine No. 1
Engine No. 2
Engine No. 3
Attack No. 4
Engine No. 5
|
This is normal procedure, any equipment may be used if the situation
requires it.
| |
|
Brush fires
|
Engine No. 5
Engine No. 2
Engine No. 3
|
Backup
| |
|
Auto - truck fires
|
Engine No. 1
Engine No. 2
Engine No. 3
| ||
|
Out of Town
|
Engine No. 1
Engine No. 2
Engine No. 3
|
On rotation basis; Chief to call
| |
|
General Alarm
|
All Town apparatus on any large building in the Town of Blackstone:
church, school, nursing home, etc. Millville's Ladder and Rescue Co. will
be called.
| ||
B.
If the first piece of apparatus at the fire is using
one-and-one-half-inch or booster line, the driver of other apparatus should
communicate with the officer in charge for instructions. If the building is
heavily charged with smoke or flames are visible, lay and charge the two-and-one-half-inch
line immediately. Fire conditions, construction and type of occupancy will
determine whether to proceed with the two-and-one-half-inch line or reduce
to a y with two-and-one-half-inch lines at a point outside the building. This
one-and-one-half-inch y with two-and-one-half-inch lines must be taken off
the engine at the fire when it lays the two-and-one-half-inch line. Whenever
a hydrant is used, a two-and-one-half-inch y must be attached to the hydrant.
|
AT ALL TIMES, USE PROPER JUDGMENT
|
C.
At all times, sufficient hose should be removed from
the apparatus to reach any part of the building involved.
D.
Lines should be laid along the gutter or as close to
the curb as possible and care should be taken not to cross over hose with
the apparatus unless such crossing is absolutely necessary.
E.
All men, both officers and fire fighters, should bring
some necessary piece of equipment to the fire scene.
F.
Drivers of engines to a fire will leave room for Ladder
No. 1 in the event that it is needed.
G.
Drivers of apparatus when approaching a fire from the
same direction shall, when stopping, allow sufficient distance between the
vehicles to permit removal of ladders, hose or other equipment from the apparatus
in the advanced position.
H.
The hydrant man should carry spanners to tighten loose
couplings and should remove kinks in the line of hose as he follows the line
to the fire.
I.
The size of hose being used at fires shall be reduced
as soon as conditions warrant. When reducing from a two-and-one-half-inch
line to one-and-one-half-inch line proper equipment must be used.
J.
In freezing weather, where water must be kept flowing
through the nozzle, such nozzle should be placed where it will do no damage,
such as out of a window, in a bathtub, etc.
K.
The promiscuous direction of hose streams into smoke
without determining the location of the fire should be avoided.
L.
In using cellar pipes, a y should be placed 50 feet back
from the pipe to control the flow of water.
M.
Members should at all times exercise care in handling
and use of any type of Fire Department equipment, since such practice will
improve the economy of Fire Department operation, a present-day subject with
which every fire fighter should be deeply concerned.
N.
No one will ride on the sides of any apparatus.
O.
Apparatus responding to an alarm of fire or any emergency
shall not exceed the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour.
P.
Only a fire fighter who has been road tested and approved
by an officer will drive any apparatus.
Q.
Fifth speed or overdrive will not be used on apparatus
having this speed.
R.
Special attention: Light water carried on Engine No.
1. Protein foam carried on Engine No. 2. Jet-X carried on Engine No. 3. Wet
water on Engine No. 5.
A.
The following are prescribed as necessary: uniform coats,
trousers, caps, fire helmets, rubber boots, rubber coats, blue work clothes
and insignia, all such type, style, material and construction as may be established
by the Chief.
B.
Full dress uniform shall consist of black shoes, uniform
trousers, black belt, white shirt, black four-in-hand tie, uniform coat and
regulation uniform cap. Proper departmental insignia shall be neatly displayed
on uniform coat and cap. For parade or special turnout purposes, white gloves
shall be worn.
A.
Building inspections, properly conducted, contribute
greatly to successful fire prevention and fire-fighting operations.
B.
Inspections shall be conducted of all buildings and other
premises located within the Town, which the Fire Department is authorized
to inspect, at least once each year.
C.
Fire drills shall be conducted in all schools four times
each year.
D.
It shall be the duty of inspectors to have a detailed
knowledge of all such buildings in which fire may be fought in order that
such operations will be conducted safely and efficiently. Necessary factors
for such knowledge are:
(1)
Location, construction and character of occupancy of
the building and the manner of conducting business therein or thereupon.
