DECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT · 1.07 Professional Relations 1.08 Pornographic Materials 1.09 Tobacco / Smoke Free Workplace 1.10 Discrimination, Sexual Harassment 1.11 Damage

Page 1 of 3 General Orders Index Pascal Arnes – Chief of Fire

DECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS INDEX

1.00 PERSONNEL INFORMATION

1.01 Maintaining Personnel Record Information 1.02 Off-Duty Employment 1.03 License to Drive a Motor Vehicle 1.04 Loaning of Equipment 1.05 48 Hour Rule 1.06 Security and Use of Portable Radios and Pagers 1.07 Professional Relations 1.08 Pornographic Materials 1.09 Tobacco / Smoke Free Workplace 1.10 Discrimination, Sexual Harassment 1.11 Damage to Property 1.12 Conduct Unbecoming 1.13 Taking Apparatus Off Pavement 1.14 Jury Duty and Subpoenas 1.15 Vehicular Accidents 1.16 Paid Leave Donation 1.17 Vehicle Maintenance - Engineer Responsibilities 1.18 Firefighter's Bill of Rights 1.19 Mandatory Use of Seat Belts 1.20 Uniform Policy 1.21 Fueling of Department Vehicles 1.22 Equipment Assigned to an Apparatus 1.23 Employee Suggestions 1.24 Abandoned Infants 1.25 Clothing Allowance 1.26 Ride-Out Policy for Non-Fire Department Employees 1.27 Minimum Staffing 1.28 Substandard Performance 1.30 Neglect of Duty 1.31 Insubordination 1.32 Failure to Cooperate or be Truthful 1.33 Violation of State, Federal or Local Laws 1.34 Reporting of Injuries 1.35 Hearing Protection 1.36 Travel Policy – UNDER REVIEW 1.37 Respirators – Full Face and Half Face


1.38 Annual Medical Evaluation 1.39 Permanent Medical File 1.40 Grooming, Hygiene, and Personal Appearance 1.41 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1.42 General Orders / SOP / SOG File System 1.43 Substance Abuse Program 1.44 Probationary Personnel 1.45 Use of Station Phones and Cellular Phones 1.46 Overtime Compensation and Distribution 1.47 Transferring Badge or Uniform 1.50 Political Involvement 1.51 Equipment Belonging to Other Companies 1.52 Department Property: Regarding Termination or Resignation 1.53 Civil Actions 1.54 Bringing Charges Against Employees 1.55 Chain of Command 1.56 Bribes and Gratuities 1.57 Media Relations & Media Contact Public Information Officer 1.58 Computer Usage 1.59 Personal Use of Social Media 1.60 Department Use of Social Media 1.61 Digital Imagery 1.62 Workplace Violence 1.63 Weapons 1.64 Hazing and Bullying 1.65 Reserve Apparatus 1.66 Knox Box Key Security 1.67 Department Credit Cards 1.68 Use of Bounce House

2.00 LEAVES 2.01 Reporting off Sick, Accrued Sick Time Benefits, FMLA Policy 2.02 Benefit Time Leave, Accrual and Use 2.03 Military Leave of Absence 2.04 Time Off for Fire/EMS Related Education 2.05 Leave of Absence, Bereavement Leave 2.06 Trading of Time 2.07 Reporting for Duty: Absence Without Leave 2.08 Injury Leave 2.09 Returning to Full-duty from Limited Duty Status


3.00 PROMOTIONS 3.01 Department Examinations and Employee Conduct

4.00 TRANSFERS / REASSIGNMENTS

4.02 Temporary Reassignment / Limited Duty

5.00 FIRE STATIONS 5.01 Fire Station Safety 5.02 Maintenance, Washing and Parking of Non-DTFD Vehicles at Fire Stations 5.03 Use of Women's Quarters 5.04 Use of Men’s Quarters 5.05 Station Assessments and Disbursement of House Funds 5.06 Fire Station Visitors

6.00 TRAINING

6.01 Physical Fitness Program 6.03 Maintaining EMT Certification 6.04 Firefighter Re-Orientation Training

7.00 GRIEVENCES 7.01 Grievance Procedure

8.00 DISCIPLINE 8.01 Progressive Discipline 8.02 Counseling

9.00 OPERATIONS DIVISION PROCEDURES 9.01 Mandatory Use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) 9.02 ESO Documentation – Fire Investigations 9.06 Incident / Fire Scene Authority Fire Investigations 9.07 Child Safety Seat Inspection Station 9.08 SCBA Maintenance

Page 1 of 2 General Order 1.01 Pascal Arnes – Chief of Fire

DECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER

TITLE: MAINTAINING PERSONNEL RECORD INFORMATION NUMBER: 1.01 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017

This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge an employee’s civil liability in any way. The policy should not be construed as creating a higher duty of care, in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third party civil claims against employees. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing employee discipline. I. PURPOSE

This policy provides a standard for employees and the Decatur Township Fire Department to maintain employee personnel records. It is imperative that employees maintain up to date personal information. This information is crucial for pay-roll, taxes and in the event emergency notification must be made. The Decatur Township Fire Department is required by federal, state or local laws to maintain up to date personnel information.

II. POLICY

Personnel records are to contain information which is needed by Decatur Township Fire Department to conduct its business and meet the requirements of federal, state or local law. Employees have the responsibility to keep their personnel record up to date and shall notify the Fire Chief’s office, Decatur Township Trustee’s office and the employee’s Battalion Chief, in writing, of any changes to the following:

1. Name 2. Address 3. Telephone number 4. Marital status 5. Federal, State, and Local Tax changes 6. Emergency contact information III. PROCEDURE

A. Within 72 hours of any change in the employee’s personnel record information, the employee must notify a representative of the Fire Chief’s office, Decatur Township Trustee’s office and the employee’s Battalion Chief.

B. The Fire Chief’s office and Decatur Township Trustee’s office will not accept change notifications via telephone. All changes must be in writing.


C. It shall be the responsibility of the Battalion Chief to complete an annual update of all

employee personnel records for employees assigned to his/her shift.

D. Annual updates will begin January 1 of each year and shall be completed by January 15.



TITLE: OFF DUTY EMPLOYMENT NUMBER: 1.02 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017

This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge an employee’s civil liability in any way. The policy should not be construed as creating a higher duty of care, in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third party civil claims against employees. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing employee discipline.

I. PURPOSE

The Decatur Township Fire Department understands that many employees have employment while off duty. The Decatur Township Fire Department must establish a policy to protect the interests and image of the Decatur Township Fire Department as well as the citizens that the Decatur Township Fire Department serves.

II. DEFINITIONS

OFF DUTY EMPOLMENT: Any service rendered outside the Decatur Township Fire Department during the time the employee is not required to be present at the Decatur Township Fire Department for which goods, services, or pay is received in return.

III. POLICY

It is the policy of the Decatur Township Fire Department to permit employees to obtain employment while off duty. However, in an effort to protect the citizens served by the Decatur Township Fire Department and the image and integrity of the Decatur Township Fire Department certain requirements must be followed. Employee’s must always keep in mind the Decatur Township Fire Department is the employee’s primary employment. It is understood that the Decatur Township Fire Department may not be the primary employment for reserve employees. However, this policy shall still be followed.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Off duty employment shall not limit the employee’s ability to report to work on time and in such mental and physical condition that they are able to perform their duties efficiently, effectively and appropriately for the duration of their shift.

B. Any off duty employment that reflects adversely on the department or employee is

prohibited.


C. Any employment that has the potential for conflict of interest is strictly prohibited.

D. Employees shall not use their official position, badge, identification or the name of the fire department to solicit off duty employment.

E. Off duty employment is permitted with the following limitations:

1. Employees shall not be employed by places which directly include the running of, or

participation in any illegal gambling activity.

2. Employees shall not wear any item of identification which represents the department while being employed off duty at places where alcoholic beverages are served.

3. Employees shall not work off duty employment if that employment would prevent the

employee from performing their department duties effectively and to the best of their abilities.

4. Employment shall not affect the employee’s ability to arrive at work well rested.

5. Medical expenses incurred as a result of off duty employment will not be paid by

Decatur Township.



TITLE: LICENSE TO DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE NUMBER: 1.03 EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department are tasked with operating emergency apparatus both an emergent and non-emergent status. Therefore, it is the purpose of this policy to ensure that all employees are legally licensed by the State of Indiana to operate a motor vehicle.

II. POLICY

It can be reasonably expected that any employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department could be asked to operate a motor vehicle under emergency or non-emergency conditions, all employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department shall possess a current and valid Indiana Driver’s License.

III. PROCEDURE

A. In the event that an employee’s driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or in any way

becomes invalid the employee must inform the Fire Chief. This shall be done in writing and be sent to the Fire Chief via the Chain of Command.

B. The employee may use the Decatur Township Fire Department email system to satisfy

section A of this procedure.

C. Employees who do not possess a valid driver’s license shall not operate any Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle.

D. Any employee who has their driver’s license suspended, revoked or in any way made invalid will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to General Order 8.01 “Progressive Discipline as Applied by Superior Officers”.


E. Failure to advise the Fire Chief of any suspension, revocation, invalidation or restriction may result in disciplinary action, up to and including employment termination.



TITLE: LOANING OF EQUIPMENT NUMBER: 1.04 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Occasionally it is necessary for employees and non-employees to borrow equipment that is owned by the Decatur Township Fire Department. This policy establishes accepted practices to loan Decatur Township Fire Department equipment.

II. DEFINITIONS

EQUIPMENT: Any tangible materials owned by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

III. POLICY

Employees and non-employees may borrow Decatur Township Fire Department equipment. When an employee borrows equipment from the Decatur Township Fire Department the employee must get permission from the company officer where the equipment is stored. Any non-employees who wish to borrow Decatur Township Fire Department equipment must obtain permission from the Fire Chief or designee. Any person borrowing equipment is solely responsible for any damage to the equipment or if the equipment is lost or stolen. Any person borrowing Decatur Township Fire Department equipment shall incur any repair or replacement costs if an item is lost, stolen and/or damaged. The Decatur Township Fire Department is not responsible for any injuries or death incurred while using loaned equipment.

II. PROCEDURE

A. All Decatur Township Fire Department equipment shall remain in the custody of the Department, unless permission has been received by an officer.


B. No person shall remove chairs and tables from Decatur Township facilities, unless permission has been granted by the Fire Chief, their designee or Station Officer.

C. Any employee borrowing Decatur Township Fire Department Equipment must obtain

permission from the on duty company officer where the equipment is stored. Permission must be granted prior to borrowing any Decatur Township Fire Department Equipment.

D. Any Decatur Township Fire Department equipment that has been approved to be loaned out shall be logged in an appropriate area determined by the Station Officer. The log shall include the equipment loaned. name of the person using the equipment, when the equipment was borrowed and when it is expected to be returned.

E. When the item is returned, it is the responsibility of the person returning the property to

notify the on duty Station Officer that the equipment has been returned. The company officer will log that the equipment has been returned.



TITLE: 48 HOUR RULE NUMBER: 1.05 EFFECTIVE: JUNE 18, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The Decatur Township Fire Department is concerned about the effects of fatigue caused by an employee working an excessive amount of hours consecutively. To avoid the mistakes caused by fatigue from working too many hours consecutively the Decatur Township Fire Department has designed a policy to limit the consecutive hours an employee can work.

II. POLICY

No employee shall work more than 48 consecutive hours. Once an employee has worked 48 consecutive hours the employee must have at least 12 hours off duty before returning to work. Under extenuating circumstances, the Fire Chief or designee may authorize an employee to work more than 48 consecutive hours.

III. PROCEDURE

A. An employee may not work more than 48 consecutive hours. This includes normal

shift hours, overtime and trade time

B. Only the Fire Chief or designee can authorize an employee to work more than 48 consecutive hours

C. Upon completion of working 48 consecutive hours an employee shall be required to be off duty for a minimum of 12 hours

D. It is understood that an employee may be dispatched to an emergency run near the completion of 48 hours. The company officer and Battalion Chief should make every effort to avoid the employee exceeding 48 hours. However, an exception to this rule shall be made in such circumstances when exceeding 48 consecutive hours is


unavoidable. Such as daylight savings time or an emergency dispatch when nearing the end of 48 hours.

.

Page 1 of 4 General Order 1.06 Pascal Arnes – Chief of Chief


TITLE: SECURITY AND USE OF PORTABLE RADIOS AND PAGERS NUMBER: 1.06 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The Decatur Township Fire Department has expended significant funding to secure a portable radio for each position on every apparatus. The Decatur Township Fire Department has also provided pagers for each Officers, Engineers, and Drivers position. It is imperative for the safety of all employees that radios and pagers are secured and maintained at all times. This order establishes policy regarding the use, maintenance, accountability and security of fire department radios and pagers; and to standardize the use of the portable radios for optimum performance, ease of use, and protection from damage.

II. DEFINITIONS

ENGINEER / DRIVER: Employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department who is assigned to drive fire department apparatus.

PORTABLE RADIO: A handheld radio designed for use away from an apparatus.

MOBILE RADIO: A permanently mounted radio installed in fire, emergency medical, and staff vehicles.

PAGER: A portable messaging device.

PSC: Public Safety communications.

PORTABLE RADIO ENSEMBLE: The following portable radio equipment shall be a complete portable radio ensemble:

• Motorola XTS 5000R radio with an antenna

• Speaker Microphone Antenna (SMA) lapel microphone with an antenna


III. POLICY

Employees are responsible for the radio and pager assigned to them during their shift. It is the responsibility of the employee to ensure the radio and pager are working properly and is not damaged. If the employee finds any damage or need for repair the employee shall fill out an incident report and pass the information up the chain of command.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. ISSUANCE OF PORTABLE RADIOS AND PAGERS

1. Portable radios may be issued to Decatur Township Fire Department employees as necessary.

2. Pagers may be issued to Decatur Township Fire Department employees as necessary.

3. Decatur Township Fire Department employees who are issued a portable radio and/or pager shall be responsible for the security of the radio at all times.

4. One radio shall be assigned to each riding position on each apparatus.

B. USE OF RADIOS

1. All portable radios shall be maintained with a one-quarter gain antenna.

2. A Speaker Microphone Antenna, (SMA), with a shielded cable shall be affixed to all Fire suppression and EMS operations radios. The SMA shall also have a one-quarter-wave antenna. An exception shall be made for employees using a head set and head set jack with their portable radio.

3. The use of radios and pagers shall be for official business only.

C. ASSIGNMENT OF RADIOS

1. Radios shall be assigned and identified as follows for engine and ladder companies:

A – Officer

B – Riding position immediately behind officer

C – Riding Position behind engineer

D – Engineer

2. Two radios shall be assigned for each ambulance.


3. For two person vehicles, identification shall be as follows:

A – Officer (Front right seat)

B – Engineer or driver

D. SECURITY OF PORTABLE RADIOS AND PAGERS

1. Employees shall check for the presence and condition of the portable radio and/or pager assigned to his or her riding position.

2. All employees are required to account for and secure radios and/or pagers assigned to their riding position. Security includes, but is not limited to, belt clips, radio holders, or belt straps. When wearing a turn out coat the radio should be secured in a radio strap or the front radio pocket of the coat.

3. Employees shall ensure the radio and/or pager is functioning properly.

4. It is the responsibility of the Company Officer to account for all radios and

pagers assigned to a fire company at all times. For ambulances, the driver shall be responsible to account for all radios.

5. If a radio or pager cannot be accounted for, and has not been previously

documented, the employee shall notify the Company Officer and fill out an incident report. The officer shall pass this information up the chain of command. An incident report must be completed and turned into the Fire Chief (DTFD email is an acceptable form of notification). The incident report shall include all pertinent information regarding the missing or damaged radio.

6. Notification of missing or damaged radios or pagers must be made no later

than 0800 hours. If notification is made after 0800, the on-duty company officer has assumed responsibility for all radios. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into account, e.g. relief that takes place on the scene of an emergency or other activity, i.e. a detail.

7. It is the responsibility of the Company Officer to ensure all portable radios are

marked with the correct company and letter designation. This shall be done with a label sticker. Radios shall not be written on.

8. All Employees shall be in possession of their assigned portable radio and/or

pager at all times they are away from quarters. This includes emergency responses, training, and details.

9. Failure to secure a radio and/or pager by an employee is not an excuse for

failure to respond a dispatched emergency run


E. RADIOS AND/OR PAGERS THAT ARE LOST OR STOLEN

1. If a radio and/or pager becomes lost or is stolen, the company officer must notify his or her superior officer immediately. Any lost or missing radio will require an Incident Report be filed and passed up the chain of command.

2. If it has been confirmed that a radio and/or pager has been lost or stolen, a police report shall be required. The company officer is responsible for contacting law enforcement for a report.

3. If a portable radio is determined to have been lost or damaged due to

negligence, the employee may face disciplinary action. An employee shall not face disciplinary action when loss or damage of the radio and/or pager is not due to negligence.

F. RADIO / PAGER MAINTENANCE

Decatur Township Fire Department employees experiencing radio and/or pager problems, including a damaged radio and/or pager, shall make notification to the Company Officer. It is the responsibility of the Company Officer to report all radio problems to the Fire Chief or their designee. The nature of the damage or malfunction must be documented and an Incident Report filed.



TITLE: PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS NUMBER: 1.07 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

It is imperative to the public trust that employees maintain a positive relationship and remain professional at all times. This policy establishes a procedure to ensure that positive professional relations are maintained at all times.

II. POLICY

It is the policy of the Decatur Township Fire Department that all employees shall maintain a positive and professional relationship with the public, their peers and officers at all times.

III. PROCEDURE

A. Employees shall exhibit courtesy and respect to all officers, and acting officers.

B. While on duty, all officers shall be referred to by their appropriate rank.

C. Supervisors shall exhibit courtesy and respect to their subordinates and shall treat all members in a fair and impartial manner.

D. Employees shall treat one another with due courtesy and shall not engage in horseplay or

disrespectful conduct while on duty.

E. Employees are required to speak the truth at all times, whether or not under oath, in giving testimony in connection with official orders, and in connection with official duties.

F. Employees shall not make false reports concerning any department business, the personal character or conduct of any member.


G. Employees shall exhibit courtesy and respect to members of the public.

H. Employees are required to give their name and rank whenever requested by a member of the public.

I. Should an employee have a complaint against a member of the general public, the

employee shall forward the complaint, in writing, through the chain of command. (Decatur Township Fire Department email is acceptable)


sDECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER

TITLE: PORNOGRAHIC MATERIAL NUMBER: 1.08 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The Decatur Township Fire Department strongly believes that there is no place for pornography within its facilities or vehicles. The Decatur Township Fire Department feels that the rights of individual employees are violated when they are involuntarily exposed to pornographic materials. Fire department buildings are public facilities to which minors and the public in general have access and, as such, must present an appropriate, professional environment at all times.

II. DEFINITION

PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS: Internet sites, any digital media, films, videotapes, books, magazines, etc. with content that displays sexual acts, nudity or any sexually explicit materials.

III. POLICY

Pornographic materials, magazines, films, digital media, or video tapes are strictly prohibited and not allowed in any Decatur Township Fire Department building or vehicle.



TITLE: TOBACCO / SMOKE FREE WORKPLACE NUMBER: 1.09 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To provide a healthier environment for employees, and establish a policy concerning the use of any tobacco product in or around Decatur Township Fire Department buildings or vehicles; and while operating on any Emergency Scene, while assigned to a detail, or in any view of the public.

It is widely recognized that smoking and secondary smoke inhalation are harmful to health and that the use of tobacco may significantly increase the risk of heart disease, emphysema and/or cancer of the lips, mouth, throat, and lungs. The Decatur Township Fire Department is committed to health maintenance through physical fitness programs and general wellness concepts, and the use of tobacco products runs contrary to the Decatur Township Fire Department’s fitness and wellness programs.

II. DEFINITIONS

SMOKING: As used in this order shall mean carrying or holding a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or any other lighted equipment, the inhalation or exhalation of smoke from any lighted equipment, the use of smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chewing tobacco, and the use of electric cigarettes, and devices used for vaping.

PUBLIC BUILDING: As used in this order shall mean all buildings owned, leased, occupied or otherwise utilized by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

VEHICLE: As used in this order shall mean all vehicles owned, leased, occupied or otherwise utilized by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

III. REFERENCE

Section 416-602 of the Code of Indianapolis and Marion County


IV. POLICY

A. Employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department shall not use tobacco in any form (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff or chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, or items used for vaping) while in a building or vehicle owned and/or operated by the Decatur Township Fire Department, while assigned to a detail, while on any emergency scene, or in any view of the public.

B. No person shall smoke within 8 feet of any Decatur Township Fire Department building

C. All smoking materials shall be disposed of in a proper container.

D. Employees who use tobacco products shall ensure that all materials are disposed of properly and that Decatur Township Fire Department property is free from any litter or debris caused by tobacco products.



TITLE: SEXUAL HARASSMENT NUMBER: 1.10 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The best work environments are built on a foundation of respect for all those that contribute. For that and many other reasons, Decatur Township Fire Department (DTFD) is committed to providing a work environment free of sexual harassment.

II. DEFINITIONS

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Any activity which has the effect of interfering with the efficient functioning of the work place as a result of disparate treatment of an employee because of that person’s gender. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to:

1. Behavior or comments that create a hostile work environment for another person

because of his or her gender; this includes male-to-female, female-to-male, male-to-male, and female-to-female harassment.

2. Verbal, physical, sexual or any other form of harassment that belittles or demeans any individual on the basis of sex, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws

3. Conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s work performance or experience or creating an environment that is hostile, intimidating or offensive.

4. Sexual advances; requests or demands for sexual favors; physical conduct of a sexual nature; sexual jokes; sexual slurs; and other harassing language or conduct that is meant to intimidate or that negatively impacts an employee’s work environment

5. Deliberate or offensive comments, or gestures


SEX DISCRIMINATION: Any action which limits or denies a person or a group of people opportunities, privileges, roles or rewards on the basis of gender and/or sexual orientation.

III. POLICY

Decatur Township Fire Department does not tolerate and expressly prohibits harassment or any acts (physical, verbal or otherwise) that create a hostile or intolerable working environment for any employee, volunteer, applicant, agent, contractor, customer, client and/or vendor because of gender or other protected status under law.

This policy applies to every person in the workplace and everyone who participates in work-sponsored activities no matter their authority, position or classification.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Decatur Township Fire Department employees who believe that they have been sexually harassed by a supervisor, co-worker, person conducting business; or if an employee is aware or suspects sexual harassment of another employee or workplace participant, employees should immediately report the incident and take the steps outlined below.

B. Address the situation with the individual who is committing the harassment by:

1. Stating that the actions are un-welcomed and unwanted

2. Requesting that the person stop the unwanted actions

C. Report the situation in writing to the Company Officer if the actions continue.

D. In cases where the employee feels uncomfortable with contacting the person doing the

harassing, the individual shall contact the Company Officer to discuss the circumstances of the harassment.

E. If the employee does not feel comfortable reporting as listed above, or if the employee did report and are not satisfied with the response, then the employee should direct the report or dissatisfaction to the Fire Chief.

F. If for any reason the employee does not want to discuss the matter with the Fire Chief, the employee may report the matter to the Decatur Township Trustee.

G. Please note that employees are not required to confront the person or persons that have given you reason to report. However, if an employee experiences wrongdoing, like sexual harassment, the employee must make a reasonable effort to make the wrongdoing known as soon as possible after the experience or discovery of the harassment. Discussing or


reporting acts of sexual harassment to any person not listed above does not constitute a report.

H. Complaints shall be handled confidentially.

I. If the complaint includes or is against any officer, the charges shall be submitted in

writing to the next highest ranking officer.

J. If the complaint includes or is against the Fire Chief, the charges shall be submitted in writing to the Decatur Township Trustee.

K. Allegations of sexual harassment or sex discrimination shall be investigated promptly and

thoroughly by the Fire Chief, Fire Chief’s designee or the Decatur Township Trustee. The Decatur Township Fire Department may use third parties to assist in such investigations.

L. All employees shall cooperate fully in any such investigation. Refusal to participate in an

investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment shall lead to discipline.

M. The Fire Chief, the Fire Chief’s designee and/or Decatur Township Trustee shall review and examine the complaint and evidence gathered during the investigation to determine whether disciplinary action is appropriate.

N. The Fire Chief, the Fire Chief’s designee or Decatur Township Trustee may conduct

further interviews if necessary to make a decision.

O. All parties involved shall be notified, in writing, as to the decision of the Fire Chief, the Fire Chief’s designee and/or the Decatur Township Trustee.

P. Fire department personnel who feel that they have been victims of sex discrimination or sexual harassment have the option of filing a discrimination grievance consistent with the guidelines established in General Order 7.01.

Q. Any employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department, who engages in sexual

harassment while conducting official business with members and employees of the department, with employees of other agencies, with persons employed outside of the department, or with the public, is violating standards of conduct and will be subject to disciplinary action.

V. RETALIATION

A. If an employee believes they are being subjected to retaliation for reporting a violation of this policy, or participating in an investigation of this policy, the employee should report the retaliation immediately in the manner provided above. Please note that the employee


does not have to confront the person that is the source of the retaliation before reporting it. However, to help prevent retaliation from continuing, the employee must report it.

B. Any employee or workplace participant that retaliates against another employee or workplace participant for making a good faith complaint of a violation of this policy, or for assisting in an investigation of a complaint of a violation of this policy, is subject to disciplinary action and/or termination. Retaliation can include, but is not limited to, harassment, discrimination, bullying, shunning the employee, encouraging other to shun the employee or any other unfair treatment or abuse of power.

VI. FALSE CLAIMS

Any employee or workplace participant that knowingly makes a false or frivolous claim of workplace wrongdoing, sexual harassment or sex discrimination shall be subject to disciplinary action and/or termination.

VII. POLICY QUESTIONS/CONCERNS

A. Questions, suggestions, or concerns about this policy, should be directed to the Fire Chief of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

B. Any employee who feels uncomfortable discussing any questions, suggestions or concerns about this policy with the Decatur Township Fire Department’s Fire Chief, may direct questions to the Trustee of Decatur Township, legal counsel, and/or the IAFF Firefighters Local 416.



TITLE: DAMAGE TO PROPERTY NUMBER: 1.11 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. POLICY

This policy sets forth the requirements for reporting the loss, damage to, or destruction of portable equipment owned by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

II. DEFINITION

ISSUED EQUIPMENT: Property that has been issued to employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department that belongs to the Decatur Township Fire Department.

III. POLICY

A. Issued Equipment shall remain in the control and custody of the employee to whom it was assigned.

B. If the property becomes damaged, lost or stolen, the employee shall file an Incident

Report before the end of shift, on the shift the damage occurs.

C. Property that is on Decatur Township Fire Department apparatus and/or vehicles that is damaged, lost, or stolen shall be reported immediately to the on-duty Company Officer.

D. Upon discovery that a piece of portable equipment has been lost, damaged, or destroyed,

an employee shall record his/her findings on an Incident Report and forward it through the chain of command to the Fire Chief.

E. This report shall be filed no later than the end of the employee’s shift on the shift the

damage as occurred.

F. If the lost or damaged equipment is replaced from existing inventory, note this on the incident report.


G. It is the responsibility of each employee to maintain all equipment assigned to their station and apparatus in a constant state of readiness. To facilitate this process, each apparatus is to be inspected and inventoried at the beginning of each shift and after each incident during the process of returning the apparatus to service.

H. It is the responsibility of each employee to properly use and maintain all assigned

equipment.

I. The deliberate or willful misuse, theft, loss, damage, or destruction of any tool, equipment, or other device owned by the Decatur Township Fire Department, other agency or private individual will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

J. As a part of the disciplinary process, the employee(s) responsible for the loss or

destruction of Decatur Township Fire Department equipment may be required to reimburse the Decatur Township Fire Department for the costs to repair or replace the equipment.



TITLE: CONDUCT UNBECOMING NUMBER: 1.12 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy concerning the general conduct that is expected of Decatur Township Fire Department personnel. This policy may be applied to activities that take place while on or off duty.

II. POLICY: Employees are prohibited from the following activities, all of which constitute conduct unbecoming.

A. Gambling while on Decatur Township Fire Department property for money or

any article of value.

B. Fighting, horseplay, or the use of profane language toward any other person.

C. Using language or gestures that are rude, indecent, or discourteous when dealing with anyone.

D. Acting disrespectfully to any other employee of the Department.

E. Engaging in any sexual activity while on fire department property or at any place

while on duty.

F. Possessing alcoholic beverages on fire department property at any time.

G. Consuming alcoholic beverages at any time or place while on duty.

H. Being on Decatur Township Fire Department property when under the influence of alcohol.


I. Using any illicit drug as outlined in state, local and federal laws.

J. Reporting for duty when a prescribed drug impairs the employee’s effectiveness.

K. Illegally taking articles of any description or value from emergency scenes, department property or personnel.

L. Using or attempting to use the employee’s official position, badge, or credentials

for personal or financial gain, personal advantage or to avoid the consequences of an illegal act.

