§ 11-29-204. Minimum rules and regulations of volunteer fire department.

Any municipality which has volunteers enrolled as members of the fire department shall adopt by ordinance a code of minimum rules and regulations in substantial compliance with the following:

Article 1.  The Fire Chief.

(a)  The chief shall be the head of the department, subject to the laws of the State of Oklahoma, ordinances of this municipality, and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this section.  The chief shall be appointed in the manner provided by law applicable to this municipality for the appointment of municipal officers.

(b)  The chief shall be responsible for the general condition and efficient operation of the department, the training of members, and the performance of all other duties imposed upon him by law or the municipality.

(c)  The chief may inspect or cause to be inspected by members of the department, the municipal fire hydrants, cisterns, and other sources of water supply of the municipality at least twice a year.

(d)  The chief shall maintain a library or file of publications on fire prevention and fire protection and shall make use of it to the best advantage of all members.

(e)  The chief shall make every effort to attend all fires and shall direct the officers and members in the performance of their duties.

(f)  The chief shall see that the citizens are kept informed on fire hazards in the community and on the activities of the department.

(g)  The chief shall see that each fire is carefully investigated to determine its cause, and in the case of suspicion of incendiarism shall notify proper authorities.  The chief shall secure and preserve all possible evidence for future use in the case of suspicious incendiarism.

(h)  The chief shall file the appropriate activity report forms with the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Oklahoma City on an annual basis.  The activity report forms shall be designed by the State Fire Marshal and shall include, but not be limited to, the amount of property and vehicle fire loss, types of fires, inspections and investigations.  The report shall include notification of all fire-related civilian deaths and injuries in the respective jurisdiction and of fire fighter deaths in the line of duty and of fire fighter injuries in the line of duty requiring the services of a hospital or physician or both.

Article 2.  The Assistant Chief.

In the absence of the chief, the assistant chief on duty shall command the department and shall have the full powers and responsibilities of the chief.

Article 3.  Company Officers.

The company officers shall be selected upon their:  1. knowledge of fire fighting, 2. leadership ability, and 3. knowledge of fire fighting equipment.

Article 4.  The Secretary-Treasurer.

One member elected by the fire department shall be secretary-treasurer.  His duties shall consist of the following:  1. Calling the roll at the opening of each meeting, 2. Keeping the minutes of each meeting, and 3. Collecting any money due the department by the members.

Article 5.  New Members.

(a)  All new members shall be on probation for one (1) year after their appointment.

(b)  New volunteer members upon completion of their probation period must be approved by the majority of the fire department.

Article 6.  Bylaws.

The bylaws of the department shall include but shall not be limited to the following:

(a)  All volunteer fire fighters are required to respond to alarms of fire and other emergencies when notified.

(b)  A volunteer fire fighter is required to be present at all regular meetings, call meetings, and schools presented for the benefit of the fire fighters.

(c)  There shall be at least one regular business meeting each month.

(d)  Any volunteer fire fighter having two unexcused absences in succession or three unexcused absences in a period of three (3) months will be expelled from the fire department rolls.

(e) Volunteer fire fighters leaving the municipality for an extended period of time will be required to notify the chief.

(f)  Any volunteer fire fighter refusing to attend training classes provided for him will be expelled from the rolls.

(g)  Any volunteer member of the fire department shall be expelled from the rolls for the following offenses:  1. Conduct unbecoming a fire fighter, 2. Any act of insubordination, 3. Neglect of duty, 4. Any violation of rules and regulations governing the fire department, or 5. Conviction of a felony.

Amended by Laws 1982, c. 83, § 2; Laws 1983, c. 202, § 3, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1986, c. 190, § 5, operative July 1, 1986; Laws 1990, c. 16, § 2, emerg. eff. March 29, 1990.