(2)
Quantity and location of hazardous materials stored or
used therein.
(3)
Location of all vertical openings by means of which fire
may rapidly spread.
(4)
Number, location and adequacy of exits.
(5)
Private fire protection equipment, including portable
hand and wheeled type extinguishers, standpipes, sprinkler systems, water
curtains, etc.
(6)
Interior and exterior structural features providing protection
against the spread of fire.
(7)
Volume, pressure and adequacy of water supplies.
E.
The inspector shall provide the Chief with a detailed
written report of his inspection activities including locations covered, conditions
found and action taken.
New members will be taken from the auxiliary fire fighters' roster.
Availability, ability, attendance at fires and at training sessions will determine
the choice. A physical report from a doctor is required before a fire fighter
is appointed. New members will not be allowed to drive the apparatus without
an experienced operator in the front seat with him. Approximately six months
after appointment, the new fire fighter will be expected to pass an examination
by an officer on driving and pumping of all apparatus. Members are required
to be 18 years of age.
A.
The Secretary shall work at the discretion of the Chief,
according to her availability.
B.
Duties. All fire reports submitted by person in charge
at fires must be recorded in the daily work book and in Fire Journal. Necessary
reports to State Fire Marshal and insurance companies must be made. Invoices
for certain fires must be sent. Insurance information must be entered in the
Fire Journal. Fires and hours must be totaled monthly and entered in the monthly
work book, and on the annual fire chart. Tabulations, proper reports and returns
on all moneys collected by the Fire Department must be made to the Town Treasurer
and to the Town Accountant monthly. The files must be kept in proper order,
and all letters, reports and notices required by the Fire Chief and the Department
shall be written. A monthly schedule of bills and payroll for designated employees
must be prepared and submitted to the Chief for approval. The semiannual payroll
must be prepared for all fire fighters and inspectors for June 1 and December
1. This will also be submitted to the Chief for approval. The Secretary will
assist the Fire Chief in preparing his annual report to the Town. The Secretary
will issue all permits as prescribed in Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General
Laws, and collect fees and make records for the same.
The Chief of the Fire Department may reprimand, suspend or discharge,
or recommend the reprimand, suspension or discharge as provided by law, of
any member of the Fire Department for any act contrary to good order and discipline
or constituting neglect of duty or for any violation of the rules and regulations
governing conduct, behavior and deportment or for any violation of this chapter.
Any member may be so punished or recommended for punishment for any of the
following causes:
A.
Intoxication.
B.
Neglect of duty.
C.
Disobeying orders of a superior officer.
D.
Disrespect to a superior officer.
E.
Conduct unbecoming a member of the Department.
F.
Conduct prejudicial to good order.
G.
Use of profane or unseemly language.
H.
Cowardice or shirking duty at a fire.
I.
Refusal to pay a just debt.
J.
Abuse of any privilege granted by the Chief or governing
body of the Town of Blackstone.
K.
Any other act, deed or omission which, in the opinion
of the Chief, justifies disciplinary action.
A.
No mutual aid is to be accepted or requested unless authorized
by the officer in charge of the Blackstone Department.
B.
No mutual aid is to be sent unless it has been authorized
and requested by the officer in charge of the Department requesting such aid.
C.
When responding on a mutual aid call, the person in charge
of the apparatus shall report to the officer in charge at the scene for assignment.
D.
All personnel responding with apparatus shall remain
with apparatus pending assignment.
E.
All other incoming personnel shall report to the officer
in charge of the Blackstone apparatus for assignment.
The auxiliary fire fighter must be 16 years of age and show an interest
before becoming a member of the Auxiliary Fire Department. He must have a
letter including his date of birth and consent to become a member of the Auxiliary
Fire Department from his parent or guardian. He shall be governed by all the
rules and regulations of the Fire Department. He shall not drive a fire apparatus
to fires or enter buildings unless ordered by a Chief Officer. He will not
ride on fire apparatus without the consent of the operator. He will not enter
the fire station unless accompanied by a member of the Fire Department or
while the custodian is on duty and may remain only with their permission.
He will not answer the telephone while in the station. He will attend prescribed
auxiliary fire fighters training sessions when available. He should get all
the practical experience possible at alarms as this is considered training
for auxiliary fire fighters. All auxiliary fire fighters, when responding
to an alarm with or without warning lights on their vehicle, must stop for
all red signals and wait until signal turns green.