M. Selling or assigning their wages.

N. Accepting a bribe or soliciting any gratuity, compensation, or reward for services

performed in the line of duty.

O. Officially recommending or suggesting the services of any person, company or other organization doing business for profit.

P. Engaging in any business or transaction that is a conflict of interest to the

employee’s department duties.

Q. Engaging in any behavior that is immoral, rude, indecent, illegal, lewd, discourteous, or in any way inappropriately disrupts the functioning of the Department.

R. Engaging in any behavior that brings the department into disrepute degrades the

community image of the Department or impedes the ability of any employee to perform his or her duties, or in any way inappropriately disrupts the functioning of the Department.

S. Violating any state, local or federal laws concerning immoral conduct.

T. Procure the services of any person to perform any illicit act

U. Taking, destroying, or tampering with any official record or document of the

Decatur Township Fire Department.



TITLE: TAKING APPARATUS OFF PAVEMENT NUMBER: 1.13 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a guideline for safe apparatus operation when performing U-turns, and to establish when apparatus may leave hard surfaces.

II. PROCEDURE

Apparatus shall always remain on hard surfaces, unless when responding on an emergency run:

1. The action of taking the apparatus off the roadway, or hard surface, will allow

the apparatus to access the incident to save a life.

2. An Officer of the apparatus authorizes the action.

3. The apparatus is equipped with 4-wheel drive. U-TURNS

A. U-Turns on the interstate shall be permitted only while responding to an

emergency and at locations where asphalt or gravel is present and will support the weight of the truck.

B. Apparatus not responding to an emergency shall proceed to the next marked

exit for turn around.

C. Apparatus will not cross through the median of a highway or interstate highway unless meeting the above criteria.


D. The Officer of the apparatus is responsible for conducting a size up of the situation before permitting the apparatus to exit off the roadway or to cross the median of an interstate highway. If an Officer is not present on the apparatus, it will become the driver/operator(s) responsibility.

E. Any attempt to cross in an area that does have pavement or gravel shall be

made at an angle that will reduce the risk of damage to the apparatus.

F. The driver/operator and/or Officer shall ensure that a safe condition exists prior to conducting a U-turn on any roadway.



TITLE: JURY DUTY AND SUBPOENAS NUMBER: 1.14 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To state DTFD policy concerning the responsibilities of employees when called for jury duty and when subpoenaed to appear in court. II. POLICY STATEMENT

A. JURY DUTY

Pursuant to Indiana Code, employees of the DTFD are not exempt from jury duty

B. RESPONSE TO SUBPOENAS

1. Employees subpoenaed to appear in court for departmental matters are obligated to do so and will be compensated consistent with FLSA regulations.

2. Employees subpoenaed to appear in court for non-departmental matters are obligated to do so but must use paid leave time, trading of duty time, or leave without pay while appearing in court.

III. PROCEDURE

A. If jury duty falls on a duty day; the employee is to contact their Battalion Chief.

B. The employee will be granted jury duty leave from the hours which are required by the court.

C. The employee must obtain a Jury Duty Excuse from the subpoenaing agency and present this to their company officer or shift commander upon returning to work.


D. At no time is the employee to accept compensation for jury duty if being compensated by the department.

IV. MISCELLANEOUS

A. The Chief or his designee may allow additional time off if the employee is sequestered on a jury. Proof must be provided by the subpoenaing agency.



TITLE: DEPARTMENT VEHICLE CRASHES AND ACCIDENT REVIEW BOARD NUMBER: 1.15 EFFECTIVE: June 18, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a General Order for reporting Decatur Township Fire Department apparatus and vehicle crashes and damage to Decatur Township Fire Department apparatus and vehicles. This General Order also explains the make-up, purpose and operation of the Accident Review Board.

II. DEFINITIONS

MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH: Any incident occurring on a public street or private property open to the public involving a vehicle and other object or person where either the vehicle or other object or person sustains unintentional damage or injury.

DAMAGE TO DEPARTMENT VEHICLE: Any damage to a Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle or property that is attached to a Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle. This may include, but is not limited to: internal and external equipment such as emergency light bars, siren, spotlights and in-vehicle computers. PSC: Public Safety Communications

III. PROCEDURE

Classifications

A. Any incident occurring on a public street or private property open to the public involving a Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle and other object or person where either the Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle or other object or person sustains unintentional damage or injury will be classified as a motor vehicle crash.


B. The following types of incidents will be classified as Damage to Fire

Department reports:

1. Any incident occurring on public or private property not classified as a motor vehicle crash in which the Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle (including the interior), other objects (i.e., gas pumps, etc.) or a person(s) sustains accidental damage or injury; or

2. A Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle that sustains

intentional damage by any person.

The following procedure shall be used anytime a Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle crash as defined above within the Decatur Township Service District (this includes inside and outside Marion County)

A. PSC will be notified immediately of the crash, location, conditions and

persons involved.

B. PSC will dispatch all necessary personnel and assistance including, but not limited to:

• On-Duty Battalion Chief • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, or appropriate police

agency • Additional equipment if needed (i.e., Ambulances, Fire Apparatus) • Additional equipment to respond to the original run if the

apparatus was responding to an emergency run

C. The vehicle should not be moved unless specifically requested by the responding police officer, Decatur Township Fire Department Safety car, the on duty Battalion Chief, or if the vehicle is in a position to cause immediate further damage.

D. When injuries are involved:

1. Civilians, if injured, must be sent to the emergency room of their

choice, unless medical personnel on the scene determine that they need to be transported to the most appropriate hospital for specific medical attention.

2. If Decatur Township Fire Department employees are injured, their

injuries will be evaluated by the on duty Battalion Chief and medical personnel. The Battalion Chief and the medical personnel shall


determine if the injured employees will be transported to the nearest emergency room or Decatur Township Fire Department contracted occupational health clinic for further evaluation.

E. All communication and transactions between parties involved shall be done

between the responding police accident investigator and/or the on duty Battalion Chief.

F. The Battalion Chief will be responsible for completing the vehicle crash

packets and forwarding that packet to the Fire Chief or designee within 72 hours of the vehicle crash. The items submitted should include, but are not limited to:

• Photographs • Vehicle Operator’s Information • Witness Statements • Investigator’s Summary • Vehicle Information • Injured Person’s Information

G. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and/or Indiana State Police

(inside Marion County) will conduct all vehicle crash investigations and will complete an Indiana Officer’s Crash Report on all incidents. If the vehicle crash occurs outside of Marion County the appropriate responding police agency will conduct the investigation. If the crash meets the following guidelines: fatality, possible fatality, serious injury or any incident where any custodial arrest is made in addition to the Indiana Officer’s Crash Report, a police incident report shall be made by the responding officer.

H. If the crash occurs outside Marion County and after the appropriate

jurisdiction has been notified, the on duty Battalion Chief shall be notified immediately as the situation allows.

I. The operator of the vehicle shall submit to a Portable Breath Test (PBT) if

they are involved in a crash involving a Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle. The employee being tested must have not had anything to drink, must not have put any foreign substances in their mouth or respiratory tract, and must not smoke within twenty (20) minutes prior to the time a breath sample is taken.

J. The Battalion Chief shall administer the PBT. If the Battalion Chief is

unavailable a police officer shall be called to administer the PBT.


K. If a reading is given on the PBT then the employee will be sent to obtain a certified chemical test to verify the results.

L. The Fire Chief or their designee may also require the operator of the vehicle to

submit to additional alcohol and/or drug testing.

M. Refusal to submit to a PBT or certified chemical test will result in immediate suspension from duty without pay pending recommendation for termination. See (General Order 1.43 – Substance Abuse Program) for additional information.

Damage to Fire Apparatus or Vehicle

A. Any damage to Decatur Township Fire Department Apparatus or vehicles

shall require a Decatur Township Fire Department incident report to be filled out by the engineer on duty.

B. The incident report shall be reviewed and signed by the Company Officer and forwarded to the Fire Chief or designee, through the chain of command, within 24 hours of the occurrence.

C. The Fire Chief will then determine if the incident will require an additional

police report and if so will notify the appropriate agencies.

Accident Review Board

A. The Decatur Township Fire Department Safety Committee shall act as the Accident Review Board under the direct authority of the Fire Chief and the Decatur Township Professional Firefighters Association, Local 416. The board is an administrative body that is responsible for the review of injuries, crashes, and incidents involving department property. The board will consist of a body of five (5) personnel in which three (3) personnel, which will include the board chair person, will be chosen by the Fire Chief. The additional two members will be chosen at the discretion of the Decatur Township Fire Department’s Union President. This policy will be consistent with the agreement between The Decatur Civil Township and Decatur Township Professional Firefighters Association Article IV Section II (Health and Safety Committee).

B. Formal Hearings and administrative reviews, conducted in accordance with

established procedures, will be held by the board to determine compliance with Decatur Township Fire Department orders, rules, policies, and State, Local and Federal laws. While not a disciplinary board, The Accident Review


Board will make specific recommendations for disciplinary action to the Fire Chief.

C. Membership of the Accident Review Board – A member of the department

with first-hand knowledge of the circumstances surrounding a Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle crash or incident may be subjected to interview by the board chairman to determine eligibility to serve as a member of the Accident Review Board. The chairman may disqualify the member from serving as a board member for cause in cases which may present a conflict of interest. Labor and management may agree on an additional person to replace the dismissed member to review their case.

Responsibilities of the Accident Review Board

A. Determination of the preventability of all Decatur Township Fire Department

vehicle crashes or incidents with respect to applicable laws, General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures.

B. Consistent and judicious recommendations to the Fire Chief for disciplinary review or corrective actions to be taken against employees found to be in violation of law, General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures.

C. Arrangement of corrective or remedial training designed to assist employees in the prevention of vehicle crashes or incidents.

D. Periodic review of policies and procedures related to vehicle operation and compliance with department directives.

Review Procedures

A. The Accident Review Board Chairman will establish appropriate procedures

for efficient review of all investigative materials concerning the Decatur Township Fire Department apparatus or vehicle crash or incident.

B. Employees may be required to appear before the Accident Review Board. If an employee is required to appear the employee shall appear at the designated location and designated time.

C. The Accident Review Board may require testimony from an involved employee and any other employees connected with the crash or incident and subsequent investigation. The Accident Review Board may also resolve crash or incident cases through administrative review.


D. If it is decided to use an administrative review, the employee has the right to appeal and ask for a hearing with the accident review board within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving the results of the review. The Fire Chief will have seven (7) business days to respond to the request.

E. An employee called before the Accident Review Board may present evidence

and testimony on their behalf and may be represented by their Union or Legal Counsel. Employees will also be permitted to ask questions of the board, provided the questions are specifically and directly related to their case.

F. The Accident Review Board will review all Decatur Township Fire

Department crashes and incidents at their regular scheduled meeting, unless the situation warrants a review prior to the scheduled meeting.

G. The Accident Review Board will notify the employee in the case at least seven (7) days prior to their hearing of the date, time and locations of their hearing.

H. Notification may be made by certified mail to the most current mailing address on file with the Decatur Township Fire Department or by having the employee sign a document of notification which has been delivered in person by a member of the Accident Review Board.

I. The Accident Review Board must have a minimum of three (3) members

present to proceed with any hearing.

Recommendations of the Accident Review Board

A. Non-Preventable

1. Judgment of the board that the employee directly responsible for the vehicle exercised reasonable care in the operation of the vehicle.

2. That circumstances contributing to the crash or incident were reasonably

beyond the control of the employee.

B. Preventable Due to Extenuating Circumstances

1. Judgment of the board that avoidance of the crash or incident was reasonably within control of the employee.

2. Extenuating circumstances exist and disciplinary action will be waived.


3. Judgments in this category must be thoroughly explained in writing by the Accident Review Board to the Fire Chief.

C. Preventable

1. Judgment of the board that avoidance of the crash or incident was

reasonably within control of the employee.

2. There was a failure to exercise reasonable care in the operation of the vehicle or a violation of law, orders, rules or policies.

Disciplinary and Corrective Action

A. Employee’s may be ordered to submit and to various evaluations, tests and/or

corrective actions to detect deficiencies in driving skills, which may include the following but not limited to:

• Optometry examination • Stress or psychological assessment • Specialized driver’s training instruction • Fitness for Duty examination

B. If ordered to do so employees are required to submit to any ordered evaluation.

C. Employees with a history of vehicle related disciplinary problems may be

provided with counseling and training designed to correct the situation. D. D.

D. Employees who fail to respond to this instruction may be determined to be substandard in performance of their duty and subject to additional disciplinary action by the Fire Chief.

E. If found to be willfully negligent of their duties, employees may be personally

responsible for reimbursing Decatur Township for all damages caused while operating a Decatur Township Fire Department owned vehicle.



TITLE: PAID LEAVE TIME DONATION NUMBER: 1.16 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


Occasionally situations arise where an employee has a sickness or illness that requires the use of paid leave time beyond the amount of paid leave time the employee has accrued. When this situation arises the Decatur Township Fire Department allows an employee to donate paid leave time to another employee. This General Order outlines the policy and procedure for donating paid leave time.

II. POLICY

A. Employees who have been stricken with an extended illness or injury and are without accrued paid leave may receive a paid leave donation from other Decatur Township employees.

B. The Decatur Township Trustee’s clerk shall maintain such records as necessary for the administration of the paid leave donation program.

C. Paid leave time donations is limited to a maximum cap of 365 calendar days. D. Paid leave time donations may only be granted upon approval of the Decatur

Township Trustee.

E. The paid leave donation program shall be administered on a pay period to pay period basis and

F. An employee may receive donated paid leave equivalent up to the number of hours the employee is normally scheduled to work each pay period who:


1. Has no accrued paid leave available (i.e., sick, vacation, or personal time.).

2. Has no record of abuse or patterned use of sick leave as determined by Decatur Township sick time policy. (4 occurrences for Fire Department Operations Personnel.)

3. Has provided acceptable verification that the illness or injury exists. (Note: The birth or placement of a child with the employee shall not constitute illness with the exception of a female employee who has been verifiably placed on non-work restrictions.).

4. Agrees to accept the leave under the terms of this policy.

5. Completes an Application to Receive Donated Leave form prior to the end of

the pay period.

6. Once an employee is released to light duty, they must report to light duty. However, the employee may still receive donated paid leave time to achieve a 56 hour work week.

7. If the employee fails to report for light duty they will no longer be allowed to

participate in the time donation.

G. An Employee may donate paid leave of sick time, if the donating employee:

1. Voluntarily elects to donate.

2. Donates a minimum of hours equivalent to one (1) of the donors regularly scheduled workdays. (24 hours for operations, 8 for administrative employees).

3. Retains a sick leave balance of at least 480 hours for operations and 320 for administrative employees after donation.

4. Completes a Donation of Paid Leave form.

H. It is the policy of the Decatur Civil Township that no employee be forced, coerced, or expected to donate paid leave. The donation of paid leave shall occur on a strictly voluntary and confidential basis.


I. Employees who donate paid leave shall forfeit any and all rights to the donated paid

leave time. J. Donated paid leave time that has been administered to the requesting employee will

not be returned to the donor. K. Donated paid leave time that is not used shall be returned to the donor.

III. PROCEDURE

A. If an employee has exhausted all available benefit time wishes to receive donated paid leave, the employee shall complete an Application to Receive Donated Paid Leave form and shall submit such form to the Decatur Township Trustee or Decatur Township Fire Department Fire Chief prior to the end of the current paid period.

B. Upon receipt of an approved Application to Receive Donated Paid Leave form, the

Trustee’s clerk will notify all full time Decatur Township employees of the request. Employees who wish to voluntarily donate paid leave time may complete and return the form to the Decatur Township Trustees Clerk.

C. Employees who wish to donate paid leave shall certify:

1. The number of hours to be donated [No more than two hundred and forty (240) per calendar year];

2. The employee donating time, must have a sick leave balance of at least 480 hours for fire department operations employees or 320 hours for administrative and civilian employees

3. The paid leave must be voluntary

D. Donations of paid leave will be recorded and will be awarded one workday at a time.

E. The donation will not be considered donated or deducted from the donor’s accrued balance or credited to the employee in need of paid leave, until the end of the pay period that such leave is actually used.

F. If more than one person donates time, the time will be divided equally among the donors. As an example, if 24 hours are needed and three people submit to donate, each donor will


be charged 8 hours. The balance of each donor will remain in the recipient’s bank until he/she returns to work.

G. The Decatur Township trustee’s clerk shall maintain the paid leave donation, verify the amount of the donation and obtain approval from the Decatur Township Trustee and/or the Decatur Township Fire Department Fire Chief.

H. Employees awarded paid leave donations will not be advised of the total amount of paid leave donations.

I. The recipient of the donated leave time will only be notified whether or not there is sufficient paid leave time donations to cover the estimated extended leave approved for by the Decatur Township Trustee and/or the Decatur Township Fire Department Fire Chief.

J. The Decatur Township Trustee and or Decatur Township Fire Chief reserves the right to decline further donations of paid leave time at anytime.

K. Employees who donate accrued sick leave shall continue to earn sick leave during the same calendar month that they are donating.


Request for Paid Time Donation

I have been notified that all accrued leave (Including, if applicable, sick, vacation, and personal time) has been or will be exhausted and would like to be considered for paid leave donation. I agree to accept the donation under the terms of the Decatur Civil Township paid leave donation policy.

Employee Name Date

Employee Signature

Waiver: I hereby consent to the Decatur Civil Township informing Township employees, who wish to donate accrued paid leave on my behalf, of my need of donated paid leave. I understand that the nature of my extended leave due to illness or injury will not be disclosed.

Employee Signature Date

REQUEST APPROVED BY: REQUEST DENIED BY

Trustee Trustee


Fire Chief Fire Chief

I hereby voluntarily elect to donate a portion of my accrued paid leave to an employee in need of paid leave due to an extended illness or injury of the employee. I agree to the terms of the paid leave donation policy.

I hereby certify that I will donate hours to __

I also certify that I have retained enough sick time to keep me above the minimums described in the paid leave donation policy.

Printed name of Employee Date

Signature of Employee

Date and Time received by the Trustee’s Clerk:

Donation Verified by: Donation Approved/Denied By:

Trustee’s Clerk Trustee/Fire Chief

Dates and hours used:

Donation of Paid Leave Time Form



TITLE: ENGINEER’S RESPONSIBILITY NUMBER: 1.17 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a department procedure regarding the maintenance of DTFD apparatus. II. DEFINITIONS:

ENGINEER: Any employee regularly assigned as an engineer on a Decatur Township Fire Department apparatus or temporarily acting as an engineer in the assigned engineer’s absence.

MAINTENANCE REPORT: An electronic screen found in the fmserver on which maintenance problems are reported and requests for station or apparatus maintenance are made.

III. POLICY

A. Engineers are responsible for the daily preventive maintenance of the apparatus to which they are assigned.

B. It is the responsibility of each Engineer to follow the maintenance schedule presented in this General Order and to report to the Company Officer any maintenance needs of the apparatus.

C. It is the responsibility of both the Company Officer and Engineer that daily maintenance is performed in accordance with maintenance check lists including daily, weekly, and monthly procedures.


D. When reporting the apparatus as all “OK”, the Company Officers and Engineers are stating that checks and procedures have been performed.

IV. PROCEDURES

A. Engineers shall communicate verbally with the off-going engineer concerning the condition of the apparatus.

B. Engineers shall visually inspect the outside appearance of the apparatus.

C. Engineers shall check all fluid levels, (fuel, coolant, oil, transmission fluid, water tank, all fluids in equipment and tools, etc.).

D. Engineers shall start the apparatus and move it to the approach for warm-up (unless weather conditions make this procedure unsafe or harmful to the apparatus). If the apparatus must remain in the bay, the exhaust removal system must be attached at all times while the engine is running.

E. The following items shall be checked daily:

1. All emergency warning and lighting equipment 2. Small motor driven appliances 3. All inventoried working tools (quantity, condition) 4. Readings of all gauges 5. Place pump in gear and ensure the pump engages properly

F. The engineer will report all apparatus discrepancies to the company officer and complete

the Daily Apparatus Check by 0800. A maintenance report must be turned in for all department vehicles daily utilizing the Daily Apparatus Check in the fmserver screen including but not limited to Engines, Ladders, Tanker, Rescue and Ambulances

G. If the engineer needs to make an additional MAINTENANCE report during the same tour of duty, but after 0800, the Company Officer must be notified and an email sent to the Fire Chief.


V. PROVISIONS The provisions in this order are the minimum requirements for apparatus maintenance. The Company Officer has the overall responsibility for the apparatus. In order to ensure the response readiness of the apparatus, the Company Officer may assign additional tasks and/or company members to assist the Engineer.



TITLE: FIREFIGHTERS’ BILL OF RIGHTS NUMBER: 1.18 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a departmental policy for the Firefighters’ Bill of Rights. II. POLICY:

A. As used in this Chapter, “firefighter” shall mean all persons who are sworn members of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

B. There is hereby created a Firefighter’s Bill of Rights which applies to all firefighters’ after completion of a required probationary period.

C. Except when on-duty or when acting in an official capacity, no firefighter shall be prohibited from engaging in political activities or be denied the right to refrain from engaging in political activities, provided such activities do not impede or impair the efficient operation of the department.

D. Whenever a firefighter is under investigation and subjected to an interview by the Fire

Chief or their designee, the following procedures shall apply:

1. The interview shall be conducted at a reasonable hour, preferably at a time when the firefighter is on-duty, unless, in the judgment of the investigator, the seriousness of the investigation is of such a degree that an immediate interview is required.


2. The interview shall take place either at the office of the Fire Chief, Trustee’s Conference Room or an equivalent office setting as designated by the investigator.

3. Prior to such interview of any firefighter, he or she shall be provided a

“Statement of Administrative Rights”.

4. The firefighter being interviewed shall be informed of the name, rank, and assignment of the investigator in charge of the investigation and all persons present during the interview.

5. In non-criminal cases, once a firefighter is scheduled for interview by an

investigator, he or she will be provided a copy of the complaint where one exists. In criminal cases, the firefighter will be informed of the nature of the complaint. In neither case, will the name of the complainant necessarily be disclosed.

6. Interview sessions shall be for reasonable periods of time and shall allow for

such personal necessities and rest periods as are reasonably necessary.

7. The interview of a firefighter by an investigator shall be recorded upon the request of either party. A copy of the interview shall be made available to the firefighter at no cost.

8. If the firefighter being interviewed is under arrest or is likely to be placed under

arrest, he or she shall be completely informed of all of his rights under Miranda prior to the commencement of the interrogation.

9. Questions posed to a firefighter under investigation shall be specifically, directly

and narrowly relate to the performance of the firefighter’s official duties or fitness for serving as a firefighter. Under no circumstances shall the firefighter being investigated be required to waive his/her immunity with respect to the use of the firefighter’s answers or the fruits thereof in a criminal prosecution.

10. At the request of the firefighter being interviewed by an investigator, he/she

shall have the right to have an attorney or a representative of his/her choice from within the department present during such interrogation whenever the interrogation relates to the firefighter’s continued fitness for firefighting service. At the firefighter’s request for representation, he/she shall be provided a reasonable period of time to obtain such representation, which shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours unless, agreed upon by both parties. The attorney or representative shall not participate in the interview, except to advise the firefighter.


E. Only in criminal and corruption matters under department investigation, or as a condition of assignment to certain sensitive positions as provided in the General Orders, may a firefighter be required to submit to a polygraph examination or voice stress analysis test. The questions comprising such tests shall specifically, directly, and narrowly relate to the performance of the firefighter’s official duties or continued fitness to serve as a firefighter. Under no circumstances shall the firefighter being investigated be required to waive his/her immunity with respect to the use of the firefighter’s answers or fruits thereof in a criminal prosecution. The results of such an examination shall not be used in any subsequent criminal court action without the consent of the firefighter.

F. No firefighter shall be required for purposes of assignment or other personnel action, to disclose any items of his property, income, assets, source of income, debts, or personal or domestic expenditures (including those of any member of his/her family or household), unless such information is obtained under proper legal procedures or tends to indicate a conflict of interest with respect to the performance of his/her official duties. This section shall not prevent inquiries made by authorized agents of a tax collecting agency in accordance with acceptable and legally established procedures.

G. No dismissal, transfer, reassignment, or other personnel action which might result in loss of pay or benefits or other punitive measures resulting in monetary loss, shall be taken against a firefighter unless such firefighter is notified of the action and the reason or reasons therefore prior to the effective date of such action.

H. No firefighter shall be discharged, disciplined, or demoted; or denied promotion, transfer, or reassignment; or otherwise be discriminated against in regard to is/her employment; or be threatened with any such treatment by reason of his/her exercise of the rights granted in this Firefighter’s Bill of Rights.

I. In the event a complaint has been dismissed or the complaint has resulted in an investigation and/or hearing where the firefighter has been found innocent of the allegations, there shall be no record placed in the firefighter’s personnel file. A copy of the investigation may be kept for documentation purposes of the investigation.

J. Modification of this document by the Fire Chief will not occur without entering into discussion with the Local #416 Representative.



TITLE: MANDATORY USE OF SEAT BELTS NUMBER: 1.19 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Safety is a high priority of the Decatur Township Fire Department and the mandatory use of seat belts will increase the safety of all employees. This General Orders serves to establish a policy for seat belt use when driving and/or riding in DTFD vehicles.

II. DEFINITIONS

VEHICLE: As used in this order shall mean all vehicles owned, leased, occupied or otherwise utilized by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

III. POLICY

A. All passengers and drivers of any Decatur Township Fire Department vehicle shall wear seat belts any time the vehicle is in motion.

B. It is the responsibility of each Company Officer or Ride-Out Officer to ensure that all employees have their seat belts on before allowing the apparatus to proceed. Both the Officer and the employee will be held accountable to see that this is done.

C. Employees must be wearing appropriate attire (i.e turn out gear for fires, duty clothes for trips to the grocery store) and seat belts fastened before the apparatus starts to move. The seat belt is not to be taken off for any reason before the vehicle arrives at its destination and stops. (The only exception permitted shall be while providing patient care in the rear patient compartment of an ambulance.)


DECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

GENERAL ORDER TITLE: UNIFORM POLICY NUMBER: 1.20 EFFECTIVE: July 15, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017

This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge an employee’s civil liability in any way. The policy should not be construed as creating a higher duty of care, in an evidentiary sense, with respect to third party civil claims against employees. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing employee discipline. PURPOSE

To establish uniform clothing and station wear guidelines throughout the Decatur Township Fire Department (DTFD).

The most current, valid clothing/uniform specifications are kept on file by the Department Quartermaster and will be maintained and available on the Decatur Township Fire Department on-line clothing store.

These specifications are subject to change due to changes in the availability of products, fabric or national safety standards.

It is the responsibility of each employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department to be accountable for the security of all personal clothing and equipment issued by the department.

The department may be responsible for repair or replacement due to damaged or worn out items issued through the quartermaster. Employees must provide security of items that they were issued and shall return (upon leaving the department) all the clothing items issued through the quartermaster.

II. DEFINITIONS

QUARTERMASTER: A supply unit of the DTFD for purchasing, maintaining and dispersing of on-duty clothing and gear to the department. Not all uniform items will go through the quartermaster due to personnel having a clothing allowance. These items can/should be purchased on the on-line store created by the department.


BUSINESS HOURS: As used in this order, shall mean the period between 0800 and 1630 hours, Monday through Friday, except on holidays when DTFD offices are closed.

III. REQUIRED AND OPTIONAL CLOTHING ITEMS

All personnel are required to maintain a minimum of a complete Class A uniform, two (2) Class B uniforms, and one (1) Class C and Class D uniforms. All Personnel are required to have a complete Class A, Class B, and Class C uniform on station or readily available at all times while they are on-duty.

All approved items for wear are listed in the on-line store that the Decatur Township Fire Department has created. If there is an item that is not listed and/or is in question, the Department Quartermaster or the Fire Chief will have to approve the item. The on-line store was created to support personnel and allow them an efficient means to obtain approved uniforms. Items may be obtained from other resources as long as they meet the department standards.

IV. Uniform Descriptions

1. Class-A Uniform Description

A. A white shirt with epaulets and flaps on pockets. DTFD approved patch is required to be centered on the upper left sleeve. Special team or special certification patches (including EMS patches) are to be worn centered on the upper right sleeve. One (1) long-sleeved and one (1) short-sleeved required for Administrative Chief Officers and a minimum of one (1) log-sleeved required for all firefighters. A white V-neck or crew neck T-Shirt shall be worn underneath a white shirt at all times.

B. Navy blue tie – straight navy blue military style tie. Female firefighters may

opt to wear a navy blue military crosstie in place of straight tie. Navy blue tie is required whenever a Class A blouse is worn.

