City Charter >> Part 5 >> City Departments >>Division 4 >>The Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare

Source: http://library.municode.com/HTML/13324/level3/CH_PT5CIDE_DIV4THOFPUSAHEWE.html

Sec. C5-40-3. – Fire and Rescue Department.

(a) Powers and Duties of the Fire and Rescue Chief. The Chief of the Fire and Rescue Department shall be responsible for:

  1. The administration, supervision and discipline of the Fire and Rescue Department in accordance with Sections C6-140-8 and C6-140-9; (Referendum 11-7-1995)
  2. The proper care and custody of the property, apparatus and equipment used by the Department; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  3. Establishing proper fire fighting techniques; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  4. The inspection of all buildings and constructions under the Chief’s jurisdiction, the issuing of restraining orders when necessary in the interest of public safety and the closing of any building or construction if the Fire Marshal considers it to be a hazard; (Referendum 11-7-1995)
  5. Making recommendations on all appointments and promotions of sworn members which are made by the Fire Commission; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  6. Assignment of all members of the Department to their respective posts, shifts, details and duties; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  7. Making rules and regulations concerning the operation of the Department and the conduct of all officers and employees thereof subject to approval by the Fire Commission; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  8. Conducting investigations and hearings relating to any charge, made in writing by a person against any sworn member of the Department, concerning an act in Section C6-140-8; (Referendum 11-7-1995)
  9. Establishing procedures for the filing and recording of all complaints and the disposition thereof; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  10. Attending all meetings of the Fire Commission as a non-voting ex-officio member, except for Commission proceedings relating to employee appeals from disciplinary action or appeals or hearings relating to complaints against the Department or the Chief; (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  11. Administering oaths and taking evidence, affidavits and acknowledgments and issuing subpoenas in all proceedings relating to the Fire and Rescue Department; (Referendum 11-7-1995)
  12. Conducting disciplinary hearings; and (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  13. Administratively suspending or disciplining members of the Department with or without compensation for the good of the City, Department, or member. (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987)
  14. (Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987; Referendum 11-7-1995)

(b) Members of the Department. All members of the regular Fire and Rescue Department shall hold office during good behavior. All appointments to the regular fire force shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Charter. (S.A. No. 550, 1951; S.A. No. 431, 1953; Referendum 11-4-1969; Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987; Referendum 11-7-1995) [53] 53

(c) Fire Marshal. There shall be a Fire Marshal of the regular Fire and Rescue Department who shall be certified by the State Fire Marshal and who shall be appointed by the Fire Commission in accordance with the provisions of this Charter. The Fire Marshal shall have all the powers conferred by ordinance on a local Fire Marshal or by the General Statutes. (S.A. No. 635, 1955; Referendum 11-4-1969; Referendum 11-8-1977; Referendum 11-3-1987; Referendum 11-7-1995) [54] 54

(d)Jurisdiction. The services of the Fire and Rescue Department under the control of the Chief shall be limited to the City Fire Service District, except in the case of an emergency. Nothing in this Charter shall be construed to affect the organization, status or property of the Volunteer Departments of Stamford. The Fire Service Districts are indicated on the map of Fire Service Districts, prepared by the City Engineer, dated January 21, 1977 and on file in the Office of the Town and City Clerk of the City and shall delineate the fire service boundaries of the respective regular and Volunteer Fire Departments. Changes in Fire Service Districts may be made by ordinance adopted by a two-thirds’ vote of the total membership of the Board of Representatives with the advice of the City Fire and Rescue Chief and the respective Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department affected. [55] 55