New Hackensack Fire District
Rules and Regulations
SECTION VI
60.000 MEMBERS
60.010 Applicants for membership to the department are to secure and complete an application form. The minimum age for new applicants is 16 years of age.
60.020 All new active firefighters will be classified as AIn Training@ for a period of one year. During this period of time, each new recruit must attend the set percentages and numbers of fires, drills, and checkouts as set fourth by the district rules. At the end of the first six (6) months and one year a preliminary report of said firefighters shall be made to the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Fire Company, with recommendations for acceptance or rejection.
60.025 Immediate dismissal from the Fire Company for the consummation of any ALCOHOLIC Beverages of any kind on company property or at any company function, by a member under the legal drinking age.
60.030 All members who fall into the category of 16 ‑ 18 years of age shall perform in accordance with the following rules and regulations:
1. Will be directly responsible to the Chief, Assistant Chiefs, or the officer in charge in regard to their duties and behavior in the fire station, at fires, drills, parades, and any company function.
2. Will obey all traffic laws and control their cars to and from the fire station or emergencies. The district will not be responsible nor tolerate traffic violations incurred by its members.
3. Will NOT be permitted to drive any Fire District Apparatus.
4. Will be issued an orange helmet, which signifies that they may NOT enter a burning building, burning field, or any danger area unless directed by the officer in charge.
5. Will NOT be issued a BLUE light card until their 18th birthday.
6. Will NOT be permitted to be in the fire station with a NON‑New Hackensack Fireman, unless an active Firefighter over the age of 21 is present (not to include the Career Firefighter).
7. Must meet all the requirements for active Firefighter and obey all the rules and regulations, which are in effect.
60.040 All active firefighters are expected to respond to all emergencies, which come to their attention and assist in a professional manner. All firefighters shall be assigned to a squad and should follow their monthly assigned duties. Squad assignments are posted at the fire station and in the monthly newsletter. This system is designed to provide improved fire protection for the fire district.
60.045 All new appointed members must have a medical evaluation within 30 days of appointment as a firefighter.
60.046 All active members must have a periodic medical evaluation by a provider designated by the Fire District based on the following criteria:
Active members 29 years of age and under - every three (3) years
Active members between 30 and 39 years - every two (2) years
Active members 40 years of age and older - every year
60.047 The cost of this medical examination shall be paid by the district and shall include at least the following components:
Vital signs - pulse, respirations, blood pressure;
Dermatological systems;
Ears, eyes, nose, mouth and throat;
Cardiovascular system;
Respiratory system;
Gastrointestinal system;
Genitourinary system;
Endocrine and metabolic system;
Musculoskeletal system;
Neurological system;
Audiometry;
Visual acuity and peripheral vision testing;
Pulmonary function testing;
Other tests as indicated by the medical professional.
60.050 Members must complete the NYS Fire Fighting Essentials or Basic Firefighter or the New Hackensack Fire Fighting Essentials during the first year of their membership. If unable, or unwilling, to attend either course, a member will be subject to removal from the department.
60.060 Members shall give strict obedience to the rules of the department and to the orders of their district and company officers.
60.070 Officers and members shall treat each other with respect and courtesy. Where appropriate officers should be referred to by rank.
60.080 For the purpose of insurance coverage, all members must return back to the fire station at the end of an emergency to sign in.
60.085 Only members who respond to the scene of an incident or respond to the fire station for stand by shall receive credit for an alarm. Any member who is in attendance at a NYS training class during an alarm will not receive credit for the alarm unless he/she responds to the scene or fire station. Members who leave a NYS class to respond to an alarm may have to make up the class session.
60.090 Safety regulations shall be followed by all members while at the station, responding to an emergency, on the fire ground, or operating any piece of fire service equipment. NO running at the fire station or on the fire ground at any time. No getting on or off of any moving piece of apparatus.
60.100 The Chief of the Department may issue a blue light card to members over the age of 18. This card allows the usage of a legal blue light when responding to emergencies. Usage of such light is strictly for courtesy only. It does not give the right of way. Members must obey all traffic laws when responding.
60.110 Upon arrival at the scene of an emergency each Firefighter should first don their protective garments (helmet, coat, boots, pants, gloves, and hood). Once this is completed the Firefighter should report to a staging area for an assignment.
60.120 The use of SCBA equipment is a standard procedure for all interior structural and vehicle fires. When using SCBA all safety regulations have to be followed. Any member who violates this policy may be subject to suspension. The final decision for suspension will be made by the Chief of the Department.
60.130 As soon as possible after being accepted into the department all new Firefighters shall receive the following items: radio, boots, bunker coat, bunker pants, helmet, hood and gloves.
60.150 All new active Firefighters who are classified "In Training" and shall be issued an orange helmet. This signifies that they shall not be permitted to respond to Mutual Aid alarms, to go below grade, above grade, or enter a burning structure until they have attended and completed the NYS Intermediate Firefighter or equivalent.
60.160 When responding to incidents in their private vehicles all members are to use extreme caution and maintain a minimum distance of 250 feet behind all responding apparatus.
60.170 To maintain an active status in the New Hackensack Fire Department each member shall comply with the minimum requirements for the category of membership, which they fall under:
|
CATEGORY |
YEARS OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP |
|||
|
|
0 - 5 |
6 - 15 |
16 - UP |
|
|
1. Fires and Emergencies |
25% |
15% |
10% |
|
|
2. Weekly Checkouts |
12 |
6 |
4 |
|
|
3. Drills |
12 |
10 |
4 |
|
|
|
3a. OSHA Safety Drills |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
3b. Live Burn Drills |
4 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
3c. Other Drills |
6 |
6 |
1 |
60.180 If an active Firefighter is in default of any of the department requirements, they will be notified by the Chief of Department. Loss of active status may result if the member defaults for two (2) consecutive six (6) month periods.
60.185 If a firefighter has been removed from active status due to delinquency or wants to change status from social or life to active, he must submit his request to the membership committee and be approved by the Board of Fire Commissioners. The Board of Fire Commissioners may also require him to attend additional training.
60.190 If an active Firefighter has extenuating circumstances (overtime work, college, medical, state fire courses, or military leave) and fails to meet their minimum requirements a letter shall be sent to the Chief of the Department for approval or disapproval.
60.200 Attendance records will be recorded on forms provided by the district.
60.210 January 1 to December 31 will be the yearly dates for maintaining the attendance records for all categories.