C. Dress pants, must be navy blue and match the fabric of the dress blouse.

Female firefighters may opt for a straight knee length navy blue skirt with no more than more than a six-inch open pleat in the back. Material must be the same as the dress blouse.

D. Shoes, traditional black plain toe (military) uniform shoe. This does not

include tennis or athletic type shoes. Female firefighters may opt for black close-type pump with heel no higher than two inches.

E. Socks shall be black or navy blue. Female firefighters may opt for skin-toned

hosiery when wearing skirt with dress uniform. Firefighters allergic to dark


socks may wear a white under-sock and black sock over the top so that the white socks are not visible.

F. Belt shall be black either basket weave or plain style.

G. Dress blouse, navy blue which matches pants, double breasted, badge on left

breast, DTFD approved patch centered on upper left sleeve, special team or special certification patches (including EMS patches) centered on upper right sleeve, silver or gold buttons, silver service bars on lower left sleeve, award ribbons/special team pins on right breast (according to department standard), silver or gold rank stripes on both lower right and left sleeves.

H. Dress uniform hat, peak style with silver or gold braid, rank appropriate badge

and gold or silver buttons.

I. Commando sweater (optional), navy blue pullover type with epaulets, badge holder and appropriate rank insignia, DTFD arm patches centered on left upper sleeve, special team patches or special certification patches (including EMS patches), centered on upper right sleeve, badge on left breast, and special team pins or awards on right breast is optional.

J. Trench coat (optional), black or navy blue military style with epaulets. Rank

insignia on epaulets only. No other special buttons, arm patches or service bars are to be worn.

K. No ball caps shall be worn while dressed in a Class A uniform. Approved

stocking hats (optional) may be worn during the winter months.

2. CLASS-B UNIFORM DESCRIPTION

A. Shirt- sleeved traditional blue uniform shirts, (long-sleeved optional) with DTFD patch centered on the upper left sleeve, and department-issued or department-approved EMS patch centered on the upper right sleeve. The department approved badge will be worn and secured on the left chest area. A name tag will be secured on the left chest just below the badge and centered on the left breast pocket of the shirt. If a traditional blue long-sleeved shirt is worn, an approved mock style turtleneck can be worn in lieu of a tie. Ties must be worn with a white long-sleeved shirt. . A white V-neck or crew neck T-Shirt shall be worn underneath a white shirt at all times. A white, blue, or black V-neck or crew neck T-Shirt may be worn underneath a blue shirt.

B. Pants, traditional navy blue approved work pant with either straight leg or six

or four pocket configuration and black belt.


C. Polo shirt, navy blue with collar, short or long-sleeve with department approved lettering/logo on the left breast. Rank should be displayed underneath the logo and name is optional on the right breast of the shirt. Department approved polo style shirts are listed on the department on-line store.

D. Job Shirt – may be worn with approved department logo located on the left

chest/breast area or department approved patches on the sleeves and rank insignia on the epaulets or underneath the front logo. Name is optional on the right breast/chest area of the shirt. The collars and elbow patches of the job shirt shall not be faded demonstrating wear. If these are faded the garment shall be replaced.

E. Hat (optional), baseball style with department approved logo navy blue, or

navy blue stocking hat with approved logo during the winter months. F. Socks shall be navy blue or black in color. White under socks, with the dark

approved over sock, should be used by firefighters needing to wear a light sock. White socks may be worn while wearing duty boots that cover the ankle area so that the socks are not visible.

G. Station wear shoes shall be all black uniform style with plain toe, all black

low cut athletic type shoes without different colored emblems or lettering, or issued/approved duty boots.

H. Work/duty approved jacket, navy blue, with optional removable liner and/or

epaulets. DTFD issued jackets and Fireman Chore jackets will be acceptable. If the jackets are not issued must have either approved department patches on the sleeves or the approved department logo on the left breast/chest area of the jacket.

I. Shirt shall be tucked into the waistline of the pant at all times J. Belt – black in color either basket weave or plain style leather or nylon.

3. CLASS-C UNIFORM DESCRIPTION

A. Tee-Shirt – (long or short-sleeved) approved department tee-shirt may be

worn with approved department logo B. Sweat-Shirt - approved department sweatshirt may be worn with approved

department logo (Sweat-shirt can be any of the following: Standard, Hoodie Type, and Zip-up Style)


C. Pants - traditional navy blue work pant straight leg or with six or four pocket configuration and black belt.

D. Socks shall be navy blue or black. White under socks, with the dark approved

over sock, should be used by firefighters needing to wear a light sock. White socks may be worn while wearing duty boots that cover the ankle area so that the socks are not visible.

E. Station wear shoes shall be all black uniform style with plain toe, or all black

low cut athletic type shoes without different colored emblems or lettering. F. Hat, baseball style with Department approved logo navy blue, or navy blue

stocking hat with approved logo during the winter months. G. Cargo shorts – approved cargo shorts may be worn during the summer and

optional months while on duty and in the public view, when appropriate. If cargo shorts are worn firefighters must wear an all black style shoe and black crew length socks along with a black belt.

H. Belt shall be black in color either basket weave or plain style. I. Work/duty approved jacket, navy blue, with optional removable liner and/or

epaulets. DTFD issued jackets and Fireman Chore jackets will be acceptable. If the jackets are not issued must have either approved department patches on the sleeves or the approved department logo on the left breast/chest area of the jacket.

4. CLASS-D UNIFORM DESCRIPTION

A. Shorts, navy blue (cotton, mesh style) with department approved logo on left front leg. The fabric shall be a department approved fabric as listed on the on-line store.

B. Sweat pants, navy blue with department approved lettering/logo on front of

the left leg. The fabric shall be a Department approved fabric. C. Tee shirt, (long or short-sleeved) navy blue with approved department logo.

No halter top or tank top style shirts shall be worn while on duty at any time. D. All other items would be the same as a Class C uniform E. White socks may be worn while in a Class D uniform


F. May wear a comfortable shoe of choice (especially during fitness activities). Open toed footwear is highly discouraged and should only be worn after business hours and in the living areas of the firehouse.

V. Uniform Procedures for Administrative Staff and Chief Officers

1. Chief Officers (Administrative)

A. Chief Officers shall wear a minimum of a Class-B uniform during business hours.

B. Class A summer dress is required when notified for certain details. Summer

dress is a department approved polo shirt or open collar uniform white shirt with badge. Chief Officers shall wear the Class A dress shirt (tie optional in summer months) when attending official department details or formal community affairs. Black pants are allowed while in a white button-up shirt.

C. When chief officers are working in an assignment that is different from their

normal office setting, they may wear the uniform normally designated for that position (i.e. investigations, inspections, training, EMS operations).

D. Administrative Chiefs (or other personnel responding) that are responding

after hours due to an on-call status may alter their uniform depending on the circumstances. They shall look presentable at all times and maintain identification that is visible so they can be identified as a member of DTFD.

2. Chief Officers (Operations)

A. Class B uniform will be worn at all times during normal business hours. Only

exceptions would include weekends and holidays that the administrative offices are closed.

B. Minimum of a Class C uniform will be worn during all other times except listed

above while in the public view. This would include emergency runs, details, and or general business. They may respond in a Class D uniform after hours but shall have a Class C uniform with them at all times.

C. After business hours a Class D uniform may be worn while on station

3. Civilian Division

Civilians that work in a non-operations role may wear casual business attire. VI. Uniform Procedures for Operational Staff - Captains, Lieutenants, Firefighters (includes all personnel)


A. Sleeping Quarters - A minimum of the Class-D uniform must be worn by all firefighters

in areas common to both males and females and while sleeping in dormitories.

B. Turnout Gear – All firefighters responding to or at a fire, hazardous material, tactical and/or medical emergencies, shall wear the appropriate turnout gear consistent with department guidelines. Turnout gear is not to be worn for other than described above, i.e. not to be worn to the store, credit union, DTFD Headquarters, fire station living quarters, and Communications.

C. Condition of Uniforms – All uniforms shall be kept clean, repaired and in good condition. Fabrics that are worn out, faded, patched or threadbare shall be replaced immediately.

D. Funeral or Memorial Services – All firefighters attending these services shall wear the Class-A uniform unless otherwise directed by the Fire Chief.

E. Class A and B uniform shirts with collars are not to be worn off-duty unless authorized by the Fire Chief.

F. Change of Shift – Department approved and issued garments shall be worn on all emergency responses.

1. Firefighters reporting for duty shall don department approved and issued

clothing prior to placing turnout gear on the apparatus. 2. Firefighters being relieved of duty shall wear department approved and issued

garments until their turnout gear has been removed from the apparatus.

G. Lost or damaged items must be reported to the company officer. The report will be followed by an e-mail message reporting the circumstances and requesting replacement (Replacement will be determined by the Quartermaster). The e-mail report will be sent to the company officer, battalion chief and quartermaster.

H. If items have been stolen from department property, the company officer will contact

IMPD and must see that a police report is filed. An e-mail report (including the Police Case Number) and department incident report will also be completed and forwarded to the Fire Chief through proper chain of command.

I. Firefighters who work in administration on a temporary basis (e.g., detail or light duty) may wear a Class C uniform unless told otherwise by a superior officer.

J. The Class A uniform shall be worn by all personnel during activities or events that would be considered formal or in which civilian protocol would normally require a coat and tie (i.e. court) or when ordered by the Fire Chief or their designee.


K. All personnel shall wear a minimum of a Class B uniform shirt (traditional blue shirt with badge and name plate), while appearing before any board such as the Accident Review Board, Disciplinary Board or Merit Commission.

L. The Class B uniform shall be worn during any scheduled station visit and on any public education details, inspections, meetings, or any other detail dictated by an officer.

M. Class C uniforms are designated as the normal “everyday” uniform to be worn for things such as general business or responding on runs.

N. Class D uniforms may be worn while on station, during physical fitness routines, and

annual scheduled physicals, Work Performance Evaluations, and during approved extracurricular activities. Firefighters responding to emergencies must at all times keep the Class-D uniform covered by a department approved exterior garment or issued turnout gear/EMS gear until they have returned to the station or out of public view.

O. Shirts shall be tucked into the waistline of the pant and/or cargo short at all times

P. All operations personnel shall maintain at minimum one (1) traditional blue button-up

shirt and one (1) polo type shirt with them while on-duty.

Q. Personnel shall not wear halter tops, shirts with an excessive amount of material cut off/out, or be without a shirt at any time.

VII. AWARD MEDALS, JEWELRY, BADGES, NAMETAGS, SERVICE BARS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

1. All Personnel

A. Jewelry – The use and wearing of jewelry is covered in General Order 1.40 on Grooming, Hygiene and Personal Appearance

B. Awards, service, special teams or specialty pins may only be worn on the right breast

pocket of Class-A uniform and in accordance with department standard.

2. Chief Officers (Administrative and Operations)

A. Gold metal insignia (Bugles or horns) – Shall be worn on the following apparel:

a. White shirt (collar)

b. Class-A Blouse (collar)


c. Lightweight/heavyweight jacket or coat (epaulets)

d. Uniform hat (center of the front of the hat)

e. Trench coat (epaulets)

f. Commando sweater (epaulets)

g. Blue job work shirt (collar) B. Gold metal service bars are to be worn on the dress uniform blouse only. C. The gold chest badge is to be worn on the following apparel:

a. White shirt

b. Class A dress blouse

c. Commando sweater

d.Light or heavy weight Class A jacket

D. Gold metal nametag is to be worn on the following apparel: White shirt

3. Captains, Lieutenants, Firefighters (Operations)

A. Silver metal insignia (Bugles or horns) – Shall be worn on the following apparel:

a. White shirt (collar)

b. Class A dress blouse (collar)

c. Uniform hat (center of the front of the hat)

d. Trench coat (epaulets)

e. Commando sweater (epaulets)

f. Blue job work shirt (collar)

g. Blue button-up shirt (collar)

h. Lightweight/heavyweight jacket or coat (epaulets)

i. Metal service bars are to be worn on the dress uniform blouse only.


j. The silver chest badge is to be worn on the following apparel:


APPENDIX:

Specifications and Guidelines for the Purchase and Wearing of approved clothing Type of T-Shirt: Shirts should be of 100% cotton, Polyester or blended material of Cotton and Polyester. Color will be “Duty Blue”, or a dark navy blue Lettering: All lettering and designs will be screen-printed using appropriate fonts, sizes, and colors. All letters will be in CAPITAL font. Front: Maltese Cross would be of same design and size (4”) “DECATUR TWP.” printed inside the top of the Maltese Cross and “FIRE DEPARTMENT” printed inside bottom of the Maltese Cross. “LOCAL 416” OR “INDIANAPOLIS” printed inside the banner. The persons rank such as: Lieutenant, Captain, Engineer, or Paramedic may be placed above the Maltese Cross for proper identification. A fire scramble will be inside Maltese Cross. Back Only one (1) of the approved DTFD logos from the on-line store will be acceptable. Examples are listed. Examples of approved screen printing are as follows:





Customer :

Date : Garment Color #’s : Garment Style #’s :

MES - Decatur TWP

Fire Navy 72072314

7-9-2014Job # : 18723C

Digital Spec Sheet• ¼ Zip Job Shirt

Notes:

LOCATION:EMBELLISHMENT TYPE:

DESIGN NUMBER:

COLORS:

SIZE (WIDTH X HEIGHT):

DESCRIPTION:

RIGHT CHEST

Embroidery

18723RCC (sc:4422)

white

3.4” x 1”

M. BRUNER / ENGINEER

LOCATION:EMBELLISHMENT TYPE:

DESIGN NUMBER:

COLORS:

SIZE (WIDTH X HEIGHT):

DESCRIPTION:

LEFT CHEST

Embroidery

18723LCC (sc:8136)

grey, yellow-gold, black, white, red

3.5” x 2.7”

Decatur TWP / Fire Dept.

FRONT


Guidelines for Use All designs for station wear T-shirts must meet these standards and be submitted to and approved by the Fire Chief. No deviations of this design will be permitted for station wear shirts that do not meet these guidelines. This specific design is not permitted to be worn off duty. UNIFORM PATCHES Uniform patches must be of the same color and design and can be obtained from the Department Quartermaster for a small fee (if applicable). Patches are to be sewn onto each shoulder of the required clothing, ½” down from the shoulder seam. APPROVED DTFD PATCHS


BASEBALL/BALL CAPS: A dark navy blue, flex-fit style or with Velcro adjustment strap. The approved department logo shall be placed on the front of the hat. Personnel may also place their name or unit number of the back of the hat if desired. FOOTWEAR: Shall be all black, military-style, low quarter shoe, with four or five eyelets, constructed from smooth leather or high-gloss poromeric material and/or black boots. Black leather or black Cordura, nylon, military/law enforcement style show may be worn in a Class A or Class B uniform. Shoes and boots shall have black laces and remain polished at all times they are worn. They should be worn with crew length socks at all times. If shoes are worn black socks shall be worn but white socks may be worn with boots. APPROVED AWARD PINS (in order of importance):

• American Flag (if worn) • Medal of Valor • Medal of Honor • Medal of Merit • Leadership commendation • Unit Commendation • Firefighter of the Year • EMT of the Year/Paramedic of the Year • Citizenship Commendation, • Education Recognition(individual who has trained for a specific certification or degree

requiring 120 hours or more in any related Fire/EMS field) • Special Recognition Commendation i.e. Amkus Award, Red Cross recipient • Years of Service with DTFD


Examples of Approved Award Pins:


Authorized Rank Insignia for Officer (Merit or appointed)

Lieutenant Captain Battalion Chief

Division Chief Deputy Chief Fire Chief

NAME PLATE: Shall consist of a minimum of first initial and last name and shall be gold in color for all Chief Officers (Administrative and Operations) and silver in color for all Captains, Lieutenants, and Firefighters. See example below:


BADGES: Shall meet the following specifications

CHIEF BADGE N43 GOLD BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK RIB.: CHIEF TOP: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-18, RED BKGD. BOT.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

DEPUTY CHIEF BADGE N43 GOLD BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK RIB.: DEPUTY CHIEF TOP: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-233, RED BKGD. BOT.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

DIVISION CHIEF BADGE N43 GOLD BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK RIB.: DIVISION CHIEF TOP: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-19, RED BKGD. BOT.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

BATTALION CHIEF BADGE N43 GOLD BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK RIB.: BATTALION CHIEF TOP: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-19, RED BKGD. BOT.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

LIEUTENANT BADGE N43 RHODIUM BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK TOP: LIEUTENANT T.C.: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-22, RED BACKGROUND B.C.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

LIEUTENANT BADGE N43 RHODIUM BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK TOP: LIEUTENANT T.C.: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-22, RED BACKGROUND B.C.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

ENGINEER BADGE N43 RHODIUM BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK TOP: ENGINEER T.C.: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-23, RED BACKGROUND B.C.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: IND.

FIREFIGHTER BADGE N43 RHODIUM BADGE, BLACK BLOCK LETTERS, PIN BACK TOP: FIREFIGHTER T.C.: DECATUR TOWNSHIP CTR.: F-23, RED BKGD. B.C.: FIRE DEPARTMENT TAB: UNIT NUMBER

Examples of Department Approved Badges:

Firefighters Chief Officers Company Officers




CHIEF OFFICERS

GOLD



TITLE: FUELING OF DEPARTMENT VEHICLES NUMBER: 1.21 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish minimum levels of fuel, and to maintain adequate fueling of department vehicles.

II. POLICY

A. All driver/operators are to ensure that their apparatus maintains a fuel level of at least

One-half (½) tank.

B. In the event that the fuel gauge is determined to be providing faulty in readings, mileage will then be the determining factor for fuel level using not more than one hundred (100) miles between fueling as a baseline.

C. Employees driving any Decatur Township Fire Department pool-car, utility vehicle, or reserve apparatus shall ensure that the vehicle is full of fuel before the vehicle is returned.

D. The primary location to fuel vehicles is located at 5275 Decatur Blvd. the Operations Center of the MSD Decatur Township. If the fuel pumps are not in service or due to other circumstances apparatus may be fueled at alternate locations as directed by the Fire Chief or designee.



TITLE: EQUIPMENT ASSIGNED TO AN APPARATUS NUMBER: 1.22 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish policy and responsibility for tools and equipment assigned and/or carried on an apparatus.

II. POLICY

A. Ambulances and fire apparatus shall be assigned a specific complement of small tools, equipment, and supplies to be carried on each type of vehicle. A current, complete copy of the inventory assigned to each apparatus shall be maintained by Station Officers at all times and shall be updated whenever an item is added to or deleted from the inventory.

B. Small tools, equipment, and supplies shall be carried in the same compartment or

location on all apparatus of the same type whenever it is possible to do so. Unfortunately, the number and configuration of compartments will vary by the age, type, and manufacturer so this may not always be feasible.

C. Ambulances and fire apparatus shall be inspected at the beginning of each shift

and after every incident to ensure that all small tools, equipment, and supplies are in their proper place, clean, and functioning properly.

D. Small tools, equipment, and supplies shall not be moved, added, deleted, or

otherwise altered without the permission of the Fire Chief or their designee. OFFICER RESPONSIBILTY

A. Company Officers shall ensure that any and all apparatus assigned to their

company has a complete and accurate inventory of all tools, equipment and supplies.


B. Company Officers are responsible for marking and labeling all small tools, equipment, and supplies assigned to each piece of apparatus assigned to their company.

ENGINEER / DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY

A. Engineers and/or Drivers shall inspect the apparatus they are assigned to on a

daily basis to determine that all equipment is in its proper place, clean, and in proper working condition.

B. Engineers and/or Drivers shall inventory all small tools, equipment, and supplies

assigned to an apparatus under their care at the beginning of their tour of duty and as otherwise required. Any addition, damage to, destruction of, deletion, change, or loss shall be reported to the Company Officer.

C. Engineers and/or Drivers shall inform their relief of any changes that have taken

place during their tour of duty (i.e. maintenance issues, equipment changes, etc.).



TITLE: EMPLOYEE SUGGESTIONS NUMBER: 1.23 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Employee suggestions for improvement in organizational guideline, procedure, policy or any other aspect of the Decatur Township Fire Department’s affairs usually arise from their:

1. Interest in their work and its improvement.

2. Observations of other work or its conditions.

3. Interest in the Decatur Township Fire Department welfare (which includes

their own welfare and that of fellow employees).

4. Dissatisfaction with their work or the conditions surrounding it.

5. Dissatisfaction with some other aspects of fire department’s affairs.

Therefore, the Decatur Township Fire Department has established a policy for employees to make suggestions to improve the overhaul function of the Decatur Township Fire Department

II. POLICY.

Decatur Township Fire Department employees are encouraged to submit suggestions in writing concerning any aspect of the fire department’s business. If you have an idea, research it, present it to others (for a second opinion), then present it to staff. Include: Pros and cons, cost analysis and how to obtain your suggestion.


III. PROCEDURE

A. Suggestions shall be made in writing to the employee's immediate officer and forwarded up the chain of command to the appropriate level.

B. Officers are to give all suggestions coming to them full and adequate consideration.

C. Officers are to treat all suggestions and the employee(s) submitting the suggestion in

such a manner that will create a favorable atmosphere for the encouragement of other suggestions in the future.

D. Employees will not be retaliated against for making suggestions in the proper manner.

E. All suggestions that are submitted through the chain of command will be reviewed

and taken into consideration.



TITLE: ABANDONED INFANTS NUMBER: 1.24 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish guidelines for taking custody of an "Abandoned infant", for purposes of IC. 31-34-2.5, means a child who is, or who appears to be, not more than forty-five (45) days of age.

II. PROCEDURE

IC 31-34-2.5 - Emergency Custody of Certain Abandoned Children.

IC 31-34-2.5-1 - Emergency medical services provider taking custody of child.

Sec. 1

(a) An emergency medical services provider shall, without a court order, take custody of a child who is, or who appears to be, not more than forty-five (45) days of age if:

(1) The child is voluntarily left with the provider by the child's parent; and (2) The parent does not express intent to return for the child.

(b) An emergency medical services provider who takes custody of a child under this section shall perform any act necessary to protect the child's physical health or safety.

(c) Any person who in good faith voluntarily leaves a child with an emergency medical services provider is not obligated to disclose the parent's name or their name.


A. Employees are to provide any medical care necessary

B. Employees shall contact Law Enforcement (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police

Department)

C. Transport the infant to a hospital emergency room for further evaluation

D. Employees shall try to obtain the following information:

1. Name of infant

2. Are there any medical problems the infant might have?

3. Is the infant on any medication?

4. Is there any significant family medical history?

5. Where was the child born? (State, City, Hospital, etc.)

6. Would you like to identify yourself? (Mother, Father, Sibling, etc.)



TITLE: CLOTHING ALLOWANCE AND MAINTENANCE OF UNIFORMS NUMBER: 1.25 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. POLICY

A. Upon completion of one (1) year of employment with the Decatur Township Fire Department, career employees are entitled to a clothing allowance. Clothing allowance amounts are determined by the Decatur Township Trustee, Decatur Township Board, and the Decatur Township Fire Department Fire Chief.

B. The yearly clothing allowance amount is $500.00.

C. Employees will receive a Check in the amount $250.00 during the months of January and

July. II. MAINTENANCE OF UNIFORMS

A. Each employee is required to launder, and maintain their own clothing.

B. Uniforms should be laundered on station, and should not be taken home.

C. Any clothing that becomes excessively faded, torn, or stained shall not be worn.

D. All clothing must meet the Uniform Guidelines DTFD General Order 1.20 – Uniform Policy.

E. If a Company Officer or Chief Officer determines that clothing does not meet the criteria of this policy or the Uniform Guidelines DTFD General Order 1.20, that article of clothing shall not be worn while on duty.


F. An online store has been set up by the department with the approved uniform items and should be utilized as the first option for employees to purchase and replace clothing items as needed.

G. Clothing allowance may be used to purchase tools or other items that may be required to perform your job duties.

H. Clothing allowance may not be used for personal use outside of the intended use.

I. Clothing allowance is considered a benefit and not income.

J. Employees whose uniforms do not meet the standard of General Order 1.20, have holes, stains, are excessively worn, and/or who fail to purchase required uniform items may have their clothing allowance check withheld. Withheld clothing allowance checks will be used to purchase new uniforms for the employee.

K. Employees subject to having their clothing allowance check withheld shall be notified by the Fire Chief or designee thirty (30) days prior to the issuance of the clothing allowance check. If the employee brings their uniform into compliance during this time period, the clothing allowance check shall be issued.



TITLE: RIDE-OUT POLICY FOR NON-FIRE DEPARTYMENT EMPLOYEES NUMBER: 1.26 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

For the Decatur Township Fire Department (DTFD) to establish a procedure pertaining to Ride-Out of Non-Fire Department Employees.

II. DEFINITIONS

Students: Students of an EMS Commission approved training institution

Professional: A Certified Public Safety Member

Public: Members of the Public III. PROCEDURES

Students

A. The Decatur Township Fire Department will approve institutions to allow students to ride-a-long in the interest of completing their training in Emergency Medical Services.

B. Students in the course of their studies and that are affiliated with an approved

institution shall be allowed to observe and participate up to the level they have been trained.

C. Students shall wear a uniform that has been approved through an agreement

with the Decatur Township Fire Department and the sponsoring institution.

D. Students shall abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the sponsoring institution and the Decatur Township Fire Department.


E. Students shall participate in the day-to-day operations of the station activities

as long as they are performing activities that do not interfere with their training levels. The officer will decide and include them as appropriate.

F. Students shall have completed a course approved by the department regarding

the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This course will be approved by the Fire Chief or their designee.

G. Students shall have on file with the department an agreement releasing the

department from liability with the institution and the student approved by the Fire Chief.

Professional

A. A professional may ride-out with the approval of the Fire Chief.

B. A professional shall demonstrate that HIPAA training was received and sign a

waiver of liability.

C. A professional shall not wear articles of clothing that designates him/her as a member of the Decatur Township Fire Department. They may wear their own department uniform or business type dress that does not include jeans, shorts, or tennis shoes of any sort. They must wear a collar-type shirt.

Public

A. The Public is not allowed to observe and/or conduct a ride-a-long due to

HIPPA requirements.

B. The Fire Chief may approve (in certain limited circumstances) the public to conduct a ride-along. This will be done in cases where the Fire Chief feels that it is a valuable asset to the Decatur Township Fire Department.

C. If a member of the public is approved to conduct a ride-a-long they shall not

wear any articles of clothing or identification associating them with Decatur Township Fire Department.

D. Members of the public shall dress in business like apparel such as slacks and a collared shirt. They shall not wear jeans of any kind.

E. Members of the public shall be subject to the same grooming standards as Decatur Township Fire Department employees.


F. Members of the public who wish to deviate from the employee grooming standards must obtain approval from the Fire Chief or their designee.

G. The Fire Chief or their designee shall provide the public rider training

pertaining to HIPAA and maintain proper documentation on file that such training was performed.

H. The public rider shall sign a waiver of liability, which shall be kept on file in

Headquarters.



TITLE: MINIMUM STAFFING NUMBER: 1.27 EFFECTIVE: AUGUST 1, 2016 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. SCOPE

This general order regulates the daily staffing of fire stations and apparatus. The provisions of this order may be suspended by the Fire Chief or their designee whenever special circumstances warrant.

II. DEFINITIONS

STAFFING OFFICER: For the purpose of this policy the Battalion Chief is the Staffing Officer. In the Battalion Chief’s absence, the Ride-Out Battalion and/or the Senior Company Officer will assume the role of Staffing Officer.

EMT: Emergency Medical Technician

ALS: Advanced Life Support

III. STAFFING GUIDELINES

A. A minimum of eighteen (18) employees shall be on-duty at all times. This includes both career and part-time employees.

B. The minimum staffing number does not include the on-duty Battalion Chief.

C. The Staffing Officer shall be responsible for maintaining staffing levels at prescribed minimums.


D. To ensure compliance with this general order the Staffing Officer has the authority to assign, move, or transfer employees as necessary.

E. The Staffing Officer will be responsible for staffing a minimum of three (3) Engine

Companies, one (1) Ladder Company, and three (3) Ambulances.

F. Whenever fewer than eighteen (18) employees report for duty, a sufficient number of off-duty employees (full or part-time) shall be called back to meet the minimum staffing requirements.

G. The Staffing Officer shall contact the Administrative Chiefs to possibly cover the

Battalion position when special circumstances arise and staffing falls below the minimum amount.

H. When any apparatus is marked out of service for reasons not related to active normal

operations, the staffing officer shall immediately notify the Fire Chief via email. The email shall include the apparatus that is marked out and the reason for marking it out of service. Some examples of these reasons may include: staffing and outside training opportunities.

I. Normal daily operations such as physicals, pre-scheduled approved details, and pre-scheduled trainings do not require notification.

J. Three (3) operations employees will be allowed off per shift on pre-scheduled time

off.

K. The Battalion Chief does not count towards the three (3) employees off per shift as long as their time-off was requested during the annual bid process or prior to any special circumstances.

L. After the annual bid, if injuries or illness will drop staffing below eighteen (18) the

staffing officer may reduce the number of employees allowed off per shift to two (2) employees. If the staffing officer deems a reduction is necessary he/she shall notify the Fire Chief in writing (email is acceptable).

M. Previously scheduled time off shall not be cancelled in order to maintain minimum staffing unless approved by the Fire Chief.

N. If staffing falls below the minimum level the Staffing Officer shall evaluate their current run load and consider operating on of a split in lieu of marking a piece of apparatus out of service until the minimum staffing level is met.


O. It may acceptable to fall below minimum staffing for the purpose of continuing education and training. The Staffing Officer shall communicate this information to the Fire Chief. These special considerations will be judged on a case by case basis.

P. Any deviation from this general order must be approved by the Fire Chief or their designee.

IV. APPARATUS STAFFING

AMBULANCES Minimum staffing shall be two (2) personnel

ENGINE COMPANIES

Minimum staffing shall be three (3) personnel; An Officer, Firefighter, and Engineer.

LADDER COMPANY

Minimum staffing shall be three (3) personnel; An Officer, Firefighter and Engineer.

BATTALION CHIEF

In the Battalion Chief’s absence, a qualified Captain, Lieutenant, and/or Administrative Chief will cover this position.

V. PARAMEDIC (ALS) STAFFING

A. There shall be a minimum of (2) Paramedics on-duty each shift.

B. It is preferred that the Civilian Paramedics be staffed at Station 73 and Station 74. Civilian Paramedics should only be staffed at Station 71 on rare occasions or special circumstances.

C. It is the responsibility of the Staffing Officer to maintain the minimum ALS staffing level when approving time-off or trade time.

VI. RESPONSIBILITIES

THE STAFFING OFFICER

A. Be accountable for the location and duty status of all employees assigned to his/her respective shift. This shall include all employees who may be temporarily assigned to the shift because of overtime or trade time.


B. Keep current staffing program updated and current throughout the shift.

C. Overtime shall be called in accordance with General Order 1.46 (Overtime Compensation and Distribution).

D. Maintain an accurate record of each employee’s attendance and any overtime

worked.

E. Approve or deny all leave requests and trade time.

F. Maintain accurate records of sick time usage and occurrences.

G. Communicate with the Trustee’s Office to maintain accurate information on each of their employee’s to ensure that all records match.

THE EMPLOYEE

A. The employee shall also track their time off usage and availability.

B. If an employee takes time off and does not have any available paid time off

the employee shall not be paid for the day in question.

C. The Staffing Officer, the Decatur Township Trustee and the Decatur Township Fire Department shall not be responsible if an employee takes time off without available paid time off. This includes any pre-approved time off.

VII. STATION STAFFING TABLE FOR MINIMUM STAFFING

A. Station 71 – eight (8) (seven [7] Firefighters and/or one [1] EMT/Paramedic)

B. Station 73 – five (5) (four [4] Firefighters and/or one [1] EMT/Paramedic)

C. Station 74 – five (5) (four [4] Firefighters and/or one [1] EMT/Paramedic)



TITLE: SUBSTANDARD PERFORMANCE NUMBER: 1.28 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To define general rules relative to substandard performance by employees. II. POLICY

A. Employees shall not fail to perform, to the best of his/her ability, the duties assigned by a superior officer or to comply with the general practices and procedures established by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

B. All employees shall present a neat and well-groomed appearance while in uniform.

C. Employees shall not feign illness or injury in an attempt to shirk his/her duties.

D. Employees shall report for duty at the time and place required by assignment or

orders.

E. Employees shall be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties.

F. Employees who operate Decatur Township Fire Department owned vehicles shall operate them in a careful manner and in accordance with the law and Decatur Township Fire Department orders.

G. Employees shall perform their assigned tasks as stated in the job description for their

position.

H. Employees shall acquire a thorough knowledge of the response district, apparatus, and equipment to which they are assigned.



TITLE: NEGLECT OF DUTY NUMBER: 1.30 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

This general order outlines what shall constitute neglect of duty. II. POLICY

A. Employees shall respond to all incidents to which they may be dispatched, ordered, or detailed unless excused by a superior officer.

B. Employees shall properly care for Decatur Township Fire Department equipment,

apparatus and stations.

C. Employees shall not cause damage to any Decatur Township Fire Department equipment because of carelessness or neglect.

D. On any incident or during any emergency, employees shall perform to the best of their

ability to ensure that every situation is resolved.

1. Company officers shall ensure that their subordinates perform to the best of their ability.

2. Apparatus shall not leave an incident scene before that incident is resolved unless

so ordered by a superior officer.



TITLE: INSUBORDINATION NUMBER: 1.31 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Employees who fail to follow orders, general orders, standard operating procedures and standard operating guidelines create an unsafe and disruptive environment. This general order outlines what constitutes insubordination.

II. POLICY

A. Employees shall accord respect and obedience to superior officers and their issued orders.

B. Employees shall not use profane or insulting language when speaking to a superior officer.

C. Officers shall not use profane or insulting language when speaking to a subordinate.

D. Employees shall not indicate insubordinate attitudes by expressions, mannerisms or gestures that show disrespect to a superior officer.

E. Employees shall read and become familiar with the department’s rules, regulations,

policies, orders, and procedures.

F. Employees shall abide by federal and state law, local ordinances and rules, and the Decatur Township Fire Department’s general orders and rules of conduct.

G. Employees shall not publicly criticize or comment derogatorily to anyone about instructions or orders received from a superior officer.

H. Employees shall not perform any act, make any statement, oral or written, about one’s immediate officer with the intent to destroy discipline and good order.


I. Officers and acting officers shall refrain from exceeding their authority when giving orders. The wrongful or injurious exercise of authority is prohibited.

J. Obvious disrespect or disruption of an officer’s order shall be deemed insubordination.

K. Every officer, on and off duty, shall be held responsible for enforcing the Decatur Township Fire Department’s general orders, standard operating procedures and standard operating guidelines. If a violation comes to an officer’s attention, that officer shall immediately notify the member of the violation and take corrective action.

L. An officer who fails to report a violation of an order or the Decatur Township Fire Department’s general orders, standard operating procedures or standard operating guidelines shall be held equally responsible for the violation.

M. Every employee shall comply with the Decatur Township Fire Department orders that

apply to them and their departmental position as described in the Decatur Township Fire Department’s general orders and as issued by the Fire Chief.

N. An employee who questions the propriety of an order shall obey the order and submit any objections in writing pursuant to the Decatur Township Fire Department grievance procedure.

O. Employees shall not be required to obey orders that are illegal.



TITLE: FAILURE TO COOPERATE OR TO BE TRUTHFUL NUMBER: 1.32 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To define general rules relative to employees cooperating with and being truthful with superiors and members of the public.

II. POLICY

A. When ordered to do so by a superior officer, employees shall truthfully and specifically answer all questions that relate to Decatur Township Fire Department matters.

B. Employees shall fill out forms and reports completely, seriously and accurately.

C. Employees shall not knowingly and willfully make or enter any false statement

concerning any Decatur Township Fire Department report or record.

D. Employees shall not make a false statement in any official communication or in conversation with another employee or citizen.

E. Employees shall not make false reports concerning any Decatur Township Fire

Department business or the personal character or conduct of any employee.

F. Employees shall be truthful and forthcoming with information and in response to any questions asked by an investigator during an internal investigation.

Page 1 of 1 General Order 1.33


TITLE: VIOLATION OF FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS NUMBER: 1.33 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To maintain the integrity of the Decatur Township Fire Department and its employees all employees must abide by all federal, state and local laws. This general order defines the policy and procedure should an employee violate any federal, state or local laws.

II. POLICY

Employees shall obey all federal, state and local laws.

III. PROCEDURE

A. An employee who is arrested for any reason shall notify their Company Officer or Battalion Chief within 24 hours of the arrest provided the employee has unrestricted access to a phone.

B. If the arrested employee is scheduled to return to work before the 24 hour window has closed, the employee shall notify their Company Officer or Battalion Chief immediately upon arriving to work.

C. The Company Officer and/or Battalion Chief shall notify the Fire Chief immediately.

D. The employee shall be placed on paid administrative leave until an internal investigation can be completed to determine the facts and circumstances related to the arrest.

E. Any employee convicted of a crime may be subject to disciplinary action up to and

including termination from the Decatur Township Fire Department.



TITLE: REPORTING OF INJURIES NUMBER: 1.34 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Injuries can occur to personnel while performing routine and emergency functions for the Decatur Township Fire Department. To insure that personnel will have medical coverage this policy shall be followed. This policy also outlines the policy and procedure for non-line of duty injuries.

II. DEFINITIONS

MEDICAL COVERAGE: Payment for the evaluation and treatment of on duty work related injuries and illness provided by the Decatur Township Fire Department and/or worker’s compensation.

III. POLICY

A. Any employee who is injured while on-duty shall immediately report the injury to the

company officer.

B. The company officer shall notify the on-duty Battalion Chief. Notification shall be made immediately. However, reporting the injury should not delay any care or transport for the injured employee.

C. Failure to report any on duty injury may result in forfeiture of medical coverage from the

Decatur Township Fire Department. If injuries are not reported in a timely manner, the insurance company may refuse to pay the claim, in which case, the employee may be held liable.

D. The Battalion Chief, or in the Battalion Chief’s absence the ride-out Battalion Chief, shall

ensure that all injury forms are completed and forwarded to headquarters within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the injury.


E. The required forms to be filled out include but are not limited to: Supervisor’s Report, IPEP form (1st Report), Decatur Township Fire Department incident report (filled out by the employee), and the employee must sign the medical release.

F. Off duty or non-work related injuries and/or illnesses will not be covered by the Decatur

Township Fire Department and employees shall seek medical treatment as required by their physician or medical provider.

G. Firefighters who suffer an off duty or non-work related injury or illness are responsible for the payment of their own medical expenses.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Ambulatory patients will be taken to Concentra Medical Center for evaluation unless it is an injury that they cannot support.

B. If Concentra Medical Center is unable to support care for an injury or illness the

employee should be taken to an appropriate facility that can support the needed care.

C. Non-Ambulatory patients shall be transported via ambulance to the closest appropriate Hospital for evaluation and /or treatment.

D. Any Injury, while on the emergency scene, must be reported immediately to the company

officer.

E. If there is not a company officer on the scene the employee shall contact control to advise them of the injury, request the appropriate response and additional assistance as needed.

F. Appropriate EMS care is to be provided immediately. This includes completion of all

normal EMS incident reports. V. RESTRICTED DUTY Reference General Order 2.08: Injury Leave VI. MEDICAL RELEASE Reference General Orde2.08: Injury Leave



TITLE: HEARING PROTECTION NUMBER: 1.35 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Employees are exposed to high levels of noise while on duty, fire suppression, and while operating fire and EMS apparatus. It is the responsibility of every employee to take steps to protect their hearing when operating the various types of apparatus and equipment due to the high decibels of noise omitted from the equipment. This General Order serves to establish a policy to protect, and to prevent job related hearing impairment of employees while operating, or riding in apparatus and operation of equipment.

II. TESTING

A. As a part of the entry-level medical examination, an employee shall be required to have a baseline audiogram performed. This baseline audiogram will become part of the employee’s permanent medical history file and will be used throughout the employee’s tenure with the Decatur Township Fire Department to monitor any changes in hearing.

B. An audiometric test shall also be conducted as a part of the annual medical evaluation,

and the results will be included in the employee’s medical history file. III. POLICY

A. Employees shall be provided hearing protection from the Decatur Township Fire Department quartermaster as part of the equipment that is issued to each employee.

B. If employees lose or have damaged hearing protection, it is their responsibility to obtain

replacements of these items from the Decatur Township Fire Department quartermaster.

C. Hearing protection shall be worn when noisy jobs or tasks are being performed such as, but not limited to, grinding, operating air tools and operating fire pumps.


D. Whenever an employee has to raise their voice to be heard hearing protection shall be worn.

E. All employees operating or riding on apparatus when subject to noise in excess of 90

DBA shall wear hearing protection. An exception will be made for vehicles that do not have communication headsets.

F. Employees shall wear hearing protection when engaged in activity where the noise level

exceeds 90 DBA.

G. If available, employees shall wear communication headsets in the crew cab while responding to emergency incidents.

H. It shall be the responsibility of the driver of the apparatus to have the driver's side window slightly down to enable the driver to hear other emergency apparatus.



TITLE: RESPIRATORS – FULL FACE AND HALF FACE

NUMBER: 1.37 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To establish DTFD policy concerning employee responsibility for individual Full Face Respirators (SCBA) and Half Face Respirators.

II. DEFINITION

SCBA: Self-contained breathing apparatus

FULL FACE RESPIRATOR - SCBA: The portion of the SCBA that fits over the firefighters’ face and connects to the supply line from the SCBA.

HALF FACE RESPIRATOR: AO Safety, Quick-Latch 8000 Half Face Respirator

FILTERS: N95 Particulate Filters

OSHA: Occupational Health and Safety Administration; an enforcement agency of the federal government responsible for health and safety in the work place.

III. POLICY

A. It is the responsibility of each employee to possess, and properly maintain their OSHA

approved respirators used during emergency situations.

B. Employees with a damaged respirator must notify their Company Officer, fill out an Incident Report, properly tag the respirator and contact the Decatur Township Fire Department quartermaster for repair and/or replacement.

C. In the event that a respirator is damaged and is unusable for a period of time, the Decatur Township Fire Department quartermaster may issue a temporary replacement respirator.


D. In the event that a respirator is determined to be damaged beyond repair, the Decatur Township Fire Department quartermaster shall issue a replacement respirator. Prior to using the replacement respirator, the employee must schedule a respirator fit test.

E. Employees shall not place a respirator in-service without the proper documented fit test.

F. It is the Company Officers' responsibility to ensure that each individual under their command is in possession of the fully functional OSHA approved respirators that the employee has been issued.

G. Respirators that have filters should have the filters replaced when they become dirty, soiled, wet or damp.

H. Employees are to contact the Decatur Township Fire Department quartermaster for replacement filters



TITLE: ANNUAL MEDICAL EVALUATION NUMBER: 1.38 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The health and well-being of employees is important to the Decatur Township Fire Department. Therefore, the Decatur Township Fire Department has established a policy that provides an annual medical evaluation for employees. This General Order outlines the policy and procedure for the employee’s annual medical evaluation.

II. POLICY

A. This order shall apply to all employees required to engage in emergency operations. It was promulgated to:

1. Evaluate the medical and physical fitness and ability of employees engaged in

emergency operations. 2. Certify that employees engaged in emergency operations are medically and physically

fit and able to perform their duties.

B. All employees assigned to emergency operations duty shall be annually certified by the Department’s physician as meeting the medical requirements of NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Programs for Fire Departments.

III. PROCEDURE

A. Any employee who is not certified as meeting the medical requirements of NFPA 1582 shall be relieved of emergency operations duty and shall be assigned to other duties by the Fire Chief until such time as the employee can be certified to return to emergency operations duty by the Decatur Township Fire Department’s approved physician. The Decatur Township Fire Department’s physician shall place the employee in a rehabilitation program to prepare him/her to return to emergency duty.


B. If an employee is unable to return to full duty within 12 months of being relieved of duty, the employee shall be reevaluated and a decision made as to the employee’s future with the Decatur Township Fire Department in accordance with PERF (Public Employees Retirement Fund) standards.

C. If an employee has an acute illness or other condition that prevents him/her from being

evaluated at his/her normally scheduled time, the evaluation shall be postponed until the employee has sufficiently recovered.

D. All employees shall report to their scheduled physicals and be prompt on follow-up

requirements.

E. If an employee fails to report for their scheduled annual physical or fails to complete necessary requirements such as but not limited to: final reading of a TB Test the employee shall be responsible for reimbursement of fees associated with failing to fulfill necessary requirements. These fees may include, but are not limited to: an administrative fee associated with the contract facility and/or fees associated with obtaining a new test.



TITLE: PERMANENT MEDICAL FILE NUMBER: 1.39 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

This order shall apply to all employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department. It was designed to establish the requirement that a permanent, confidential medical file be created and maintained for each employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

II. POLICY

A. A permanent, confidential medical file shall be maintained by the Department for each employee and shall be periodically updated during the employee’s tenure with the Decatur Township Fire Department. Medical files shall be maintained for a minimum for 30 years past the employee’s termination date and stay in compliance with OSHA regulations.

B. The file shall contain:

1. A copy of the initial or baseline medical examination performed at the time an

individual was accepted as an employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

2. Records of any occupational illness or injury.

3. Copies of all reports of exposures to hazardous materials and contagious diseases.

4. A copy of the autopsy results in the event of death due to an occupational illness or injury.

C. The medical file is strictly confidential. Only the employee, the employee’s physician,

the Decatur Township Fire Department’s physician, the Fire Chief and/or the Fire Chief’s designee shall be granted access to this file.



TITLE: GROOMING, HYGIENE, PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE NUMBER: 1.40 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


The appearance of Decatur Township Fire Department employee’s is important to appearing professional and establishing rapport. This policy shall establish, define and illustrate the acceptable standard of grooming and personal appearance for all employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

II. POLICY:

It is the policy of the Decatur Township Fire Department, that all employees maintain a neat, well-groomed and professional appearance and adhere to the following procedures at all times while on duty or anytime while in uniform.

III. PROCEDURE

A. Male Employees

1. Hair

1.1 Hair must be neatly groomed and cleaned.

1.2 The length and bulk of the hair must not be excessive or present a ragged or unkempt appearance, with or without uniform hat or helmet. Hair must not exceed two (2) inches in bulk, regardless of length and style.

1.3 The hair on the sides and back of the head must present a tapered or

blocked appearance and must not touch the shirt or coat collar. Hair should not extend over the top of the ear but must be tapered around


the ear or blended naturally behind the ear and into the hair at the back of the head at all times while in uniform.

1.4 Hair in front must be groomed so that it does not fall below the band

of uniform hat or helmet.

1.5 Designing or lettering in hair is prohibited.

1.6 Hair coloring or lightening shall not be harsh or unnatural.

1.7 Sideburns must be neatly trimmed and not bulky, with the base clean shaven in a horizontal line and width no more than 1 ½ inches. The sideburns must not extend downward below the bottom of the ear.

1.8 Mustache must be neatly trimmed, not bulky and not extend over the

upper lip or beyond ¼ inch below the corners of the mouth.

1.9 All facial hair, excluding mustaches and eyebrows is strictly prohibited.

B. Female Employees

1. Hair

1.1 Hair must be neatly groomed and cleaned.

1.2 The length and bulk of the hair must not be excessive or present a

ragged or unkempt appearance, with or without uniform hat or helmet. Hair must not exceed two (2) inches in bulk, regardless of length and style.

1.3 The hair on the sides and back of the head must present a tapered or

blocked appearance and must not touch the shirt or coat collar. Hair should not extend over the top of the ear but must be tapered around the ear or blended naturally behind the ear and into the hair at the back of the head at all times while in uniform.

1.4 Hair in front must be groomed so that it does not fall below the band

of uniform hat or helmet.

1.5 Braiding, twisting or binding is permissible but only if using bands, pins or clips which blend with the natural hair color and remain inconspicuous. Ribbons or scarves may not be worn while on duty.


1.6 Hair coloring or lightening shall not be harsh or unnatural.

2. Cosmetics may be worn that harmonize with and enhance the natural coloring

of the employee’s skin but shall not be excessive or conspicuous.

C. Personal Hygiene

1. Regular bathing is expected in order to eliminate dirt and debris from normal operational activities and to control normal body odors.

2. Personnel requiring dentures shall have dentures in place at all times while

interacting with the public, either on or off station. D. Jewelry

1. Ear, tongue, lip, eyebrow, nose or other facial ornamentation shall not be worn

while on duty or in uniform.

2. Necklaces and chains worn around the neck are strongly discouraged. If worn, they must be inside the employee’s shirt at all times and not visible while in uniform. Only one (1) necklace or chain may be worn at a time.

3. Wedding rings, class rings, fraternal rings and birthstone rings are authorized,

but are limited to one modest sized ring per hand.

4. Medical identification bracelets are permitted.

5. Conservative tie tacks or clasps are permitted.

6. Religious articles that are not visible are permitted.

7. Glasses worn while on duty shall be made of safety lenses and meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

E. Uniforms and Clothing

Uniforms and Clothing shall meet the requirements set forth in General Order 1.20

Certain emergency incidents and routine work activities will prevent an employee from projecting a neat, clean, well groomed appearance and will be considered the only justification for deviation from this General Order.



TITLE: EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NUMBER: 1.41 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The Decatur Township Fire Department contracts with a professional provider for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all members. Professional Counselors provide assessment, short term counseling, referral and follow-up services to assist employees and members of their households in resolving personal problems which can disrupt personal lives and job performance. This service is voluntary, confidential and independent of the disciplinary process. Employees may initiate service themselves or may be referred by a supervisor.

Employees may contact the Department Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at: 1-800-544-9412 or 317-338-4900.

The Department has initiated the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Department members. The goals of this program are:

1. To retain valued employees. 2. To restore productivity through early identification and resolution of personal

problems. 3. To motivate employees to seek help with life management problems.

The employee’s lifestyle is not the concern of the Decatur Township Fire Department. When an employee experiences life management problems that affect job performance or attendance, however, the matter becomes a justifiable concern of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

The Decatur Township Fire Department recognizes that almost any human problem can be successfully resolved provided it is identified and appropriate intervention initiated. This applies whether the problem is one of physical illness, mental or emotional upset,


financial hardship, marital or family distress, substance abuse or addiction, legal involvement or other concerns.

The Decatur Township Fire Department believes an employee’s job performance may be affected by the problems of family members. For this reason, the same offer of assistance is extended to all members of an employee’s household.

In accordance with the Decatur Township Fire Department’s concern for the employee as a person, as well as an employee, the Decatur Township Fire Department considers it to be in the best interest of the Decatur Township Fire Department and its employees to offer the confidential services of the Employee Assistance Program.

II. DEFINITION

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: An assessment, short-term counseling, referral and follow-up service to assist employees and members of their households in resolving personal problems which can impact on personal lives and job performance.

III. POLICY

A. Employees and members of their households experiencing problems which are creating stress in their lives and may be affecting work performance are encouraged to voluntarily seek assistance on a completely confidential basis by contacting the Employee Assistance Program directly.

B. Contacts with the Employee Assistance Program are completely confidential. Records are kept at the office of the Employee Assistance Program and will not be released without the employee’s written consent.

C. The Decatur Township Fire Department’s concern with life management problems is strictly limited to the employee’s job performance.

D. Employees’ job security or advancement opportunities will not be jeopardized simply as a result of using the Employee Assistance Program. Conversely, however, special privileges or exceptions will not be made due to the use of the program.

E. Utilization of the Employee Assistance Program is voluntary. However, the Fire Chief or Fire Chief’s designee can mandate an employee to participate in the Employee Assistance Program if the employee is facing discipline or a decline in work performance has been noted. The disciplinary process proceeds independently from any mandates to participate in the Employee Assistance Program.

F. Supervisors are encouraged to make the employee aware of the Employee Assistance

Program whenever the disciplinary system is put into operation and it appears the source of the unacceptable behavior or performance may stem from a personal problem.


G. Utilization of the Employee Assistance Program is expected to occur on the

employee’s own time. Any exceptions to this would require supervisory approval and would be allowed only at the supervisor’s discretion.

IV. PROCEDURES

A. Professional assistance provided by the Employee Assistance Program may be provided through either a self-referral or supervisory referral.

B. Self-Referral: The Department encourages employees who suspect they have a problem, even an early stage problem, to seek help voluntarily. Employees and members of their household may seek help by contacting the Employee Assistance Program directly. The Employee Assistance Program will arrange a private appointment to discuss the problem.

C. Supervisor Referral: Supervisory referrals are the key to a successful, ongoing program. Supervisors can assist employees in accessing the Employee Assistance Program through informal and formal referrals.

D. Informal Referral - When a supervisor becomes aware that an employee is experiencing a personal problem such as an employee seeking advice of a supervisor relating to a personal problem, the supervisor should immediately make the employee aware of the professional assistance available through the Employee Assistance Program.

E. Formal Referral - When the supervisor notes a decline in job performance on the part of an employee and has reason to believe that a personal problem may be causing the change in behavior, a formal referral should be made to the Employee Assistance Program. Referring a troubled employee eliminates the need for a supervisor to become involved with diagnosing or counseling an employee on personal matters in which the supervisor may have little or no expertise. Use of the Employee Assistance Program is voluntary, unless the employee is mandated to participate by the Fire Chief of their designee.

F. Information regarding an employee’s attendance and degree of cooperation with the Employee Assistance Program will be provided to the referring supervisor only with the employee’s written consent. However, employees mandated to participate in the Employee Assistance Program by the Fire Chief or their designee shall provide documentation showing the employee as attended.

G. The employee is still responsible for bringing job performance back to a satisfactory level whether or not the employee is involved with the Employee Assistance Program. It is essential for the supervisor to follow the Decatur Township Fire Department’s policies and procedures for dealing with substandard job performance.


H. Referrals to Other Service Providers: Referrals will be made to other agencies and

individuals when the Employee Assistance Program staff deems it necessary because of a specialized need. Employees referred to other agencies will be responsible for payment of all fees not covered under their health insurance program. When making referrals, the need, location, cost and available resources will be taken into consideration and explained to the employee beforehand.


TITLE: GENERAL ORDER / SOP / SOG SYSTEM NUMBER: 1.42 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish the policy for filing and reviewing General Orders, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s).

II. DEFINITION

GENERAL ORDER: A direct order from the Chief in the form of a written directive. General orders are designed to insure that personnel are informed of all Decatur Township Fire Department policies, procedures and rules.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP): Written procedures, which establish a standard course of action to be followed for a specific situation.

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE (SOG): Written guidelines, which establish a standard course of action for a specific situation.

III. POLICY

A. Only a set number of General Order, SOP’s, and SOG’s paper copies will be distributed. Paper copies will be distributed to each Chief Officer, each Fire Station, Headquarters and Union President. Additional copies shall be distributed at the direction of the Fire Chief.

B. An electronic copy of all General Orders, SOP’s, and SOG’s will be placed on the

department website and made available to all personnel.

C. All General Orders, SOP’s, and SOG’s developed or revised will be distributed to replace all current copies. All obsolete copies are to be destroyed.



The Decatur Township Fire Department (DTFD) is firmly committed to the principles of public service and public safety. Substance abuse demoralizes and destroys mental thought processes and the job performance of Decatur Township Fire Department employees. In order to maintain the highest level of public trust, confidence, and respect, Decatur Township Fire Department must safeguard the integrity of our employees and the department by ensuring that all employees are free from misuse of drugs, dependence, or excessive use of alcohol.

All Decatur Township Fire Department employees, particularly supervisors, should be sensitive to substance abuse and be aware that other health problems can also have a debilitating effect on the employee, as well as Decatur Township Fire Department. Erratic behavior may indicate a physical or neurological problem inclusive or exclusive of substance abuse indicators. All should be dealt with honestly, compassionately, and effectively.

While this program is more concerned with the use of illegal drugs, which includes the misuse of legal drugs, it is also recognized that employees may suffer from a problem with alcohol misuse. Any employee suffering from addiction to alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs is urged to seek help immediately.

The Decatur Township Fire Department substance abuse program has been established to provide initiatives aimed at employee substance abuse prevention and, if needed, employee rehabilitation. As a condition of employment, all employees must abide by the terms of this policy.

II. DEFINITIONS

DPM: Drug program manager (DPM) appointed by the Fire Chief who is responsible for managing the substance abuse program.


TITLE: SUBSTANCE ABUSE NUMBER: 1.43 EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


Drug(s): Chemical agents that interact with the central or peripheral nervous system of the body to produce changes that alter the body chemistry, behavior, or thinking of the person taking the drug (includes alcohol, illegal drugs and legal drugs).

Employee: Any person employed by the Decatur Township Fire Department including sworn, civilian, and reserves.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A Decatur Township sponsored program that provides confidential assessment, counseling, and referral if necessary, at no cost to employees whose personal problems, including substance abuse, are interfering with job performance.

Illegal Drugs: Drugs that are not legally obtainable because they are controlled by federal or state laws; or, drugs that may be legally obtainable but have been obtained illegally; or, drugs that are used in a manner or for a purpose other than that allowed by law or prescribed by medical practitioners.

MRO: A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a person who is a licensed physician and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer's drug testing program and evaluating medical explanations for certain drug test results.

Substance Abuse: The use of illegal drugs, misuse of legally obtained drugs, or misuse of alcohol by Decatur Township Fire Department employees.

Substance Testing: An analysis of a sample of blood, urine, or breath by scientifically accepted procedures to determine the presence of chemical by products of drugs, ingested or used by a person. Testing may be used to determine the presence of alcohol, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, or their derivatives, but this listing does not limit the scope of the testing.

III. POLICY

A. Under no circumstances will an employee be allowed to report for duty while

under the influence of a chemical intoxicant.

B. Employees are prohibited from having any alcohol, controlled substance or other intoxicant in their blood while on-duty, or off-duty while in uniform working off-duty (i.e. fire watch).

C. Employees must immediately advise their supervisor if they are unexpectedly called to duty at any time in which they have consumed drugs, alcohol, or restrictive prescription medication.


D. If an employee must use properly prescribed controlled drugs or narcotics, a

written notification of the prescription shall be on file with the on duty Battalion Chief, along with an explanation and duration of treatment statement from the prescribing physician.

E. Employees, both on and off duty, are prohibited from operating any Decatur Township owned vehicle if they have taken any restrictive prescription medication or chemical intoxicant.

F. Employees are strictly prohibited from operating any Decatur Township owned

vehicle with any traceable amount of alcohol while both on and off duty.

G. Employees are prohibited from purchasing alcoholic beverages while on-duty. Employees are also prohibited from purchasing alcoholic beverages while in uniform off-duty.

H. Employees are prohibited from transporting alcoholic beverages on or off-duty in

a Decatur Township owned vehicle, except for evidentiary, investigative or other official purposes consistent with Decatur Township Fire Department policy.

I. As part of its substance abuse policy, the Decatur Township Fire Department reserves the right to conduct reasonable searches of its premises, property, workplaces, and workstations if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that an illegal substance is being stored in any of its sites. This includes all lockers regardless of the lock that is provided and all Decatur Township Fire Department owned vehicles.

NOTE: Any employee arrested for, or convicted of, a criminal drug statute violation in any jurisdiction must report it as listed in General Order 1.33 III. PROCEDURE

A. Mandatory Drug Testing 1. Candidates for Appointment: All candidates selected for sworn firefighter or

civilian employment with Decatur Township Fire Department may be required to undergo a substance abuse test before being offered a position. Any applicant who tests positive without a valid explanation will not be hired.

2. Promotions: Employees who are promoted to a higher rank may be required to

submit to a substance abuse test upon promotion.

3. Impaired Employees: Employees who report for work visibly impaired are presumed unable to perform their assigned duties and will not be allowed to work. If, in the reasonable judgment of a supervisor, the employee is believed


to be impaired, the employee may be subjected to a Portable Breath Test or be immediately taken to an approved medical facility by a supervisor for substance abuse testing. The employee will be on placed on paid administrative leave status pending the test results. An impaired person will not be permitted to drive. Supervisors must document such incidents, referrals, and the reasons to the Fire Chief.

4. Reasonable Suspicion: The Fire Chief or designee will require substance

abuse tests in any case where evidence, which rises to the level of reasonable suspicion, indicates substance abuse. Factors to consider include frequent absenteeism or tardiness, decline in productivity, unusual or inappropriate work-related behavior, or unusual changes in behavior or performance. Other factors to consider determining reasonable suspicion would be, but not limited to: unsteady balance, bloodshot eyes, poor manual dexterity, and an odor of an alcohol beverage on or about their person.

5. Annual Random Testing: 25 percent of all Merit, Reserve and Civilian

employees may be randomly selected for substance abuse testing on an annual basis. However, an employee shall not be tested more than four (4) times during a calendar year. When random tests are pulled, the Fire Chief will receive the names and pass them directly on to the Battalion Chief. The Battalion Chief will then notify the employee that was pulled to report for their test at the appropriate facility. If the employee pulled is the Battalion Chief, the Battalion Chief will be notified by the Fire Chief. If the Employee pulled is the Fire Chief, the Fire Chief will advise both the DPM and the Decatur Township Trustee. The names that were pulled will also be reviewed by the DPM to ensure that integrity was maintained through the process. If the employee is on a scheduled day off their name will be held in confidence by the Fire Chief and DPM until the employee return. Once the employee returns to work the same process will apply for them to be notified.

B. Testing Procedures

1. Illegal Drugs

1.1 The substance abuse tests required by this directive and chain of

possession procedures will be administered as directed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or other widely recognized standards. A copy of these guidelines will be kept on file in the office of the fire chief.

1.2 Privacy and confidentiality will be assured. Test results and attendant

information will be considered confidential medical records, consistent with the requirements of the Public Records Act.

1.3 Test results must be interpreted by a certified Medical Review Officer


(MRO).

1.4 When an employee is selected to be tested, the DPM will notify the employee directly, or have the employee sent by his or her supervisor.

1.4.1 Supervisors will be notified whenever manpower issues

could affect firefighter safety or public service. The supervisor must maintain confidentiality if the employee is unable to be sent for the test.

1.4.2 Once the DPM or supervisor notifies the employee, they will have forty-five (45) minutes to report to the test site for testing. Any conflicts will be resolved through the DPM. Employees are subject to discipline up to termination for failing to report to the test site for testing.

1.5 Only Decatur Township Fire Department photo ID or photo driver’s

license will be accepted to ensure accurate information. The employee to be tested shall submit any other information requested by the testing laboratory.

1.6 Employees ordered to submit to a drug test must comply with

directions given by Decatur Township Fire Department and/or medical personnel for taking the test.

1.7 After testing, employees will be given an opportunity to explain a positive test result for drugs to the MRO

1.8 Positive or adulterated test results for illegal drugs will be given only to the DPM and the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief or designee will receive a phone call from the MRO and the written documentation will be sent directly to the DPM. Such results will also be made available to the tested employee. The tested employee will have the option of having their part of the split sample sent to an approved independent laboratory for additional analysis.

1.9 If any Decatur Township Fire Department employees are involved in incidents where negligence or unsafe practices, that may result in a law violation are a concern, drug testing may be required by Decatur Township Fire Department.

NOTE: After being ordered to take a substance test by the Decatur Township Fire Department, either for cause or as a random sample, an employee may not use a voluntary self-referral as a means to escape detection.


2. Alcohol

2.1 On-duty employees shall be required to submit to a test for alcohol when there is evidence which rises to the level of reasonable suspicion or probable cause that the employee is under the influence of alcohol. Refusal to submit to a Portable Breath Test or certified chemical test will result in the employee being suspended without pay pending a recommendation for termination.

2.2 The odor of alcoholic beverage can be used as cause to administer a Portable Breath Test. A certified chemical test must be given to confirm results of a Portable Breath Test. Test results shall be noted in the supervisor’s report.

2.3 The employee to be tested must have had nothing to eat or drink, must not have put any foreign substances in his or her mouth or respiratory tract, and must not smoke within twenty (20) minutes prior to the time a breath sample is taken.

2.4 Employees must submit to a breath test, while operating a Decatur Township owned vehicle, if directed to do so by a Decatur Township Fire Department officer.

2.5 In cases where employees are involved in incidents involving negligence or are engaged in unsafe practices that may result in a law violation, alcohol testing may be required by Decatur Township Fire Department.

2.6 For all non-vehicle incidents if a portable breath test or certified breath test of an employee returns a BAC of 0.02% or higher, the following process shall occur:

2.6.1 Immediately notify the Fire Chief or designee regarding the circumstances of the incident.

2.6.2 For non-criminal incidents, a Decatur Township Fire Department supervisor shall immediately begin an administrative investigation. The on-duty Battalion Chief will respond to the scene to conduct an investigation into the incident.

2.6.3 For incidents involving activity that may result in criminal

charges being filed against an employee, the on-duty Battalion Chief will notify the Fire Chief and request Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for further investigation.


Note: Refer to General Order 1.15, Department Vehicle Crashes and Accident Review Board, for alcohol testing procedures involving Department vehicle crashes.

C. Disciplinary Process

1. Employees with a confirmed test result showing an illegal substance (e.g.,

cannabinoids, cocaine, or opiates), or employees providing a false or adulterated test sample, will be suspended pending termination hearings.

2. All employees are also subject to discipline up to and including termination for

any of the following:

2.1 Violation of the criminal drug statutes in any jurisdiction;

2.2 Failing to appear and/or submit to drug testing as directed by departmental and/or medical personnel; or

2.3 Failure to follow recommended or required treatments, or

failing to successfully complete the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as directed

3. All suspension hours are actual working hours (not calendar hours) and are

minimum sanctions. If the suspension hours are designated for a 40 hour per week employee the hours will be figured as the equivalent to the above Operations Employee working a 56 hour week.

4. An employee’s voluntary enrollment, successful completion of EAP programs,

and a schedule/plan determined by the Fire Chief may be used as a mitigating factor when determining disciplinary action for the above listed offenses. Mitigating factors may include but not limited to a reduction in suspension time.

5. Operation of a Decatur Township owned vehicle with a BAC of up to .02 as

determined by a chemical test will also result in the loss of take-home car privileges, as well as ineligibility for transfer/reassignment for a period of one year.

6. Operation of a Decatur Township owned vehicle with a BAC of up to .02 as

determined by chemical test by employees on a promotional candidate list will be deemed ineligible for promotion for a period of one year from date of the offense.

7. Employees may be personally responsible for reimbursing Decatur Township for all damages caused while operating a department vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol.

8. The following discipline will be administered for any violation: VIOLATION


FFENSE

VIOLATION 1ST OFFENSE 2ND OFFENSE

Non-vehicle related incident– on duty employee with a BAC between .02 and .07

240 HOUR SUSPENSION DISMISSAL

Non-vehicle related incident – on duty employee with a BAC of 0.08 or greater. DISMISSAL

While on duty or operating a township vehicle - refusal to submit to a breath test requested by a law enforcement employee or as ordered by a DTFD supervisor.

DISMISSAL

Operation of a township vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 or less


Operation of a township vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.02. DISMISSAL

Possessing alcohol on or within any property of the Decatur Civil Township (except: unopened and unconsumed in personal vehicle)

DISMISSAL

Transporting alcohol in a township owned vehicle. 240 HOUR SUSPENSION DISMISSAL

Operation of a personally owned vehicle with BAC above 0.08 and/or arrest for DWI.


Confirmed test result showing an illegal substance (e.g., cannabinoids, cocaine, or opiates), or employees providing a false or adulterated test sample


Violation of the criminal drug statutes in any jurisdiction DISMISSAL

D. Information and Training

1. All employees will receive written notice about the substance abuse policy

and program. New employees will be given written notices about this policy and program as part of the employment process.

2. Employees must read and sign an agreement form which attests that they have received a copy of the substance abuse policy and program. This completed and signed form will become part of their personnel file.



TITLE: PROBATIONARY PERSONNEL NUMBER: 1.44 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To define general rules regarding probationary personnel.

II. DEFINITION

PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEE: An employee who has successfully completed the prescribed training, graduated from Recruit School, and been assigned to active duty in the Operations Division for a period that lasts for one year from the date of actual hire.

III. POLICY

A. Probationary firefighters must successfully complete their probationary status before they can apply to attend any Decatur Township Fire Department sponsored schools (i.e., engineer certification, paramedic certification, etc.).

B. Probationary employees will be assigned to a shift and work under the control of the Battalion Chief. They may work at several fire stations and/or shifts during their probationary year of employment.

C. Probationary employees’ performance will be monitored and documented appropriately

and submitted to the Merit Commission at the end of their probationary period for permanent hire.

D. Employees hired as Civilian Employees serve at the discretion of the Fire Chief throughout their employment with Decatur Township Fire Department.



TITLE: USE OF STATION PHONES AND CELLULAR PHONES NUMBER: 1.45 EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 01, 2009 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish the policy and procedure for the use of station phones and cellular phones within the Decatur Township Fire Department (DTFD).

II. POLICY

A. Station Phones

1. All Decatur Township Fire Department telephones shall be answered promptly and

politely.

2. Employees shall present themselves as a professional while answering and/or using Decatur Township Fire Department phones. Station phones shall be answered by stating “firehouse”, “fire department” or by giving the station number (example: Station 71).

3. Long distance phone calls shall not be placed without permission of an Officer.

B. Cellular Phones

1. Decatur Township Fire Department does not discourage cell phone use and

understands that they are a necessary resource for certain job functions. Decatur Township Fire Department encourages employees to possess their cell phones in the event of a secondary means of communication is needed. However, situations exist in the workplace that requires their prohibition or limitation.

2. Cellular phones shall not be utilized by the operator of any Decatur Township Fire Department Engines, Aerials, or Ambulances while driving. Cell phone usage should


be performed by the officer or partner of that apparatus. Any cell phone usage should be limited to essential job related functions while responding to an emergency event.

3. If the vehicle is operated by only one person (i.e. staff vehicles), talking is permitted

on their cellular device. The operators of these vehicles should limit the amount of cellular usage and shall pull the vehicle over (to a safe location) if other features of the phone need to be utilized. Any cell phone usage should be limited to essential job related functions while responding to an emergency event.

4. Employees shall not use cellular phones while operating or being in close proximity

of heavy, dangerous, moving machinery

5. Employees shall not use cellular phones in any situation that may place yourself or your coworkers at risk of injury.

6. Employees shall not use cellular phones for personal business while on the scene of an emergency run, unless authorized to do so by an Officer.

7. Except in the cases of emergencies or when prior approval by your officer is provided

Decatur Township Fire Department may prohibit or limit the use of cell phones, including text messaging, during the following work-related activities: work related meetings, employee training or while performing customer service duties.

8. When employees use their cell phone, please be courteous and speak quietly in an area away from other coworkers and other persons interacting within the workplace. Mute or lower the volume of your cell phone rings, and do not leave your cell phone unattended unless the ring is muted or deactivated.



TITLE: OVERTIME COMPENSATION AND DISTRIBUTION NUMBER: 1.46 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a fair and equal policy and procedure for the compensation and distribution of overtime.

II. DEFINITIONS:

SHIFT COMMANDER: On-duty Battalion Chief or in the Battalion Chief’s absence the ride-out Battalion Chief

III. POLICY

A. Overtime Compensation:

Overtime compensation for non-exempt Merit Firefighters and Civilian Paramedics working a 56-hour average work week will be given for hours worked over 212 hours, in a designated 28-day period. Overtime compensation for non-exempt administrative and civilian employees working a 40-hour workweek will be given in excess of 40 hours in a regular week. Overtime will be in accordance with Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) pertaining to police and firefighters.

B. Premium Over-Time:

Personnel may accumulate additional overtime hours outside their normal shift. This overtime will be compensated for at a rate of 11/2 times the employee’s hourly wage. Overtime will be paid for, requests for additional manpower by Incident Commanders, for Call Back, or other circumstances deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief as provided by the General Orders, Standard Operating Procedures, Standard Operating Guidelines of the Decatur Township Fire


Department and the Fair Labor Standards Act. This overtime must be presented and approved during the worked shift or detail.

C. Non-Premium Over-Time:

This is the mandatory amount of overtime accumulated each 28-day cycle for each member on each shift. The maximum allowable number of hours worked at regular time shall be 212 hours during a 28-day period. Non-Premium overtime accruing during the normally scheduled shifts will be paid at a rate of half time.

D. Educational leave scheduled on shift will be counted as working time.

E. Off duty training shall not be eligible for overtime unless mandated or approved by the

Fire Chief. Approval for overtime pay for off duty training must be obtained prior to the date of training.

F. All overtime will be paid at the end of the 28-day period.

IV. PROCEDURES

When staffing falls below minimum numbers overtime should be generated and the Shift Commander will offer overtime.

A. Overtime shall be distributed in the following manner.

A-Shift will be called for B-Shift 0700 – 1900 and C-Shift 1900 – 0700

B-Shift will be called for C-Shift 0700 – 1900 and A–Shift 1900 – 0700

C-Shift will be called for A-Shift 0700 – 1900 and B–Shift 1900 – 0700

B. Employees shall input availability into the current staffing program for the upcoming month before the 20th of the prior month. It is the responsibility of each employee to keep their overtime availability updated in the current staffing program. If an employee signs up to be available that means the employee is able to work that time.

C. When offered overtime employees will be contacted in order of seniority from the

availability list. Seniority will be based on employees hire date; if more than one person was hired on the same date, then seniority will be based on assigned unit numbers (i.e. 901, 902, 903). Once overtime is given the employee will be notified by the shift commander that they have that been assigned the shift.


D. Once a shift is taken or declined that employee shall move to the bottom of the availability list.

E. If 72 hours or more advance notice is given, and an employee declines an OT shift for a date in which the employee has marked available in the staffing program, the employee is subject to the following sanctions:

1. First Occurrence – No Action 2. Second Occurrence – Taken off Overtime List for 1 month

3. Third Occurrence – Taken off Overtime List for 12 months

F. Employees requesting to be contacted for overtime will need to keep contact

information correct in ESO and Fire Manager (i.e. cell phone, email). Employees will have 15 minutes to respond to the notification. If the employee fails to respond in 15 minutes the overtime will be offered to the next employee in line.

G. If an employee responds and refuses the overtime or fails to respond to the overtime

request the employee shall move to the bottom of the overtime list. H. If all employees on the eligibility list for the above prescribed shifts have been

contacted and the overtime shift has not been filled, the shift commander shall contact employees from the other off duty shift’s availability list.

I. If no one from the availability list takes the over time, a shift coverage request will be

sent out. At that time the coverage will be filled on a first come basis.

J. Civilian Paramedics are allowed to be utilized in overtime distribution and shall maintain their availability in Fire Manager.

K. It is the responsibility of each shift commander to keep their overtime call list updated

at least monthly and accessible on the department computer system to all members.

L. An employee called for overtime may not be given a choice of day or night if a 24-hour shift is offered.

M. If all avenues to find employees to work overtime have been exhausted, and overtime

coverage is not found, then administrative employees may be asked to fill an overtime position.



TITLE: TRANSFERRING OF BADGE OR UNIFORM NUMBER: 1.47 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To establish department policy for employees loaning or transferring their badge or uniform.

II. POLICY

Employees shall not loan or transfer their badge or uniform to any person for any illegal or immoral purpose or to circumvent any Decatur Township Fire Department rules and regulations.



TITLE: POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT NUMBER: 1.50 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy pertaining to voting and political involvement while on duty or wearing an official Decatur Township Fire Department uniform.

II. POLICY

Employees shall not solicit votes or campaign funds, challenge voters or perform any other election related functions while the employee is wearing any identifying insignia or article of clothing relating to or identifying the Decatur Township Fire Department, is on duty, or while using any departmental vehicle. However, this section does not prohibit an employee from voting while on duty, if an employee lives outside of Decatur Township they should vote by absentee ballot, before or after their scheduled hours of employment, or during early voting opportunities.



TITLE: EQUIPMENT BELONGING TO OTHER COMPANIES NUMBER: 1.51 EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


Occasionally Decatur Township Fire Department crews will leave an emergency incident or training equipment with equipment that does not belong to them or their apparatus. This general order establishes a policy for returning equipment that belongs to other apparatus.

II. POLICY

A. Any companies returning from an emergency incident or training exercise and finding that they have equipment or property not belonging to them shall immediately report this to the Company Officer.

B. It shall be the responsibility of the Company Officer to ensure that any equipment or

property found belonging to another company is promptly returned.



TITLE: DEPARTMENT PROPERTY: REGARDING TERMINATION OR RESIGNATION NUMBER: 1.52 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To establish department policy for employees to return all issued department property upon termination or resignation.

II. POLICY

A. Upon an employee’s termination or resignation from the Decatur Township Fire Department, that employee must surrender all issued clothing, equipment, and accessories back to the department.

B. The Decatur Township Fire Department retains ownership of all equipment, protective

clothing, and accessories (i.e. badge, etc.) issued to an employee.

C. The Decatur Township Fire Department may seek legal action to seek reimbursement for clothing, equipment and accessories that are not returned upon an employee’s termination or resignation. If legal action is needed to seek reimbursement for the above mentioned items, the Decatur Township Fire Department shall also seek reimbursement for all fees associated with the legal action. This includes, but is not limited to, any court or attorney’s fees.



TITLE: CIVIL ACTIONS NUMBER: 1.53 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy for employees wishing to institute civil actions. II. POLICY

Employees shall not institute civil actions arising from an occurrence while performing duties of a Firefighter/EMT without first notifying the Fire Chief writing.



TITLE: BRINGING CHARGES AGAINST EMPLOYEES NUMBER: 1.54 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy for an employee wishing to bring charges against another employee.

II. POLICY

Any employee having evidence of wrong doing by another employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department shall file charges in writing (in a fully substantiated report) and forward the report through the chain of command. If the charges are against a supervisor, then you will forward them to the next highest-ranking officer. Any employee with evidence of wrong doing on the part of the Fire Chief shall file a written report (fully substantiated) to the Decatur Township Trustee.



TITLE: CHAIN OF COMMAND NUMBER: 1.55 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Following the Chain of Command is essential to the efficient functioning of the Decatur Township Fire Department. This General Orders serves to establish a policy for establishing and following the Decatur Township Fire Department Chain of Command.

II. POLICY

A. Unless prevented by circumstances, or outlined elsewhere in the Decatur Township General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures, the chain of command shall be followed at all times.

B. The chain of command shall ascend in the following order:

1. Probationary Firefighter

2. Firefighter/Paramedic/Engineer

3. Lieutenant

4. Captain

5. Battalion Chief

6. Division Chief

7. Deputy/Assistant Chief

8. Fire Chief

9. Township Trustee.


C. All requests, suggestions, complaints or controversies shall be taken through the chain of

command.

D. Employees of Decatur Township Fire Department shall not go directly to the Trustee and/or the Fire Chief with departmental issues without attempting to exhaust all avenues of remedy within the Decatur Township Fire Department’s Chain of Command. Unless, variance from the policy is permitted by other General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines or Standard Operating Procedures.

E. Employees may bypass certain elements of the chain of command if they are related

directly to specific job requirements and/or descriptions. Examples may include but not limited to: reporting to the Division Chief of Fire Prevention reference an investigation or to gain information for a detail or the Quartermaster reporting directly to the Fire Chief.

F. Employees may report directly to the Fire Chief’s office if they feel that they have been a victim of harassment or in fear of retaliation against them by their immediate supervisors.



TITLE: BRIBES AND GRATUITIES NUMBER: 1.56 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy regarding employees accepting bribes or gratuities in the line of duty.

II. POLICY

A. Employees shall not accept a bribe, gratuity, solicit or accept any compensation or reward for services performed while on duty.

B. Persons wishing to donate shall be referred to the Fire Chief’s office.

C. Any employees seeking donations through the Decatur Township Fire Department must

have permission to utilize the department’s name in any fashion. All requests shall be reviewed by the Fire Chief and/or their designee before such requests are released.



TITLE: MEDIA RELATIONS & MEDIA CONTACT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER NUMBER: 1.57 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 15, 2017 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: N/A


To establish a policy concerning public information dissemination and contact with the media by employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department

II. DEFINITIONS

MEDIA: May involve anyone employed by a television station, radio station, newspaper, magazine or internet site requesting information concerning the Decatur Township Fire Department

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (PIO): The Public Information Officer serves as the primary spokesperson for the Decatur Township Fire Department.

III. POLICY The media/public should have accurate information concerning events affecting public welfare or that are of public interest. Employees of Decatur Township Fire Department, who are authorized to provide information to the media or public, shall do so in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. Employees shall provide the applicable information in an impartial and unbiased fashion within the scope of their authority and in accordance with this General Order, departmental Rules and Regulations and applicable law. Accuracy is essential when releasing any information to the public.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. All employees are required to contact the Public Information Officer and/or the Fire

Chief and receive permission before speaking to any member of the media requesting information about the Decatur Township Fire Department.


B. Media Relations Division/Public Information Officers: The department has principle spokespersons; the Fire Chief and the Public Information Officers.

C. All employees are encouraged to keep the Public Information Officer informed of department activities so that appropriate information may be released to the news media.

D. Statements or photographs provided to the media will be released only by the Public Information Officer or designee (back-up PIO). Statements concerning employees and administrative matters will be released only by the Fire Chief.

E. The Public Information Officer or person assigned as the back-up PIO will automatically be dispatched to all 2nd alarm fires, all working tactical runs, and all runs involving significant injury to a civilian or firefighter.

F. The PIO may also be requested on any run deemed necessary by the Incident Commander. The PIO also has the discretionary authority to place them self on a run. In the event that the PIO is not available for response to the scene of the incident, the Battalion Chief may be considered the department spokesperson at the scene.



TITLE: COMPUTER, ELECTONIC COMMUNICATIONS, AND INTERNET USAGE NUMBER: 1.58 EFFECTIVE: JANUARY 1, 2017 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: N/A


I. PURPOSE

This policy provides the guidelines for the use of fire department computers, and the use of the fire department computer system by fire department personnel. It governs the use of fire department computers, as well as the use of the fire department computer system for emails, files, data, software, images, voice mails, text messages, electronic communications, and stored electronic communications. This policy also clarifies employee expectation of privacy as it relates to the workplace use of computers, emails, files, data, software, images, voice mails, text messages, electronic communications, and stored electronic communications.

To the extent that department issued cellular telephones, personally owned cellular telephones, personally owned computers, and other department issued or personally owned electronic devices utilize the fire department computer system for access to the intranet and/or Internet, this policy shall be fully applicable. The intent of the policy is not to be overbearing about the use of Decatur Township Fire Department computers. However, the Decatur Township Fire Department must ensure that the productivity and efficiency of the operation of the Decatur Township Fire Department servers and email programs are not hindered. It is also imperative that all employees understand that all activity that takes place on Decatur Township Fire Department servers or the Decatur Township Fire Department email system is discoverable and subject to the Freedom of Information Act standards.

II. DEFINITION

ELECTRONIC DEVICE: A computer (includes desktop, laptop, and tablets issued by the department), cellular telephone, personal data assistant (PDA), pager, two-way paging device, iPad, iPod, nook, Kindle, or similar device capable of sending and receiving an electronic communication.


ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS: Any transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data or intelligence that is created, sent, forwarded, replied to, distributed, broadcast, stored, held, copied, downloaded, displayed, viewed, read, printed, or otherwise transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or photooptical system. This term expressly includes, but is not limited to, emails, attachments to emails, text messages, recorded voicemail messages, web sites visited, computer files, and data files sent over the intranet or Internet, or sent by wired or wireless communication. STORED ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION: Any temporary or intermediate storage of a wire or electronic communication incidental to the electronic transmission thereof; any storage of an electronic communication for purposes of backup protection of such communication; and any other storage, retention, backup, or archiving of an electronic communication, whether accident, incidental or purposeful, utilizing an electronic storage medium.

INTERNET: The world-wide system of interconnected computer networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks linked by a broad array of electronic and optical networking technologies.

INTRANET: The fire department’s internal computer system and network.

III. POLICY

It is the policy of the Decatur Township Fire Department to provide employees with the tools they need to safely and efficiently do their jobs by leveraging technology to the maximum extent possible, while at the same time protecting the department’s professional image and reputation.

It is further the department’s policy to educate and inform employees about the proper purposes for which the computer system may be used, and to set forth the criteria and grounds for which employees may be disciplined for improper use of the computer system.

IV. PROCEDURE

I. General:

A. The fire department computer system, including all fire department computers and hardware, the intranet, and access to the Internet provided by the fire department, are owned by the fire department. The use of such systems, equipment and access is conditioned upon employee consent to the terms of this policy.

B. The fire department computer system, fire department computers and hardware, the intranet, and access to the Internet provided by the fire department, may not be used


by employees for personal gain, including personal businesses, but rather is available to enhance the service that the fire department provides to the public.

C. The fire department reserves the right to examine, monitor, intercept, review, copy,

store, save, and forward to third parties any and all electronic communications sent or received over the fire department computer system, as well as any stored electronic communication or other files stored on a fire department computer, hard drive, memory device, or storage medium. The failure of the department to exercise its rights under this section, shall not constitute a waiver of these rights.

D. Employees are advised that they have no expectation of privacy in any electronic

communication, stored electronic communication, file, image, sound, message, web site visited, or other action or activity while working on a fire department computer, or while using any other computer, cellular telephone, or electronic device that is accessing the fire department computer system, including while accessing the Internet through the fire department computer system.

E. Employees are advised that they have no expectation of privacy in any electronic

communication, stored electronic communication, file, image, sound, or message contained on a portable memory device such as a hard disk, flash drive, memory card, CDRom, DVD, or other media that is attached to/accessible by a fire department computer, or is attached to/accessible by an electronic device that is accessing the fire department computer system.

F. Employees are further advised that no employee, including the Fire Chief, has the

authority to verbally alter the terms and conditions of this policy under any circumstance.

G. Employees are responsible for any information that they view, access, generate or

distribute through the fire department computer system. H. Employees are required to prevent the unauthorized use of the fire department

computer system, and for that reason shall use password–protected screen savers or other appropriate techniques while away from their computer. Any use that occurs on an employee’s workstation under that employee’s login is presumed to be performed by that employee. Employees must log off the computer when not using it, and before leaving the computer unattended.

I. All electronic devices connected to the fire department servers shall have their MAC

address submitted to the fire department. II. Email

A. Only fire department personnel are allowed access to the department e-mail system.


B. Employees should not use their fire department e-mail account as their primary personal e-mail address.

C. Incidental or occasional use of e-mail for personal reasons is permitted.

D. The following e-mail activity is prohibited:

1. Accessing, or trying to access, another user’s e-mail account

2. Obtaining, or distributing, another user’s e-mail account

3. Using e-mail to harass, discriminate, or make defamatory comments

4. Jokes, junk mail, chain letters and other non-work related items should not be sent or forwarded.

5. Transmitting department records within, or outside, the department without authorization

6. Advertising political activities which benefit one political candidate or party

7. Advertising purely commercial activities or events

8. Any activities which are inconsistent with the mission of the fire department

9. Any illegal activities

E. Employees are reminded that email messages may be subject to public disclosure under the Freedom of Information act, and may be discoverable during litigation. Assume any email sent over the fire department system will be viewed by the public.

F. Employees are required to report inappropriate use of e-mail.

G. Emails that pertain to a matter under litigation shall be retained until such time as the Fire Chief or his/her designee authorize the deletion in writing.

H. Employees are required to check their email at least once per duty shift

III. Confidentiality

Fire department personnel routinely handle information that is considered to be confidential under Federal and state law. This includes information relative to incidents, investigations, patients, and employees, and may include confidential personal information, financial information, and medical information. The following conduct is prohibited when dealing with confidential information:


A. Forwarding or sending confidential information to someone not authorized by law to

receive it;

B. Printing confidential information to a printer in an unsecured area where documents may be read by others;

C. Leaving a computer unattended with confidential files and/or programs logged on, accessible, or visible;

D. Leaving computer disks or memory media with confidential data unattended, in easy to access places.

E. Patient Health Information and Fire Investigation information sent via email shall be sent using confidentiality tools.

IV. Prohibited Activities

The following uses of the fire department computer system are prohibited:

A. Personal use of the fire department computer system that interrupts fire department business and that keeps an employee from performing his/her work.

B. Extensive personal use of the internet for any non-work-related purposes during working

hours which decreases employee productivity or results in decreased performance of any Decatur Township Fire Department servers of email systems.

C. Unauthorized downloading and/or distributing of copyrighted materials (e.g. music, videos, photos, games, software, or other proprietary information).

D. Downloading or copying music, videos, photos, or games, including legally obtained music, videos, photos or games, for non-business purposes onto department computers or servers.

E. Unauthorized reading, deleting, copying, modifying, or printing of electronic communication of another user.

F. Using the fire department’s computer system for gambling.

G. Instant messaging through public service providers. (e.g. AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Facebook, etc.).

H. Personal software, which allows peer to peer communications between two or more workstations. (e.g. online chat, KaZaA file sharing, etc.).


I. Soliciting for political, religious or other non-departmental reasons.

J. Using fire department computers for political purposes.

K. Sending or forwarding junk email, chain letters, or mass mailings.

L. Using, viewing, accessing, or transmitting pornographic or sexually explicit materials, or materials that are offensive, threatening, or constitute hate mail/messaging pertaining to race, national origin, gender or religion.

M. Engaging in any form of harassment, whether sexual or otherwise, or sending any unwelcome personal communication after being asked or instructed to cease communications. It is the perception of the recipient that prevails, not the intention of the sender.

N. Breach or attempt to breach any security mechanisms, hack-into, defeat, disable, or otherwise manipulate the intranet or fire department computer system in order to circumvent a technological measure to gain access to information in ways not permitted or authorized, or to cause the system to react or respond in ways other than as intended by the fire department administration.

O. Engaging in any illegal activity.

P. Any non-fire department related activity that affects the productivity and efficient operation of any Decatur Township Fire Department servers or email system.



TITLE: PERSONAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA NUMBER: 1.59 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. POLICY

The personal use of social media may affect Decatur Township Fire Department employees in their official capacity. This policy provides information of a precautionary nature, as well as prohibitions on the use of social media by Decatur Township Fire Department employees. It is not the intent of the Decatur Township Fire Department to address one particular form of social media, but rather social media in general, as advances in technology will continue to occur and new tools emerge.

The Decatur Township Fire Department understands and fully supports the protections provided to its employees under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Therefore, Decatur Township Fire Department has the implicit responsibility to guarantee those protections and not infringe upon any member’s speech established and privileged by law, except as provided by court rulings and established exceptions that provide an allowance for government agencies to regulate their members’ speech.

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to employees to clarify the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate use of social media by employees. Inappropriate use of social media may lead to actual harm and disruption to the fire department in terms of the public’s perception of the organization as willing to render services to them. Nothing in these rules is intended to unlawfully restrict an employee’s right to discuss as a private citizen, matters of public concern, nor engage in concerted activity with co-workers. It is imperative to understand that employees have an affirmative obligation to avoid being perceived as a spokesperson for the department

II. DEFINITIONS

EMPLOYEES: For the purpose of this general order, a person having an official and recognized capacity with the department (e.g., Merit Firefighters, Reserve Part-Time, and all civilians).


SOCIAL MEDIA: A category of internet-based resources that integrates user-generated content and user participation. This includes, but is not limited to, social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace), microblogging sites (Twitter, Nixle), photo-sharing and video-sharing sites (Flickr, YouTube, Instagram), professional networking sites (LinkedIn), wiki or web page(s) that can be edited collaboratively (Wikipedia), blog(s) or self-published diary or commentary on a particular topic that may allow visitors to post responses, reactions or comments, and news sites (Digg, Reddit, IndyStar).

SOCIAL NETWORKS: Online platforms where users can create profiles, share information, and socialize with others using a range of technologies, including personal webpages or websites.

SPEECH: Expression or communication of thoughts or opinions in spoken words, in writing, by expressive conduct, symbolism, photographs, videotape, or related forms of communication.

SPOKESPERSON FOR THE DEPARTMENT: An employee/member who makes a statement: on behalf of the department; in his/her capacity as an employee or member of the department; or in such a way that it may reasonably be attributed to the department as opposed to making the statement as a private citizen

HARRASMENT: The systematic and/or continued unwelcome actions of one party or group intended to demean, threaten, intimidate, or alarm another party or group.

HATE SPEECH: Speech that attacks a person or group on the basis of attributes including race, ethnic origin, national origin, skin color, gender (including status as pregnant or nursing), religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation, indicating a level of intolerance or hostility that is incompatible with a commitment to serve all members of the community.

III. PROCEDURE

Applicability

A. Employees are free to express themselves on social media sites to the degree that their speech does not impair working relationships of this department for which loyalty and confidentiality are important, impede the performance of duties, impede or impair the efficient operations of the department, or negatively affect the public perception of the department.

B. As public employees, employees are cautioned that speech on-duty or off-duty

may form the basis for discipline if deemed detrimental to the department.


Employees should assume their speech and related activity on social media sites will reflect upon the department.

Prohibited Conduct

A. Unless authorized in writing by the Fire Chief or designee, members shall not

post, transmit, or otherwise disseminate any information which is sensitive or confidential in nature to which they have access as a result of their employment.

B. When using social media, employees should be mindful their speech becomes part

of the worldwide electronic domain. Therefore, adherence to the department’s Rules and Regulations and general orders is required by employees during personal use of social media. In particular, members are prohibited from the following:

C. Speech containing obscene or sexually explicit language, images, or acts and

statements or other forms of speech that ridicule, malign, disparage, or otherwise express bias against any race, religion, or protected class of individuals.

D. Speech involving themselves or other employees reflecting behavior that would

reasonably be considered reckless or irresponsible.

E. Employees may not represent Decatur Township Fire Department, make any statements, speeches, appearances, endorsements, or publish materials that could reasonably be considered to represent the views or positions of the Decatur Township Fire Department without express authorization from the Fire Chief or designee when:

1. Endorsing or opposing any political campaign, political initiative, social issue,

religion, product, service, or other commercial entity; and/or

2. Appearing in any commercial, motion picture, film, video, public broadcast, publication, or on any website.

F. Employees may not use their position with the Decatur Township Fire

Department to influence, interfere with, or affect the result of an election or a nomination for any office.

G. Employees are prohibited from directly or indirectly using their official authority

to coerce, command, or advise another member to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to a political party, committee, organization, agency, or person for political purposes.

H. Employees are prohibited from speech of any form that could reasonably be

foreseen as creating a public safety issue for members on the department.


I. Engaging in prohibited speech noted herein may provide grounds for undermining

or impeaching a member’s testimony in criminal or civil proceedings.

J. The use of titles, Decatur Township Fire Department logos, Decatur Township Fire Department owned images, or identification as an employee of the department that creates an impression that the employee is a spokesperson for the department is prohibited.

K. Employees are prohibited from publically discussing fire department matters that

are not a matter of public concern, unless doing so is for the purpose of engaging in concerted activities relative to workplace issues.

L. Employees shall not engage in speech that is false, deceptive, libelous,

slanderous, misleading or causes harm to others, including speech that constitutes hate speech, or harassment.

M. Employees shall not discuss protected or confidential matters of the department,

including matters that are under investigation, patient and employee information protected by HIPAA/medical confidentiality laws, or personnel matters that are protected from disclosure by law.

N. Condolences for LODD, injuries, sicknesses, accidents shall not be made until the

victim’s family has been notified.

O. Video based social media is prohibited while on duty with the exception of personal communications with family members (e.g. Parent may want to Skype or Facetime children, spouse). This type of communication must be personal and not work related to avoid a public records issue.

Precautionary Considerations

A. Employees should be aware they may be subject to civil litigation for:

1. Publishing or posting false information that harms the reputation of another person, group, or organization (defamation);

2. Publishing or posting private facts and personal information about someone

without their permission that has not been previously revealed to the public, is not of legitimate public concern, and would be offensive to a reasonable person;

3. Using someone else’s name, likeness, or other personal attributes without that

person’s permission for an exploitative purpose; or


4. Publishing the creative work of another, trademarks, or certain confidential business information without the permission of the owner.

B. Employees are cautioned that content of social network sites are subject to

subpoena and can be used in criminal and/or civil courts for the purpose of impeachment.

C. For safety and security reasons, employees should use caution when disclosing

their employment with Decatur Township Fire Department, or posting department-related information or information pertaining to any other members of the department. This caution is intended as guidance to protect employees and their families, prevent department rule violations, and prevent the potential negative consequences of an employee exposing their position. As such, members should use caution when:

1. Displaying department logos, uniforms, or similar identifying items on

personal social media sites.

2. Posting personal photographs or providing similar means of personal recognition that may cause the person to be identified as a member of Decatur Township Fire Department.

Reporting Violations

A. Employees becoming aware of or having knowledge of a posting, website, or web page in violation of the provisions of this policy should notify their supervisor immediately for follow-up action.

B. Employees shall take reasonable and prompt action to remove any content that is

in violation of this policy when posted by others from any social network site, web page, or website maintained by the members.

Privacy Expectations

A. Employees should be aware the privacy settings on social media sites are

constantly in flux and should never assume personal information posted on such sites is protected.

B. Employees should expect any information created, transmitted, downloaded,

exchanged, or discussed in a public online forum may be accessed by the department at any time without prior notice.



TITLE: DEPARTMENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA NUMBER: 1.60 EFFECTIVE: AUGUST 1, 2016 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Social media provides a valuable means of assisting the Decatur Township Fire Department in meeting community outreach, problem-solving, investigative purposes, information sharing, and related objectives. This policy provides appropriate procedures and guidelines for official department use. It is not meant to address one particular form of social media; rather social media in general.

The department endorses the secure use of social media to enhance communication, collaboration, information exchange, streamline processes and foster productivity. The procedures and guidelines addressed herein establish Decatur Township Fire Department’s position on the use and management of social media and provide guidance for its management, administration, and oversight.

II. DEFINITIONS

EMPLOYEE: A person having an official and recognized capacity within Decatur Township Fire Department

PAGE: The specific portion of a social media website where content is displayed and managed by an individual or individuals with administrator rights.

SOCIAL MEDIA: A category of internet-based resources that integrate user-generated content and user participation. This includes, but is not limited to, social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.), microblogging sites (Twitter, Nixle, etc.), photo and video sharing sites (Flickr, YouTube, Instagram, etc.), wiki or web page(s) that can be edited collaboratively (Wikipedia), blog(s) or self-published diary or commentary on a particular topic that may allow visitors to post responses, reactions or comments, and news sites (Digg, Reddit, IndyStar, etc.).


III. POLICY

A. All Decatur Township Fire Department sanctioned social media sites or pages shall:

1. Include an introductory statement that clearly specifies the purpose and scope of the department’s presence on the website.

2. Provide a link to the department’s official website

3. Be designed for the target audience(s), such as youth or potential new employees.

B. All Decatur Township Fire Department social media sites or pages shall be approved by

the Fire Chief or designee and shall only be administered by authorized department employees.

C. Social media content shall adhere to applicable federal and state laws, city/county

ordinances, Decatur Township Fire Department regulations, and general orders (including all DTFD information technology and records management policies).

D. Content regarding programs, services, events, or initiatives should point users to the respective Decatur Township Fire Department website for expanded content.

E. Content is subject to public records laws. Relevant records retention schedules apply to social media content.

F. Content must be managed, stored, and retrieved to comply with open records laws and e-discovery laws and policies.

G. Social media pages should state the opinions expressed by visitors to the page(s) do not reflect the opinions of Decatur Township Fire Department.

H. Pages shall clearly indicate posted comments will be monitored and Decatur Township

Fire Department reserves the right to remove obscenities, off topic comments, and/or personal attacks.

I. Pages shall clearly indicate any content posted or submitted for posting is subject to

public disclosure.

J. Social media pages shall clearly indicate they are maintained by the Decatur Township Fire Department and shall have Decatur Township Fire Department contact information prominently displayed.


K. All information of an emergency nature shall be approved by a supervisor and the Public Information Officer shall be notified before it may be disseminated on an official social media site.

L. Employees representing the Decatur Township Fire Department via social media outlets shall:

1. Conduct themselves at all times as representatives of the department and, accordingly, shall adhere to all department directives and maintain proper decorum

2. Identify themselves as an employee of the department;

3. Not make statements about the guilt or innocence of any person or situation,

negative comments concerning agencies or organizations, or otherwise disseminate personal or confidential information, including but not limited to, photographs or videos related to department training, activities, or work-related assignments without permission from the Fire Chief or designee;

4. Not conduct political activities or private business;

5. Monitor public comments and respond to those comments that may cause misinformation; and

6. Provide current and up-to-date information.

M. Employees shall observe and abide by all copyright and trademark restrictions in posting

materials to electronic media.

N. Employees are prohibited from using any department computer or device to access social media sites for personal reasons, unless authorized by the Fire Chief or designee.

O. Use of personally-owned devices to manage the department’s social media activities or in the course of official duties is prohibited without permission from the Fire Chief or designee.

Note: This does not preclude an employee from using a personal device to perform other department tasks (e.g., vehicle check-off sheets, reports, etc.).



TITLE: USE OF IMAGERY NUMBER: 1.61 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 15, 2017 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: N/A


I. PURPOSE

This General order is designed to protect the confidentiality of members, patients and the public. This General Order is also designed to protect the careers of Decatur Township Fire Department employees. Improper taking or use of imagery while on or off duty can have serious legal consequences for the employee and the Decatur Township Fire Department. This General order also serves to help maintain the positive reputation and maintain operational efficiency of the Decatur Township Fire Department. II. DEFINITION

IMAGERY: Any photographs or videos by employees, either on duty or off duty, that involve Decatur Township Fire Department property or responses to emergency incidents.

III. POLICY

A. All imagery taken within the scope of employment with Decatur Township Fire Department is considered public record and subject to Freedom of Information Act requests.

B. All imagery taken within the scope of employment with the Decatur Township Fire Department is property of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

C. Imagery taken by an off duty employee becomes property of the Decatur Township Fire Department when the employee is granted special access to an incident scene because of the employee’s status with the Decatur Township Fire Department.

D. This General Order is not intended to infringe on an employee’s first amendment

right to document newsworthy events in public places. Imagery taken by an off duty


employee, using the same access as local news stations or amateur fire photographers, is not subject to becoming property of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

E. Imagery that interferes with the operations of the Decatur Township Fire Department shall be prohibited.

F. Any employee taking imagery shall ensure that all person’s rights to confidentiality are protected and HIPPA laws are not violated.

G. Employees shall not sell imagery obtained because of their status as a Decatur Township Fire Department employee.

H. Imagery shall not be deleted by any employee without permission from the Fire Chief and/or the Fire Marshal. This includes, but is not limited to imagery that is blurry, dark or taken by accident.

I. All imagery shall be submitted to the Fire Marshal to be recorded and logged.

J. Imagery shall not be altered in anyway prior to the imagery being recorded and logged by the Fire Marshal.

K. The Fire Marshal shall maintain an unaltered copy of all imagery. L. Imagery that is purely personal (eg family visits at station), as well as posing for

personal photos is permitted as long as the imagery serves no business purpose. If there is any question as to whether this type of imagery should be recorded and logged consult the Decatur Township Fire Department Fire Marshal.

M. Use of Decatur Township Fire Department stations, apparatus, equipment, uniforms,

badges, and employees in images taken by third parties for obscene, lewd, immoral purposes or unauthorized commercial purposes is prohibited.



TITLE: WORLPLACE VIOLENCE NUMBER: 1.62 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1 ,2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Preventing workplace violence begins with the awareness that violence can occur anywhere and at any time. Consequently, every person that interacts within Decatur Township Fire Department’s workplace is responsible for helping prevent violence. This General Orders establishes a policy and procedure for the Decatur Township Fire Department to maintain a safe environment for all employees and visitors and a means of reporting workplace violence.

II. POLICY

Decatur Township Fire Department prohibits all forms of violence. Any employee that threatens, plots to commit or commits a violent act is subject to discipline, including termination.

Workplace violence can include but not limited to:

1. Verbal, written or physical threats of violence;

2. Assault and battery;

3. Attempted murder or murder;

4. Plots to damage a facility or to intimidate, hurt or kill employees or others that interact with the workplace; and

5. Other violent actions or crimes at work or during work-related events or

directed toward an employee or workplace participant while performing his or her job duties.


III. PROCEDURE

A. Should life-threatening violence occur in the workplace, at a work event or anywhere you are performing your job duties, you should contact law enforcement or call 911 to request law enforcement and take yourself away from the threat immediately. Law enforcement may be contacted using a phone, radio, or by another appropriate means. The Fire Chief or their designee shall be notified immediately through the chain of command, as the situation allows and is safe to do so.

B. If you have witnessed an act of violence using deadly or potentially deadly force, then you should contact, law enforcement and, when possible, inform your Company Officer as long as you can do so without placing yourself or other workplace participants at risk. The Fire Chief or their designee through the chain of command shall be notified immediately, as the situation allows and is safe to do so.

C. If you have a reasonable suspicion that an act of violence is about to occur, you

should contact law enforcement and, when possible, inform your Company Officer as long as you can do so without placing yourself or other workplace participants at risk. The Fire Chief or their designee shall be notified immediately through the chain of command, as the situation allows and is safe to do so.

D. If you have concerns that an employee or other workplace participant may

commit an act of violence or if you have heard rumors of potential violence from employees or others that interact with your workplace, you should contact your Company Officer, and through the chain of command notify the Fire Chief or their designee.



TITLE: WEAPONS NUMBER: 1.63 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1 ,2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To establish a policy and procedure regarding weapons in the workplace to maintain a safe environment for all employees and visitors

II. POLICY

The Decatur Township Fire Department prohibits weapons on its property including, but not limited to: inside Decatur Township Fire Department buildings, Decatur Township Fire Department owned vehicles, on Decatur Township Fire Department parking lots, or while performing normal job functions. An exception to this policy will be granted if employees meet the following conditions:

A. An employee or workplace participant may possess certain weapons on or within Decatur Township Fire Department related property with the written approval of the Fire Chief and/or Trustee. Employees possessing weapons shall meet the following, but not limited to:

1. Authorized to carry the weapon according to local, state and federal laws;

and

2. Sponsored by an authorized agency under IC 35-47-2-2 who according to their rules and regulations and allow them possess the weapon (s). Sponsoring agency may include but not limited to: police departments, constable offices under Indiana Code, or other local, state or federal agency agencies requiring the use of weapons; and

3. Must be properly trained to use the weapon according to the sponsoring

agency; and

4. Weapon being possessed is necessary to perform a job function.


B. Employees are allowed to possess firearms under IC 34-28-7-2 (Regulation of employees’ firearms and ammunition by employers) but shall be in compliance with all of the following:

1. Firearm and/or ammunition shall be locked in the trunk of the employee’s

vehicle

2. Firearm and/or ammunition shall be locked inside the glove compartment of the employee’s vehicle

3. Firearm and/or ammunition shall be locked inside the vehicle and out of

plain view

III. PROCEDURE

Weapons Prohibited

A. Prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to:

1. Firearms of any sort

2. Air guns

3. Stun guns such as TASERSâ or other stun devices

4. Knives with blades longer than four (4”) inches

5. Explosive material, including fireworks

6. Brass knuckles or other fighting instruments

7. Martial arts weapons such as nun chucks or throwing stars

8. Other dangerous weaponry B. This ban includes concealed weapons even if the employee or participant has a

license to carry a concealed weapon. Reporting Weapons

A. If you know of a violation this policy or reasonably suspect a violation of this

policy and you have reasonable suspicion that potential imminent violence could occur, you should call 911 (law enforcement) immediately and, when safe and possible, inform the Company Officer. The Fire Chief shall, when safe and feasible, be notified and advised of the situation.


B. If you know of or have heard of a violation of this policy, but you do not

reasonably believe that violence is imminent, you should contact your Company Officer, who through the chain of command shall notify the Fire Chief.



TITLE: HAZING AND BULLYING NUMBER: 1.64 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 15, 2017 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: N/A


The Decatur Township Fire Department has a zero tolerance policy toward workplace and work related hazing or bullying. Hazing or bullying of employees is unacceptable and will not be tolerated for any reason. Employees should be able to work in an environment free of hazing and bullying. The Decatur Township Fire Department will not tolerate work related pranks that violate a law or Decatur Township Fire Department General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures.

II. DEFINITIONS

BULLYING: Repetitive acts of aggressive behavior that intentionally threaten, humiliate, intimidate, degrade, or hurt, physically or mentally, another person. Bullying usually involves repeated acts committed by a person or group who has, or is perceived as having, more power than the victim/target of the bullying.

HAZING: Ritualized harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group.

PRANK: A mischievous trick or practical joke

III. POLICY

A. All acts of bullying and hazing of any employee of the department whether on-duty or off-duty is prohibited.

B. All acts of bullying and hazing of anyone while on duty, in uniform, or while

representing the Decatur Township Fire Department is prohibited.

C. Participation in any prank that violates a law or violates a Decatur Township General Order, Standard Operating Guideline and/or Standard Operating Procedure is prohibited.


D. Participation in any prank directed at a person (employee of the department or

civilian) on account of that person’s race, ethnic origin, national origin, skin color, gender (including status as pregnant or nursing), religion, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender orientation is prohibited.

E. Employees shall not engage in any activity, whether intended as a prank or otherwise, that:

1. Interferes with or delays response or readiness for response

2. Places any employee or civilian at risk of injury or harm

3. Risks or causes any property damage to Decatur Township Fire Department or privately owned property

4. Disables any apparatus, equipment, safety equipment, or PPE, if even

momentarily.

F. All Decatur Township Fire Department Officers have an affirmative obligation to ensure employees are not bullied, hazed, nor subjected to pranks that violate a law or Decatur Township Fire Department General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures.

G. Any Officer failing to report bullying, hazing, and/or pranks that violate a law or Decatur Township Fire Department General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures, shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include demotion and/or termination.

H. Any employee who feels they have been subject to bullying, hazing, and/or pranks that violate a law or Decatur Township Fire Department General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures should report the incidents to their Company Officer. If the allegations are against an Officer the report should be made to the next highest ranking Officer. However, any employee who has been subjected to bullying, hazing or pranks, as listed above, may make a report to any Decatur Township Fire Department Officer.

I. All allegations of bullying, hazing, and/or pranks that violate a law or Decatur Township Fire Department General Orders, Standard Operating Guidelines and/or Standard Operating Procedures shall be investigated.



TITLE: RESERVE APPARATUS NUMBER: 1.65 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To establish a general order for the use, return, and storage of Reserve Apparatus. II. POLICY

A. Decatur Township Reserve Engine shall be stored at the Decatur Township Fire Department Support Services Building.

B. Decatur Township Fire Department Reserve Ambulance shall be stored at Decatur Township Fire Department Station 73.

C. Reserve apparatus shall be returned to its storage location after use.

D. Reserve apparatus shall be returned full of fuel.

E. The apparatus will be washed by the personnel or Station that used the equipment.

F. Discrepancies in returned equipment will be reported to the Shift Officer.



TITLE: KNOX BOX KEY SECURITY NUMBER: 1.66 EFFECTIVE: MAY 1, 2016 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish Decatur Township Fire Department procedures regarding the security of all Knox keys.

II. DEFINITIONS

KNOX KEY: Key that unlocks both Knox boxes and Knox locks that have been manufactured and designed by the Knox Company.

III. POLICY

It shall be the responsibility of the company officer to ensure that the Knox key for their assigned apparatus is secure at all times.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Knox keys shall by secured by placing the key in the safe that is provided on each apparatus.

B. Knox keys should only be removed for use and daily inspections.



TITLE: DEPARTMENT CREDIT CARDS NUMBER: 1.67 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a policy for the Decatur Township Fire Department (DTFD) Government to maintain a Financial Accountability system for the use of department credit cards.

II. OBJECTIVES

A. To allow DTFD personnel access to efficient and alternative means of payment for approved expenses.

B. To improve managerial reporting for the use of department credit cards.

III. POLICY

A. Decatur Township credit cards will be issued to staff only with the approval of the Trustee and/or the Fire Chief.

B. Credit cards will only be issued for business purposes. Personal purchases of any type are not allowed.

C. Cash advances on credit cards are not allowed.

D. Employees issued a credit card are responsible for its protection and custody and shall immediately notify the Trustee and/or Fire Chief if the credit card is lost or stolen.

E. The Decatur Township Government has a system of internal accounting controls to monitor the use of credit cards and those controls shall be demonstrated.


IV. PROCEDURE

1. Decatur Township credit card holders will be responsible and shall submit documentation detailing the goods or services purchased, the date of the purchase, and the official business for which purchased.

2. Cardholders should make every effort to ensure that purchases do not include sales tax. Tax-exempt certificates are available through the Trustee and Fire Department Office.

3. Cardholders will be required to sign an agreement indicating they accept these terms. Individuals who do not adhere to these policies and procedures risk revocation of their credit card privileges and/or disciplinary action.

4. Employees issued a credit card shall return the credit card upon the termination of his or her employment or services in office with Decatur Township Government.


DECATUR TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT CARDHOLDER AGREEMENT

I, ____________________________________, hereby acknowledge receipt of the following credit card: Credit Card: ______________________/_________-_________-_________-________ (TYPE CREDIT CARD) (CREDIT CARD NUMBER) I understand that improper use of this card may result in disciplinary action, as well as personal liability for any improper purchases. As a cardholder, I agree to comply with the terms and conditions of this agreement. I acknowledge receipt of said Agreement and Policies/Procedures and confirm that I have read and understand the terms and conditions. I understand that by using this card, I will be making financial commitments on behalf of Decatur Township Government and that Decatur Township Government will be liable to (___________________________) for all charges made on this card. As a holder of this Decatur Township Government card, I agree to accept the responsibility and accountability for the protection and proper use of the card, as enumerated above. I will return the card to the Trustee or Fire Chief upon demand, during the period of my employment. I further agree to return the card upon termination of employment. I understand that the card is not to be used for personal purchases. If the card is used for personal purchases or for purchases for any other entity, Decatur Township Government will be entitled to reimbursement from me of such purchases and may face disciplinary action. Decatur Township Government shall be entitled to pursue legal action, if requested to recover the cost of such purchases, together with costs of collection and reasonable attorney fees. Print: _______________________________________ Date_________________________ (CARDHOLDER) Signature_____________________________________ Date__________________________ (CARD HOLDER) Accounting Department use only: Date____________________ Amount approved $______________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________ (BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR)



TITLE: USE OF BOUNCE HOUSE NUMBER: 1.68 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 15, 2017 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: N/A


This policy provides a method for allowing employees to borrow the Decatur township Fire Department Bounce House.

II. POLICY

A. All persons borrowing the Decatur Township Fire Department Bounce House are required to sign the liability waiver form.

B. The Decatur Township Fire Department shall not be held liable for any injury or death resulting from the use of the Decatur Township Fire Department Bounce House

C. The Decatur Township Fire Department Bounce House shall be set up using two (2) blowers.

D. The Decatur Township Fire Department Bounce House shall be secured to the ground using stakes.

E. Failure to sign the liability form does not make the Decatur Township Fire Department liable for any injuries or death incurred while using the bounce the Decatur Township Fire Department Bounce House



TITLE: REPORTING OFF SICK, ACCRUED SICK TIME BENEFITS POLICY NUMBER: 2.01 EFFECTIVE: AUGUST 1, 2016 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


To establish the policy and procedure regarding sick leave, reporting off duty, returning to duty, and monitoring employees on sick leave.

II. DEFINITIONS

EXTENDED SICK LEAVE: An absence of ten (10) or more calendar days due to sick leave.

FITNESS FOR DUTY EVALUATION: An evaluation, scheduled by the Fire Chief or designee and performed by an authorized fire department physician or psychologist, for the purpose of determining whether or not a firefighter is physically and/or emotionally able to perform job duties, in either a full or limited capacity. As determined by the fire department physician or psychologist, such evaluation may include a urinalysis.

MEDICAL RELEASE TO DUTY: Form obtained from employee’s personal attending physician, which must include: specific nature of the illness, injury or condition; documentation of any prescribed drugs; special circumstances concerning the illness, injury or condition; release to duty date specifying either full or limited duty; and the physician’s signature. (This form shall be obtained at the employee’s expense.)

OCCURRENCE: Each day of work missed is considered an occurrence.

OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT: Any service or employment rendered, outside the employment of the Decatur Township Fire Department, during the off-duty period, for which wages, goods, services or other compensation is received.


PHYSICIAN: A medical doctor licensed through the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana

RELEASE-TO-DUTY DATE: The earliest possible date on which the employee is physically/emotionally capable of returning to full or limited duty, as stated on the medical release.

SICK LEAVE: Time off (720 Hours maximum or available accrued hours, depending upon date of hire) granted to employees whose illnesses, injuries or conditions prevent them from working.

SICK LEAVE CONTRACT: A listing of conditions and expectations issued to employees who have had more than three occurrences of sick leave during a 12-month period or who are suspected of abusing the sick leave policy. Contracts may be issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief or at the request of superior officers or Battalion Chiefs.

TOUR OF DUTY: Shall mean one 24-hour workday for operations employees and one eight-hour workday for administrative employees.

SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITION: Any illness, injury, impairment or physical or mental condition that involves:

1. Inpatient care; or

2. Continuing treatment by a health care provider for a long term health

condition that is incurable or so serious that, if not treated would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three calendar days, or;

3. Any period of incapacity requiring absence from regular daily activities for

more than three calendar days and that also involves continuing treatment by a health care provider. Voluntary cosmetic treatments are not generally considered serious health conditions unless inpatient care is required.

PARENT: The biological parent of an employee or an individual who stood in loco parentis to an employee when the employee was a child.

CHILD: A biological, adopted or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis, who is under eighteen years of age or who is older than eighteen years of age and incapable of self care because of a physical or mental disability.

IN-LOCO PARENTIS: An individual who has day to day responsibility to care for and financially support a child.


III. POLICY

A. Any illness, injury or condition, which limits employees’ ability to perform their normal duties, must be reported to the Decatur Township Fire Department.

B. Employees shall not use sick leave to perform off-duty employment or engage in military

training activities. Such violations will be subject to disciplinary action or termination.

C. After two (2) sick leave occurrences, the employee must obtain a medical release to duty for all subsequent sick leave occurrences within a 365-day period.

D. The Fire Chief or designee has the discretionary authority to order a sick or injured

firefighter to obtain a medical evaluation from the fire department physician.

E. All Company Officers are responsible for enforcing this general order and shall advise the Battalion Chief when dealing with subordinates suspected of abusing the sick leave policy.

Examples of possible abuse include, but are not limited to: More than four (4) occurrences of sick leave within a 12-month period; being denied a paid leave day but then marking off sick on that day; seeking trade time, not being able to find a trade and calling off that day, patterns of marking off on particular days of the week, or on the shift day before or after a vacation day or holiday.

F. Battalion Chief’s will be responsible for monitoring the status of personnel on sick leave,

focusing attention on possible policy abuse. The names of individuals suspected of abuse will be referred to the Fire Chief or designee.

G. The on-duty Battalion Chief shall have the authority to send an employee home without

there being an occurrence charged against the employee.

H. In order to ensure compliance with this general order the Decatur Township Fire Department may:

1. Require documentation from an employee’s attending physician describing the

illness, injury or condition and an approximate release to duty date (in the case of extended sick leave this report may be required on a weekly basis)

2. Order the employee for a fitness for duty evaluation, OR

3. Place the employee on a sick leave contract.


I. The employee that calls off sick may not work overtime until they have worked at least

one 24-hour shift on their own shift.

J. An employee who knows in advance of need for sick leave greater than two (2) shifts (e.g. birth of child with medical related issues causing the child to be under doctor’s care longer than the normal recovery period, major medical procedure, etc.) may submit a formal written request for the leave to the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief will have the authority to approve or deny the special request. If approved, the duration of the special circumstance leave will only count as one (1) occurrence. The employee must keep their Battalion Chief up to date on changes in expected duration of leave. In the event that the leave will exceed accrued sick hours, FMLA procedures may take effect.

K. During a normal birth delivery of a child, the employee will only be allowed to take a maximum of (2) two shift days of sick time. If more time is needed off, the employee shall request such time to the Fire Chief for approval (e.g., the birth mother for recovery time, etc.). The employee is encouraged to take personal and vacation time for extended leaves and such time off requests can be requested to the Fire Chief for approval.

L. When an employee has a sick dependent at home they may use up to twenty-four (24) hours per year to care for their dependents. The employee shall utilize their personal and vacation time for things such as pre-scheduled doctor visits and other circumstances.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Reporting Off-Duty Due to Sickness or Injury, or Condition:

1. When reporting off sick or injured, employees must verbally, on their shift day, notify their company officer (or acting company officer) and the on-duty Battalion Chief by 06:30.

2. Employees on extended sick leave shall contact their Battalion Chief on the first shift

day of each week to give them an update on their sick leave status. It will be the Battalion Chief’s responsibility to forward that information to Headquarters.

B. Returning to Duty After Sick Leave: 1. When returning to duty after subsequent occurrences (less than ten (10) consecutive

days) within a 365-day period, employees must present a medical release to duty to their superior officer before they can begin their next tour of duty. The medical release to duty shall be forwarded to the Fire Chief.


2. When returning to duty for any occurrence of more than ten consecutive days, employees must bring the medical release to duty directly to the Fire Chief. At that time, a fitness for duty evaluation may be scheduled with the department physician.

3. If the department physician deems it necessary, the employee may also be required to

take Work Performance Evaluation (WPE) prior to returning to duty.

4. The employee shall bring the fire department physician’s recommendation to the Fire Chief’s office who will act upon the information provided. The Fire Chief will inform the employee’s shift commander of the employee’s status.

5. When employees are returning to duty from sick leave of any duration, the superior

officer has the discretionary authority to deny the return to duty if it is believed that the firefighter’s condition may adversely affect performance or presents a health or safety issue to the Department.

C. Disciplinary Procedure for the “Habitual Use of Sick Time”

1. 1st/2nd Occurrence – Nothing

2. 3rd Occurrence – Must submit a return to work note from a physician. This note must

be submitted when the employee returns and not at a later time. (Non-submission of a doctor’s note will result in a 24-hour suspension.)

3. 4th Occurrence – Must submit a return to work note from a physician. This note must

be submitted when the employee returns and not at a later time. (Non-submission of a doctor’s note will result in a 40-hour suspension.)

4. 5th Occurrence – The employee will be notified to report to the Office of the Fire

Chief and must submit a return to work note from a physician. This note must be submitted when the employee returns and not at a later time. (Non-submission of a doctor’s note will result in a 72-hour suspension.) The employee may be placed on a sick contract and notified of future discipline up to termination, should there be future occurrences.

D. Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 Family Medical Leave coverage applies to all local, state, and federal employees.

E. To be eligible for FMLA benefits, an employee must: A. Work for a covered employer

B. Have worked for the employer for a minimum of 12 months


C. Have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months

F. Leave Entitlement

A covered employer must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 work weeks of un-paid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:

A. For the birth and care of the newborn child of an employee, adoption, or getting a foster child.

B. For a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to do his or her job.

C. For a serious health condition of a child, spouse, or parent that requires the employee to take care of that family member.

A serious health condition is a physical or mental condition that involves the following:

A. It requires you or your family member to be hospitalized overnight; or

B. It requires continuing treatment by a doctor and requires three (3) or more days off from work; or

C. It causes incapacity because it is chronic and requires periodic treatment over an

extended period of time; or

D. It causes incapacity that is permanent or long-term and for which there may not be effective treatment (i.e. Alzheimer’s)

NOTE: EMPLOYEES OF THE DECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT MAY BE ALLOWED TO USE ACCRUED TIME FOR AUTHORIZED FMLA TIME.

Spouses employed by the same employer are jointly entitled to a combined 12 work weeks of family leave for the birth and care of a newborn child, for placement of a child for adoption or for foster care, and to care for a parent who has a serious health condition. Leave for birth and care, or placement for adoption or foster care must conclude within 12 months of the birth or placement.

Under some circumstances, employees must take FMLA leave intermittently – which means taking leave in blocks of time, or by reducing their normal weekly or daily work schedule.


• If FMLA leave is for birth and care or placement for adoption or foster care, use of intermittent leave is subject to the employer’s approval.

• FMLA leave may be taken intermittently whenever medically necessary to care for a

seriously ill family member, or because the employee is seriously ill and unable to work.

Also, subject to certain conditions, employees or employers may choose to use accrued paid leave (such as sick or vacation leave) to cover some or all of the FMLA leave. An employee who desires an unpaid leave as described in this policy must notify his/her supervisor of his/her intent to take a leave thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the date the leave is to begin, unless the need for the leave cannot be anticipated, in which case notification must be given as soon as practicable. If an employee will be using only paid leave time during his/her leave of absence, departmental requirements for use of such leave time must be fulfilled.

All paid leave time must be exhausted prior to beginning the unpaid portion of the leave. (Sick leave shall be exhausted only if the leave is for a serious health condition of the employee). Once paid leave time has been exhausted, the remainder of the leave shall be unpaid.

G. Maintenance of Health Benefits

A covered employer is required to maintain group health insurance for an employee on FMLA leave whenever such insurance was provided before the leave was taken and on the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. If applicable, arrangements will need to be made for employees to pay their share of the health insurance premiums while on leave. In some instances, the employer may recover premiums it paid to maintain health coverage for an employee who fails to return to work from FMLA leave.

H. Job Restoration Upon return from FMLA leave, an employee must be restored to the employee’s original job, or to an equivalent job with equivalent pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment.

In addition, an employee’s use of FMLA leave cannot result in the loss of any employment benefit that the employee earned or was entitled to before using FMLA leave, nor be counted against the employee under a “No Fault” attendance policy.

I. Notice and Certification


Employees seeking to use FMLA leave are required to provide 30-day advance notice of the need to take FMLA leave when the need is foreseeable and such notice is practicable. Employers must also require employees to provide; Medical certification supporting the need for leave due to a serious health condition affecting the employee or an immediate family member;

• Second or third medical opinions (at the employer’s expense) and periodic recertification; and

• Periodic reports during FMLA leave regarding the employee’s status and

intent to return to work.

When intermittent leave is needed to care for an immediate family member or the employee’s own illness, and is for planned medical treatment, the employee must try to schedule treatment so as not to unduly disrupt the employer’s operation.

J. Return to Work An employee may be required to complete a fitness for duty report and/or a Work Performance Evaluation (WPE) prior to returning to work if the leave was due to his/her own serious health condition.

K. Additional Time Off

Upon expiration of family and medical leave, additional leave may be requested in accordance with Decatur Township Fire Department Policy and Procedures pertaining to extended leave.

L. Unlawful Acts

It is unlawful for any employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any right provided by FMLA. It is also unlawful for an employer to discharge or discriminate against any individual for opposing any practice, or because involvement in any proceeding, related to FMLA.

M. Employees Requesting FMLA Leave Form Employees requesting FMLA leave must have Department of Labor Form WH-380 filled out and returned to the Fire Chief 30-days prior to request. Department of Labor Form WH-380 can be obtained from Decatur Township Fire Department headquarters or can be obtained online at www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla



TITLE: BENEFIT TIME LEAVE, ACCRUAL AND USE NUMBER: 2.02 REVISED: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a procedure by which employees earn, schedule, and carry over vacation leave, personal leave and sick leave.

II. POLICY

VACATION LEAVE

A. Operations employees may elect not to use a portion of their vacation leave

time and that time will be rolled-over into the next year. Operations personnel may roll over a maximum of forty-eight (48) hours of vacation time. Administration employees may roll over sixteen (16) hours of vacation time.

B. Employees shall be eligible for vacation leave beginning on the one year

anniversary of their hire date.

The amount of vacation available to each employee is based upon years of service and is as follows:

A. Operations Personnel,

• (1-7) years of service: 168 hours • (8-14) years of service: 240 hours • (15) years or more of service:288 hours

B. Administration Personnel,

• (1-7) years of service:96 hours • (8-14) years of service: 136 hours


• (15) years or more of service: 176 hours PERSONAL LEAVE

A. Operations employees will accrue six (6) hours of personal leave time per

month.

B. Administration employees will accrue two (2) hours of personal leave time per month.

Personal time in excess of seventy-two (72) hours for Operations employees and twenty-four (24) hours for administration employees is automatically converted to sick time and added to the employee's accumulated sick leave. Unused personal time up to three (3) working days may be accumulated and carried over from year to year. You will not be compensated for unused personal days upon termination of employment.

SICK LEAVE

A. Operations employees will accrue twelve (12) hours of sick leave time per

month.

B. Administration employees will accrue four (4) hours of sick leave time per month.

C. The maximum amount of sick leave an employee may accrue is 720 hours. III. PROCEDURE

VACATION LEAVE

A. Vacation leave request must be submitted in the leave request section of Fire

Manager (department staffing software) beginning December 1st.

B. Vacation leave submitted from December 1st through December 15th will be approved based on seniority.

C. Vacation leave submitted after December 15th will be approved based on the

order of entry into the leave request.

D. Employees shall be responsible for maintaining an accurate account of their vacation time throughout the year.

E. Shift Commanders or their designee shall keep an accurate record of vacation

time for all personnel assigned to their shift.


PERSONAL LEAVE

A. Personal leave request must be submitted in the leave request section of Fire

Manager.

B. Personal leave will be approved based on the order of entry into the leave request.

C. Request shall be made the shift before time requested off. Emergency

requests for personal leave will be at the discretion of the Shift Commander or designee.

SICK LEAVE

Sick leave will be granted in accordance with DTFD policy.



TITLE: MILITARY LEAVE NUMBER: 2.03 EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 1, 2009 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To define policy as it applies to employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department concerning military leave of absence and in accordance with Indiana Law I.C. 10-2-4-1, I.C. 10-2-4-2, I.C. 10-2-4-3 and I.C. 36-8-5-3.

II. DEFINITIONS

ACCRUED LEAVE: For purposes of this general order shall mean a bank of hours available for paid leave. ARMED FORCES: The Indiana National Guard or any of the reserve or regular components of the naval, air or ground forces of the United States. DUTY HOURS: Hours worked during a normal tour of duty. This shall be twenty-four (24) hours for Operations employees and eight (8) hours for administration employees. MILITARY LEAVE: Time off granted to an employee who has been ordered to attend training or called to active duty by a branch of the armed forces.

III. POLICY

A. All employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department, who are members of the armed

forces, are entitled to leaves of absence from their respective duties, without loss of time or pay as outlined in this policy. This policy applies to employees who are in any branch of the armed forces on training duties or active duty under the order of the Governor of the State of Indiana or under the order of the President of the United States.


B. The annual allotment for these periods of absence, with pay, are not to exceed 144 duty hours in one calendar year for Operations employees or 120 duty hours in one calendar year for administration employees.

C. Any military leave of absence beyond the annual allotment of duty hours, in one calendar year, may be by use of other accrued leave, or may be without pay.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. When an employee is ordered to attend military training or active duty that interferes with

their normal department duties, they shall submit an email requesting military leave to their Company Officer as soon as possible after the employee receives military orders.

B. A copy of the orders or the schedule of monthly meetings shall be submitted to the employee’s Company Officer and/or Battalion Chief and placed in the employee’s personnel file.

C. It shall be the responsibility of the Battalion Chief to notify the Fire Chief, in writing, and forward a copy of all orders any time an employee has requested a military leave.

D. Employees who fail to submit an email request and a copy of their orders or meeting schedule will not be paid for that leave of absence.

E. Employees must report back to work at the beginning of their next regularly scheduled duty day following military leave.

V. COMPENSATION

A. Provided the employee complies with all provisions of this General Order, depending on

the employee’s duty assignment, the Decatur Township Fire Department will compensate the employee for up to 120 or 144 duty hours of military leave annually.

B. If/when employees who have exhausted their allowance of annual military leave it is their responsibility to notify their Company Officer and/or Battalion Chief if they wish to use other accrued leave for any subsequent military training period(s) within that calendar year. Without such prior notification, employees will be carried on a leave without pay status.

C. If employees do not wish to exercise the leave options or have exhausted all other accrued leave, they may, using proper procedures, arrange to trade duty time.



TITLE: TIME OFF FOR FIRE/EMS RELATED EDUCATION & REIMBURSEMENT NUMBER: 2.04 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The Decatur Township Fire Department wants employees to receive all the Fire or EMS related education possible. The approval decision will be made based on available priorities of the organization and funds within the budget. The policy for granting time off for educational purposes will be as follows:

II. POLICY

A. All education requests must be completed utilizing the proper Decatur Township Fire Department training request form and signed by the Shift Commander prior to being sent to the Fire Chief for review.

B. Approval of education leave and/or reimbursement is at the discretion of the Fire Chief or

their designee.

C. Signed authorization from the Fire Chief is required prior to registering or attending any educational program.

D. Time off for training may not be granted if staffing or some other special situation make

it impractical. The Fire Chief or a designee will determine who will be allowed off for education leave.

E. Education leave may be limited to 36 hours per year. Additional time may be granted at

the Fire Chief’s discretion and must be approved in writing by the Fire Chief.

F. Reimbursement for education will be reviewed and considered by the Fire Chief. It shall be the discretion of the Fire Chief to determine any reimbursement in accordance with Decatur Township Fire Department policy.


G. Education leave request must be turned in for review at least three weeks prior to the requested leave. The Fire Chief retains the right to waive the time requirement for requested leave.



TITLE: LEAVE OF ABSENCE, BEREAVEMENT LEAVE NUMBER: 2.05 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish policy regarding a funeral leave of absence in the event of a death of an employee’s immediate family member.

II. DEFINITION

IMMEDIATE FAMILY: A firefighter's spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, stepparent, foster parent, stepchild, stepsister, stepbrother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, grandchild.

III. POLICY

Upon the death of an immediate family member, an employee will be granted funeral leave according to the following:

A. OPERATIONS EMPLOYEES will be granted one (1) twenty-four hour day off with pay.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES will be granted three (3) consecutive eight hour days off with pay.

Additional time off may be granted at the discretion of the Fire Chief or his designee.

IV. PROCEDURE

A. Upon the death of a member of their immediate family, the employee must notify their immediate supervisor. That supervisor shall make notification to the Fire Chief through the chain of command.


B. Upon the death of someone other than a member of the employee's immediate family, the employee must request leave time. This request must be made to the Company Officer and/or Shift Commander. The requesting employee may be granted use of accrued leave time if available.



TITLE: TRADE TIME NUMBER: 2.06 EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish departmental policy for trade time for our employees II. POLICY

A. The employee shall place a trade time request into ALADTEC as a GIVE AWAY to either a single person that has agreed to trade with them or to all available employees.

B. Once someone agrees to the trade in ALADTEC the shift now becomes the responsibility

of the employee who has agreed to the trade.

C. Once the trade is accepted, the original employees of the shift day will need to go into ALADTEC and submit “Trade Not Working” for that time period being traded.

D. It will then be the responsibility of the Battalion Chief, the shift the trade is on, to approve both the “Trade Not Working” request and the trade itself. The Battalion Chief will also be responsible to make sure the trade employee’s time type is changed to “Trade (Working)”.

E. On the day of the trade, the trade employee and the Battalion Chief shall check staffing to ensure the trade employee is on the schedule and their time type is labeled at “Trade (Working)

F. The trade employee is not permitted to call in sick on their trade day. If the trade employee is unable to work, it is their responsibility to find a qualified replacement. If the trade employee cannot find an employee to work then the trade employee will have to make up the trade time hours at a later date. Decatur Township Fire Department Administration and the Battalion Chief will determine when this will be necessary and the employee will be given two week notice prior to the shift they will work.


G. If the trade occurs on a paid holiday, the employee working the full 24 hours of that

holiday will receive the compensation.



TITLE: REPORTING FOR DUTY: ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE NUMBER: 2.07 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish departmental policy concerning reporting for duty and being absent without leave.

II. POLICY

A. All employees in Operations shall be at their station and prepared to begin the day by 0700 hours of each scheduled duty day.

B. Employees who are late or absent from a scheduled duty day must notify their

Company Officer prior to the beginning of that shift or prior to the expected period of absenteeism in accordance with Decatur Township Fire Department policy. Such notification does not exclude the late or absent employee from disciplinary action.

C. Employees who are absent from their assigned station without being excused by a

superior officer shall be considered absent without leave and subject to disciplinary action. Employees who have not contacted their Company Officer by 0800 hrs of their duty day shall be considered absent without leave and subject to disciplinary action. Officers should attempt to make every attempt to contact their personnel in the event of an emergency.

D. During their tour of duty, employees shall be at their assigned duty station at all

times except:

1. When detailed elsewhere by a superior officer

2. When dispatched elsewhere by Communications


Responsibilities of Company Officers

A. Company Officers shall take roll at 0700 hours each duty day to ensure that the employees under their command are present and prepared to begin the duty day.

B. If an employee is late, absent without permission, or not mentally or

physically able to begin a scheduled tour of duty at 0700 hours, the company officer shall:

1. Verbally report the situation immediately to the Shift Commander;

2. As soon as possible after giving verbal notice, submit a written report

(Decatur Township Fire Department e-mail is acceptable) to the Shift Commander detailing the situation.

C. Shift Commanders and company officers will ensure that their subordinates

are at their duty stations at all times except in situations delineated in Section II.D.1 and 2 of this order.



TITLE: INJURY LEAVE NUMBER: 2.08 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Each full time employee of Decatur Township shall be entitled to injury leave. The intent of this policy is to provide steady income to the employee should the employee receive an injury or illness while in the line of duty. It is not intended for an employee to receive more than 100% of their normal weekly wages. This Leave Time, is in place of any “sick time”, “vacation time” or “personal time” the employee may have accumulated and will only be granted upon submission of adequate documentation from a physician designated by, or otherwise approved by the Fire Chief.

II. DEFINITION

INJURY LEAVE: Paid leave of absence from duty caused by an accident, injury or occupational disease that occurred while the employee was engaged in the performance of his/her duties as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, or Paramedic for Decatur Township.

III. POLICY

NOTIFICATION

The need for injury leave must be communicated to the employee’s Shift Commander and the Fire Chief or designee at the earliest practical time after the injury occurs. The physician designated by the Decatur Township Fire Department must provide a narrative of the nature of the injury or illness, the approximate length of time before the employee may return to work, and any restrictions the employee may have.


TIME

A. Each employee will be given actual hours missed due to injury as Worker’s Compensation on their time card (maximum of 24 hours per scheduled shift) and compensation will be figured as if those hours were benefit hours. No benefit hours will be used to compute overtime hours.

B. All employees must return to their normal shift schedule immediately upon being released to do so by the physician designated by the Decatur Township Fire Department. In cases where an employee is released from their injury or illness, with restrictions, by the designated physician, that employee must report to the fire headquarters office for “light duty assignment” at 0800 hours the following day (Monday-Friday) regardless of their shift schedule.

C. Once an employee has used two hundred sixteen (216) hours of Worker’s Compensation (WC hours) the employee may request, in writing, additional injury leave if needed. Request must be in writing and must be accompanied by sufficient supporting documentation from a physician designated or otherwise approved by the Fire Chief or designee. Said request must indicate the employee is not able to return to work, even in a light duty capacity. Said request shall be in writing and submitted to the Fire Chief or designee for considerations of approval. Approval is at the sole discretion of the Fire Chief or designee.

PROHIBITIONS

Generally, no compensation shall be allowed for any injury or illness when due to:

• Intentional self-infliction • Intoxication or under the influence of any substance • Commission of a felony or misdemeanor • Failure or refusal to use a safety appliance or device • Willful failure or refusal to obey a written or printed rule • Willful failure or refusal to perform a statutory duty • Willful failure to follow a written policy or procedure of the Decatur

Township Fire Department.

EXAMINATIONS

A. An employee with a minor injury shall seek medical attention from the Decatur Township Fire Department’s designated physician or Occupational Health Provider. An employee with serious or life threatening injury or illness shall be transported to an emergency room of an appropriate hospital.


B. An employee on leave as a result of an injury or illness incurred while on duty may be required to submit to a physical or mental examination by a licensed professional designated by the Decatur Township Fire Department, Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) representative, or insurance carrier which will be paid for by Decatur Civil Township if no insurance coverage is available.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

An employee on injury leave shall agree to release any and all medical information relevant to the injury and/or illness to the Fire Chief or designee and/or the worker’s compensation insurance carrier or their representatives.

LIMITED DUTY ASSIGNMENTS

A. Limited Duty Assignments, also known as “light duty”, will be provided for

all employees that are released by the Fire Departments designated physician to return to work with restrictions. The release must state the specific restrictions to determine the type of work the employee is capable of performing. Any employee who reports for light duty assignment, as stated above and works the normal light duty hours will receive their normal wages for that pay cycle regardless of the number of hours actually worked.

B. For purposes of this section, normal light duty hours are considered 0800 to

1630 hours, Monday thru Friday, unless otherwise ordered by the Fire Chief or designee.

C. For injuries or illnesses not covered under the Decatur Township worker’s compensation coverage, the employee may, upon being released by a physician, request light duty assignment to the Fire Chief or designee. The Decatur Township Fire Department shall consider the request and shall grant such light duty assignment if an appropriate light duty assignment is available. The Decatur Township Fire Department is under no obligation to create a position of light duty assignment and is not obligated to provide light duty assignments for injuries or illnesses not covered under Decatur Township’s worker’s compensation program. The Fire Chief or designee shall review the request for light duty and make a determination, at their sole discretion, with the approval of the Trustee.

D. Should an employee choose not to report to a light duty assignment, all worker’s compensation, worker’s compensation hours or any other form of pay will cease immediately and employee will be required to use “sick time” to receive any further compensation. An employee may not use “Vacation Time” unless it is approved in advance by the Fire Chief or designee.


E. If the employee is injured on duty and light duty assignments are unavailable, the Decatur Township Fire Department shall allow the employee to report for work on the light duty schedule.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT FUND (PERF)

A. When an employee has exhausted his/her injury leave, sick leave, vacation

time, personal time and any compensatory time, he/she may apply to the local Police or Fire Pension Board for full-time disability.

B. Employees shall not be allowed to receive disability benefits from Decatur Township that exceed 100% of the employee’s weekly wages.

C. Any time after the conclusion of six (6) months of injury leave (on or off-duty injury) the local PERF Board, at their discretion, may request permanent disability on behalf of the employee.

MISCELLANEOUS

A. This policy shall not affect, extend or limit the requirements and time limits of

the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which may run concurrent to the injury leave.

B. Employees shall not accumulate benefit time (vacation days, sick days, personal days) while on injury leave after the first sixty (60) calendar days of injury leave unless it is an on-duty injury.

REIMBURSEMENT

Decatur Civil Township carries worker’s compensation insurance and disability insurance to protect their interest. Any payments from these insurance carriers or providers will be paid directly to Decatur Civil Township and will be considered their reimbursement. Reimbursement checks may require endorsement from the employee on injury leave. However, reimbursement checks are the sole property of Decatur Civil Township with no entitlement to the employee.



TITLE: RETURNING TO FULL DUTY FROM LIMITED DUTY STATUS NUMBER: 2.09 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy when an employee is returning to full duty from limited duty status.

II. PROCEDURE

A. When an employee is released from limited duty to full duty, the employee must report to the Fire Chief and provide all medical release paperwork obtained from their personal physician.

B. The Fire Chief or their designee will ensure that the employee is evaluated by a Decatur

Township Fire Department approved physician(s) to ensure that the employee is competent to return to full duty.

C. This order may include, but is not limited to, employees who were affected by:

1. Surgery

2. Illness or injury requiring hospitalization

3. Childbirth

4. Some infectious diseases

5. Extended sick leave (more than 10 shift days)

D. After determining the employee is fit to return to full duty, the Fire Chief, or his

designee, will inform the employee of the return to duty date.


E. The Fire Chief or his designee will notify all pertinent officers of the employee’s status and return date.

F. The Decatur Township Fire Department approved physician(s) or the Fire Chief may

require the employee to take a Work Performance Evaluation (WPE) prior to returning to full duty. This will be determined on a case by case basis.



TITLE: DEPARTMENT EXAMINATIONS AND EMPLOYEE CONDUCT NUMBER: 3.01 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The efficiency and effectiveness of the Decatur Township Fire Department depends upon the selection, promotion, and development of the best qualified individuals. This policy serves to define official standards of conduct for employees involved in various examinations within the Decatur Township Fire Department both as participants and administrators.

II. DEFINITIONS

INTERNAL EXAMINATIONS: Any written test, performance test, oral interview, or other assessment instrument used to rank or score candidates who are currently employed by the Decatur Township Fire Department. These examinations include but are not limited to exams related to promotion, EMS certification or re-certification, engineer certification, recruit training, and performance tests.

SELECTION EXAMINATIONS: Any written test, oral interview, performance test, or other assessment instrument used to rank applicants who are seeking employment with the Decatur Township Fire Department.

CHEATING: includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Giving information to examination candidates about questions, answers or

relevant subject areas prior to the administration of an examination or information that has not been officially released by the Office of the Fire Chief.

2. Impersonating another individual while participating in any examination

process.


3. Using any unauthorized materials or sources of information during the

examination that have not been approved by the Fire Chief or a designee.

4. Falsifying examination records or results. TOLERATION OF CHEATING: Failure of an employee to report known or suspected incidents of cheating.

III. POLICY

A. Cheating or toleration of cheating is strictly prohibited.

B. Employees shall take all reasonable steps to maintain confidentiality, and to prevent cheating or the tolerance of cheating on examinations.

C. Decatur Township Fire Department employees shall report, in writing, to a superior

officer any known or suspected incident of cheating or the tolerance of cheating.

D. The superior officer receiving the initial report shall insure that the information received is forwarded through the chain-of-command to the Fire Chief or designee.

E. The Fire Chief shall order an internal investigation of each case of alleged cheating or

toleration of cheating.

F. Firefighters found guilty of cheating or the toleration of cheating will be subject to disciplinary action up to termination.



TITLE: TEMPORARY REASSIGNMENT / LIMITED DUTY NUMBER: 4.02 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Although there are many conditions, which temporarily prevent a firefighter from performing primary assignments, these same conditions do not necessarily restrict the individual from performing all work functions. In an effort to maximize an employee's capabilities during recovery from a temporary disability, and to facilitate completion of administrative tasks, limited duty may be available on a temporary basis.

II. DEFINITION

LIMITED DUTY: Duty other than Operations Division duties assigned to Operations Division employees, by the Fire Chief or their designee as a result of physical or mental condition that temporarily prevents the performance of Operations Division duties.

ADMINISTRATIVE: Personnel, who incur conditions which restrict their ability to carry out Operations Division duties but who may continue in their administrative duties, shall continue in their administrative capacity, with restriction only from Operations Division duties.

III. POLICY

A. Any employee whose physical or mental incapacity is such that the employee is unable to perform primary job assignments may apply for limited duty.

B. Although every effort shall be made to provide limited duty, limited duty cannot be

guaranteed. Limited duty is dependent upon department workload, special projects, and the number of individuals on limited duty.

C. Assignment to limited duty shall be at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designee.


D. During the employee’s time on limited duty, the Fire Chief or designee may order a

medical and/or psychological examination and prognosis be obtained by a Decatur Township Fire Department approved physician. This shall be at the cost of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

E. Examples of limited duty assignments include, but are not limited to:

1. Clerical work 2. Taking inventory 3. Answering telephone 4. Messenger service 5. Maintenance duties 6. Public Education and speaking assignments 7. Inspections and preplanning

IV. PROCEDURES

A. Any employee seeking limited duty must present a doctor's statement with the disability prognosis, restrictions and when the limitations and restrictions may be lifted to the Fire Chief of designee. The Fire Chief of designee will decide if the employee shall be placed on limited duty.

B. Employees assigned to limited duty will be assigned to the times when limited duty is available. Most of the time it will be during normal office hours. However, the employee may be assigned to work outside normal officer hours (i.e fire department even taking place after normal business hours).

C. The hours worked during the week shall be at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designee. 40-hours a week shall not be guaranteed to any employee assigned to limited duty.

D. Employees assigned to limited duty will have one (1) hour for lunch each day.

E. The employee shall utilize their accrued sick hours to make up the difference in the hours to maintain their normal 56-hour work week. This will only apply if the light duty assignment is not a result of an on-duty injury.

F. Any vacation time taken during a limited duty assignment will be pro-rated from

Operations Division schedule to Administrative schedule.

G. All other leave policies remain the same. If the employee exhausts all leave time, then the time off duty shall be unpaid.


H. Any employee for which limited duty is not available shall remain on medical leave until limited duty becomes available, the employee returns to full duty or all other leave is exhausted.

I. Before returning to full duty, the employee must present a medical release to the Fire

Chief or designee. The Fire Chief may require evaluation from a Decatur Township Fire Department approved physician prior to allowing the employee to return to full duty.

J. Each employee is responsible to actively seek release from limited duty as soon as

medically possible and reporting such release to the Fire Chief.



TITLE: FIRE STATION SAFETY NUMBER: 5.01 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

A large number of employee injuries occur while participating in routine activities in or around the fire station. Most of these injuries could be prevented by observing proper safety practices and adopting a safety conscious attitude. This guideline establishes safety regulations to be followed by employees assigned to any Decatur Township Fire Department fire station.

II. POLICY

A. Fire stations shall comply with all applicable health, safety, building, and fire code requirements.

B. All fire stations are designated as tobacco free, and no one will be permitted to smoke,

vape or use smokeless tobacco products within a fire station. The use of tobacco will be confined to areas outside of the building and in compliance with Decatur Township Fire Department policy.

C. Floors shall be kept clean and free from obstruction. Slippery substances such as water,

oil, and other fluids shall not be allowed to accumulate on a floor surface and shall be mopped up as soon as is practical.

D. All tools and equipment shall be maintained in a clean and serviceable condition and

shall be returned to their proper place immediately after use.

E. All flammable and combustible liquids and gases shall be stored in the station’s flammable liquids cabinet. The cabinet shall be maintained in a clean and orderly manner and shall be kept closed and free of obstructions.


F. Prior to each use, all electrical equipment such as extension cords shall be inspected to prevent the possibility of shock or electrocution.

G. Do not use defective equipment or any equipment or tools appearing to be broken or

damaged. Such as ladders with broken rungs, power equipment without the proper safety protection, etc.

H. Horseplay is strictly forbidden.

I. Employees shall not, by action or words, jeopardize the safety of another employee.

J. Employees shall not exhibit personal conduct that may cause bodily harm to others or to

their self.

K. Proper care shall be exercised when using any chemical product, pesticide, solvent, or other harmful or toxic substance.

L. Caution shall be exercised when using a ladder for cleaning, painting, etc.

M. All smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, exit signs, and other safety equipment shall be

maintained in proper working order.

N. Running inside the station is prohibited.

O. Any defective equipment or unsafe condition shall be reported to the Company Officer immediately.

P. Fire stations shall always be locked and secured whenever the station is unattended.

Q. Automatic overhead door closures shall not be activated until the apparatus has

completely cleared the door.

R. All appropriate safety precautions shall be taken when conducting lawn work. This includes but is not limited to safety glasses and hearing protection when warranted.

S. Apparatus engines will not be ran in the bays without the exhaust removal system

connected unless absolutely necessary.

T. Utilize proper lifting techniques when lifting moderate to heavy objects.

U. Employees shall strictly adhere to all safety regulations.

V. Officers shall be responsible for maintaining their assigned station in a safe and healthy manner and shall promptly correct any deficiencies.


W. The Fire Prevention Division along with a member of the Safety Committee shall inspect each fire station at least once a year. The inspectors shall check the station for compliance with all applicable codes and safety standards. The inspection shall be conducted using the Decatur Township Fire Department’s Inspection Report Form. A copy of the form will be forwarded to the Fire Chief. If possible, corrections should be made immediately and if necessary, a re-inspection shall be scheduled prior to concluding the inspection.



TITLE: MAINTENANCE, WASHING AND PARKING OF NON-DTFD VEHICLES AT FIRE STATIONS NUMBER: 5.02 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is to establish departmental policy concerning the maintenance, washing and parking of non-Decatur Township Fire Department vehicles at fire stations.

II. DEFINITIONS

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE: For purposes of this order, vehicle maintenance shall mean any repair or maintenance work on a vehicle that involves the removal of toxic substances from the vehicle or the disposal of or storage of toxic substances.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES: Toxic substances includes transmission fluids, brake fluids, motor oil, antifreeze or any other substance that might cause harm to the environment or that disposed of improperly may violate EPA regulations or any other state, local or federal environmental statues, ordinances or regulations.

III. POLICY

A. Employees are not to work on personal vehicles during duty hours without the permission of the Shift Commander or Company Officer.

B. The parking or storage of personal vehicles inside a fire station or on the station

approaches (in front of bay doors) is not permitted unless permission is granted by the Fire Chief.

C. Neither the Decatur Township Fire Department nor Decatur Township Trustee assumes liability for private vehicles on the station grounds.


D. The storage of toxic substances at fire stations or on station grounds is strictly prohibited except when such action is necessary for the performance of Decatur Township Fire Department functions.

E. The disposal of toxic substances at fire stations or on station grounds is strictly prohibited except when such action is necessary for the performance of Decatur Township Fire Department functions.

F. Employees are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

G. At headquarters employees shall not park in a location that would limit accessibility to

visitors and staff vehicles.

H. Employees shall not park in any location designated as handicap parking unless a handicap parking credential is plainly visible in or on the vehicle.

I. Employees shall not park in any location marked as a no parking zone.



TITLE: USE OF WOMEN’S QUARTERS NUMBER: 5.03 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish policy regarding the use, maintenance and responsibility for the Women’s quarters in all Decatur Township Fire Department fire stations.

II. DEFINITION

WOMEN’S QUARTERS: Locker room/bathroom reserved for female employees at each fire station.

III. POLICY

A. Women’s quarters are for use by Decatur Township Fire Department female employees and other authorized female personnel only.

B. Women’s quarters are not to be used by Decatur Township Fire Department male

employees or the general public.

C. Women’s quarters are not to be used for storage.

D. Women’s quarters will be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion by the female employees assigned to the station.

E. Male employees shall not enter the women’s quarters unless for official business. Male employees shall knock and announce themselves before entering women’s quarters.



TITLE: USE OF MEN’S QUARTERS NUMBER: 5.04 EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 15, 2017 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: N/A


I. PURPOSE

To establish policy regarding the use, maintenance and responsibility for the Men’s quarters in all Decatur Township Fire Department fire stations.

II. DEFINITION

MEN’S QUARTERS: Locker room/bathroom reserved for male employees at each fire station.

III. POLICY

A. Men’s quarters are for use by Decatur Township Fire Department male employees and other authorized male personnel only.

B. Men’s quarters are not to be used by Decatur Township Fire Department female

employees or the general public.

C. Men’s quarters are not to be used for storage.

D. Men’s quarters will be maintained in a clean and orderly fashion by the male employees assigned to the station.

E. Female employees shall not enter the men’s quarters unless for official business. Female employees shall knock and announce themselves before entering men’s quarters.



TITLE: STATION ASSESSMENTS AND DISBURSEMENT OF HOUSE FUNDS NUMBER: 5.05 EFFECTIVE: JUNE 15, 2015 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy pertaining to payment of station assessments and disbursement of house funds.

II. DEFINTIONS

ASSESMENTS: Monies owed to a station by an employee for expenses incurred by that station. These charges are commonly referred to as house dues and commissary. Examples of assessments include but are not limited to internet, cable, water cooler, coffee, etc.

HOUSE OFFICER: The officer, generally the most senior in the station, who is responsible for the overall maintenance and financial/budgetary functioning of the station.

REGULAR ASSIGNED EMPLOYEE: An employee permanently assigned to a station

STATION POLICY: Procedures established by the house officer which stipulate the time and manner in which station assessments must be paid

COMISSARY: Items such as coffee, condiments, sugar, flour, etc.

III. POLICY

A. Assessments will be paid consistent with the station policy established by the House Officer

B. Commissary will be established by a majority opinion of all permanently assigned employees under the guidance of the House Officer


C. Regularly assigned employees will pay their assessments on the Friday, Saturday, or

Sunday of a pay week or no later than the Wednesday following payday unless an authorized leave prohibits it.

D. Employees who become two (2) pays delinquent will be referred to the Fire Chief or designee and may be subject to paying their assessments at headquarters.

E. Shifts that become two (2) months delinquent will be referred to the Fire Chief or designee and may be subject to paying their assessments at headquarters

F. Employees may have their assessments deducted directly out of their paychecks and placed into their respective shift accounts or the house account if they desire.

G. Each employee will pay a minimum of $5 per pay for their assessments.

H. With a majority vote, under the House Officers guidance, a station may choose to increase the individual assessments due each pay.

I. Shift’s that employees contribute their weekly pay assessments to the shift account instead of assessments going directly into the house fund shall pay their assessments to the House Officer by the end of the month. (i.e. assessments due for the month of January must be paid by January 31)

J. Employees on authorized leave, sick leave, line-of-duty injury, and detail will still be responsible for paying their assessments.

K. The House Officer will receive notification of retiring employees and update the station roster accordingly. Retiring employees will be responsible for all assessments due prior to their retirement date.

L. Transferred or reassigned employees must pay past due assessments prior to moving.

M. The House Officer shall post the station income and an expense report on the station bulletin board on a monthly basis.

N. A record of all funds assessed, collected, and disbursed shall be posted by the House Officer each month


O. The maximum dollar amount allowed to accumulate in the house fund shall be determined by the majority opinion of all permanently assigned employees at that station.

P. The disbursement of all funds contributed or collected shall be done by the majority opinion of all permanently assigned personnel under the guidance of the House Officer

Q. The House Officer may spend $100 or less out of the assessments for house items without obtaining a majority vote for an emergency nature or to enhance operations.

R. Any spending over $100 must be put to a majority vote before it is spent, unless it is an item/items that has previously been voted on (i.e. commissary items, cable tv, internet, water cooler)



TITLE: FIREHOUSE VISITORS NUMBER: 5.06 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish department policy pertaining to visitors at Decatur Township Fire Stations. II. DEFINTIONS

VISITOR: Any one that is not an employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department III. POLICY

A. Visitors not connected with the Decatur Township Fire Department shall not be permitted to ride on the apparatus at any time without prior authorization of the Fire Chief or their designee.

B. Visitors shall not be permitted to loaf, lounge, or sleep at any Decatur Township Fire

Station or on any Decatur Township apparatus.

C. Visitors shall respect the other employees and understand that they are guests. They can be asked to leave at any point by the officer and failure to do such may result in additional actions.

D. Visitors must always be accompanied by their host while on station and if crews have to

leave for any reason they should also vacate the premises.

E. Visitors should be kept to a minimum and also respect quite time especially in the evening and night hours.

F. Visitors staying past 2300 or overnight will only be allowed with permission of the Fire Chief or designee. Requests for visitations after 2300 and overnight stays shall be submitted to the Fire Chief or designee in writing.



TITLE: PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM NUMBER: 6.01 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Physical training is an essential part of maintaining a healthy life style both emotionally and physically. The duties as a firefighter, EMT and/ or Paramedic includes, but is not limited to: heavy lifting, pulling, maneuvering, crawling, running, operating in confined spaces, and operating in cumbersome turn out gear. The Decatur Township Fire Department shall establish a basic physical fitness program which shall be modified as necessary.

Decatur Township Fire Department employees are role models in the community. They are seen in public performing any and all operations as outlined above. This policy is to ensure that employees maintain a positive image and profile in the course of their everyday duties.

The intention of this policy is to establish minimal guidelines that employees shall accomplish every shift day worked. This will help maintain a high degree of readiness in the companies.

II. POLICY

A. Decatur Township Fire Department employees including: Firefighter’s, Officer’s, Paramedics and all staff positions shall participate in a Decatur Township Fire Department wide initiated physical fitness program. This program will be mandatory so that it ensures that all Decatur Township Fire Department employees are prepared to complete the physical demands of the tasks that they are assigned.

B. All Decatur Township Fire Department employees in the Operations Divisions shall

conduct physical training every shift day for a minimum of forty-five minutes (45 min.). This is to be initiated by the Company Officer.


C. The Company Officer does not have to conduct the physical training sessions, but are responsible for ensuring it is accomplished every shift day. The Company Officer may conduct the physical training session, or they can delegate to a subordinate the responsibility of coordinating the physical fitness trainings.

D. Employees in staff positions shall conduct their physical fitness trainings three (3) times a

week between the days of Monday and Friday and between the hours of 8am and 5pm for a minimum of forty-five minutes (45 min.).

E. The uniforms and the time of day set aside for physical training shall be decided by the

Company Officer at the start of each shift depending on trainings, details, work load, etc. for that shift day.

F. If there are medical restrictions that inhibit an employee’s ability to exercise the

Company Officer shall be notified and the restrictions passed up the Chain of Command. Medical information received from the department’s physician will be used as a guide to determine the level that the employee will exercise.

G. All injuries must be report to the Shift Officer consistent with Decatur Township Fire

Department General Orders.



TITLE: MAINTAINING EMS CERTIFICATION NUMBER: 6.03 EFFECTIVE: JUNE 18, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish a policy that insures that any Decatur Township Fire Department employee who serves the public as an EMT, is a state certified EMT, and to establish departmental policy concerning employees maintaining an Emergency Medical Technician Certification.

II. POLICY

A. Employees shall not function as an EMT unless certified by the State of Indiana as an Emergency Medical Technician.

B. All employees of the Decatur Township Fire Department are expected to serve as EMS

providers. Therefore, all employees shall maintain a minimum of an Emergency Medical Technician Basic as administered by the Indiana Emergency Medical Commission.

C. Employees who are employed in positions such as an administrative assistant are not required to maintain an EMT-B certification.

D. While the department will provide on-duty training for EMT recertification, it is the

responsibility of each EMT to maintain their EMT certification.

E. Any employee whose EMT certification expires or is revoked for any reason, shall notify their Company Officer, in writing, within 24-hours of the time that the employee learns of the expiration or revocation. Upon such notification, the Company Officer will immediately notify the shift’s Battalion Chief.

F. In the event that an employee loses his/her EMT Certification, the employee shall have

one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of notification of the Company Officer, to obtain re-certification.


G. The employee will be immediately placed on unpaid administrative leave until the employee has re-obtained their appropriate EMS certification.

H. Upon recertification the employee shall be suspended for a minimum of 72 hours with the possibility of additional disciplinary action at the discretion of the Merit Commission.

I. If it is determined that an employee did not notify the Decatur Township Fire Department

of not being certified as an EMT and re-obtained certification and continued to work, the employee will be suspended for a minimum of 216 hours with recommendation for termination to the Merit Commission.

J. Any fees associated with obtaining a lost certification will be the responsibility of the

employee. Fees may be required by other agencies such as Indiana Department of Homeland Security or other outside agencies.

In the event that an employee loses his/her EMT Certification for a second time, recommendation for termination of employment will be made to the Merit Commission.



TITLE: FIREFIGHTER RE-ORIENTATION TRAINING NUMBER: 6.04 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

This policy is designed to ensure that employees returning to the Operations Division after an extended absence due to military leave, administrative details or appointments, sick leave, or injury are properly re-oriented to the policies and standard operating procedures of the Decatur Township Fire Department. Completing this re-orientation will give the returning employee the opportunity to successfully make the transition back to the Operations Division.

III. POLICY

A. The Fire Chief, at his discretion, based on all information obtained (i.e. length of absence, injury, etc.) will decide if the employee will be required to complete the re-orientation program.

B. Under the direction of the Chief of Training, the employee shall have fourteen (14) days

to complete the re-orientation training. If additional time is required, request must be made in writing to the Chief of Training. Additional time may be granted by the Chief of Training based on the terms of the request.

III. PROCEDURE

A. The returning employee will be issued a “Decatur Township Fire Department Re-Orientation Checklist.” The form is organized into three parts: Administrative Division, EMS Division, and Training Division.


B. This form must be used by the returning employee to document their movement through the various divisions. After completion of a task on the checklist, the firefighter shall have the instructor to fill out the applicable portion of the form.

C. Once the form is completed, the returning employee must meet with the Chief of

Training. The re-orientation form will be reviewed and the employee shall be released to the Operations Division upon final approval from the Fire Chief.

D. The employee must show competency with each area of the checklist before moving on

to the next item.

E. The primary goal of this process is to return employees to the Operations Division safe, confident, and competent with their skills



TITLE: GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE NUMBER: 7.01 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To provide a means by which an employee who believes that he/she has a legitimate complaint concerning working conditions, or unfair or discriminatory practices, may register and pursue the complaint through a systematic resolution process.

II. DEFINITION

GRIEVANCE: A written allegation by an employee, submitted as herein specified, claiming unfair or discriminatory practices, or working conditions.

III. POLICY

A. All employees, including probationary employees, are entitled to all rights and provisions specified in this guideline.

B. Failure of Decatur Township Fire Department representatives to comply with the time

limits specified in this procedure shall entitle the grievant to appeal to the next level of review.

C. Failure of the grievant to comply with the time limits specified in this procedure shall

constitute abandonment of the grievance.

D. The parties involved may extend time limits by mutual written agreement in advance. IV. INFORMAL RESOLUTION

A. It is the responsibility of the employee who believes that they have a legitimate complaint, to promptly inform and discuss it with their immediate supervisor in order to, in good faith, endeavor to clarify the matter expeditiously and informally at the employee - immediate supervisor level.


B. If such informal discussion does not resolve the problem to the employee's satisfaction,

and if the complaint constitutes a grievance as herein defined, the employee may file a formal grievance in accordance with the following guideline.

V. GRIEVANCE FILING

A. The employee shall state the grievance in writing. The employee must sign the “Grievance”.

B. The employee shall personally submit the "Grievance Report" to his/her Company

Officer within ten (10) calendar days of the initial commencement of the occurrence being grieved.

C. Either party may then request that a meeting be held concerning the grievance or they may mutually agree that no meeting be held.

D. The Company Officer shall, within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the written

grievance or of the meeting, whichever is later, submit his/her response to the grievance, to the employee.

E. If the Company Officer’s response is acceptable, the member shall sign the "Grievance

Report", as such, and return it to the Company Officer.

F. If the Company Officer’s response resolves the grievance, the Company Officer shall make three (3) copies of the grievance and submit one copy to the:

• Fire Chief • Battalion Chief • Company Officer

G. The employee filing the grievance shall have the original copy returned to them.

H. If the Company Officer’s response does not result in resolution of the grievance, the

employee shall sign the report as such, and proceed to the next step within five (5) calendar days of receiving the Company Officer’s response.

I. The Fire Chief shall place a copy of the "Grievance Report" in the filing employee's

personnel file where it will become a permanent part of the employee's file.

J. The Fire Chief shall review the "Grievance Report" within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the review request and submit a response to the grievant.

K. The Fire Chief may, at their discretion, hold a hearing during this review.


L. The decision of the Fire Chief on grievance matters shall be final and binding.

M. The Fire Chief shall reduce his finding and decisions to writing and submit a copy to the grievant.

N. The Fire Chief shall enter a copy of the final resolution into the filing employee’s personnel file where it will become a permanent part of that file.

O. The employee filing a grievance shall have the right to be represented by a Union official or counsel.

P. The employee filing the grievance shall not be subject to any form of retaliation from any other employee of the Decatur Township Fire Department for filing a grievance.



TITLE: PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE NUMBER: 8.01 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

This guideline is designed to provide a consistent manner for the Decatur Township Fire Department to handle disciplinary matters. The purpose of the disciplinary process is to provide a comprehensive and consistent format for the fair and equitable management of Decatur Township Fire Department disciplinary matters.

II. POLICY

A. All Officers (Merit and Appointed) of the Decatur Township Fire Department are charged with the responsibility of enforcing the rules and regulations and shall ensure compliance with the guidelines, policies, and procedures of the Decatur Township Fire Department.

B. Records of all disciplinary actions shall be placed in the disciplined employees’ personnel

file and are to remain there indefinitely.

C. All records of disciplinary action shall be placed and recorded into the departments’ employee evaluation program.

D. The Fire Chief may order an Administrative or Criminal Investigation as he/she deems

appropriate to determine the facts of a case before disciplinary action is taken. If an Administrative Investigation is ordered the employee shall be protected by their Garrity Rights. If a criminal investigation is ordered the employee shall be protected by their Miranda Rights. The employee may or may not be placed on administrative leave (paid/unpaid) until the completion of the investigation.

E. The purpose of any investigation is to determine the facts of the case. Once the facts have

been determined they shall be presented, in a written report, to the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief will then determine if further action will be needed.


F. All employees shall have the right to representation (Union, Counsel, other person deemed appropriate, and/or a combination of any of the following) during any disciplinary hearing or counseling session.

G. Disciplinary action within the department shall be based on one or more of the following

infractions:

• Conviction of a felony • Violation of rules • Neglect • Disobedience of orders • Absence without leave • Immoral conduct • Conduct injurious to the public peace or welfare • Conduct unbecoming a firefighter • Furnishing information to an applicant for appointment or promotion that

gives that person an advantage over another applicant • Act of Discrimination • Actions which jeopardize the safety of an employee(s)

H. Disciplinary action may be imposed upon any employee for failing to fulfill their

responsibility as an employee.

I. Conduct reflecting discredit upon the Decatur Township Fire Department, or conduct which is a direct hindrance to the effective performance of Decatur Township Fire Department functions shall be considered just cause for disciplinary action.

J. Probationary employees serve at the pleasure of the Decatur Civil Township. An employee who has satisfactorily completed their probationary year shall not be reprimanded, demoted, suspended, or discharged without just cause.

K. Employees are required to sign all disciplinary forms. Signing of disciplinary forms does

not constitute an admission of guilt or agreement with the disciplinary action. Signing disciplinary forms only acknowledges the employee is aware of the disciplinary action.

III. PROCEDURE

A. The goal of progressive discipline is to correct behavior and to produce efficient department operations. The process involves five (5) levels.

B. Disciplinary actions shall normally be invoked in the order listed below:

1. Counseling session with Company Officer or Battalion Chief

2. Written reprimand


3. Suspension from duty

4. Demotion if appointed as an officer

5. Termination

C. It is not necessary all disciplinary matters enter the process at the counseling session level. A serious breach of discipline may result in an immediate suspension from duty and/or charges being filed with the Fire Chief with a recommendation that the employee be terminated from the Decatur Township Fire Department.

D. Immediate suspension from duty, with the possibility for termination of employment

may be ordered when an employee exhibits evidence of one of the following:

1. Drinking alcoholic beverages while on duty

2. Intoxication while on duty

3. Under the influence of liquor, non-prescribed drugs or other concoction or compound that renders the employee unfit for duty

4. Insubordination

5. Fighting

6. Theft

7. Absence without leave

8. Neglect of duty

9. Conduct unbecoming a firefighter

10. Jeopardizing safety

E. Charges shall be filed against an employee as soon as an Officer has made every effort to fact find that there is sufficient evidence of a violation of Decatur Township Fire Department general orders, policy, procedures or guidelines.

F. If a supervisor has reason to discipline an employee, the supervisor shall make reasonable efforts to impose such discipline in a manner that will not embarrass or humiliate the employee before other employees or the public.


V. DISCIPLINE APPEAL PROCEDURE

Employees may request an appeal of their disciplinary action by filing a written appeal n accordance with Decatur Township Fire Department’s Merit Commission Rules and Regulations or by filing a formal grievance pursuant with Decatur Township Fire Department General Order 7.01



TITLE: COUNSELING NUMBER: 8.02 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

The key to effective discipline is constructive counseling directed at altering performance and/or conduct problems before they become disciplinary concerns.

II. POLICY

A. All Officers have the responsibility to take action to correct performance and/or conduct concerns.

B. A counseling form has been established so Officers can document efforts to correct

performance and/or conduct issues.

C. An Officer shall use the counseling form for minor infractions or performance concerns, that are not significant enough to warrant more severe disciplinary action.

D. The discretion of using a counseling form remains with the Officer initiating the action.

However, the Officer must be fair, consistent and justified in the use of this approach.

E. The Officer may use counseling when an employee’s perfomance and/or conduct approaches a rule or policy violation to the point that the Officer wants to document that the situation has been explained or clarified.

F. The Officer may use counseling when an employee’s performance and/or conduct is not

consistent with past superior performance, a performance error is made or the issue is a one-time occurrence.

G. At the time of the counseling session, the Counseling Form shall be completed and

signed by the Officer initiating the action and the employee being counseled.


H. All counseling sessions shall be documented in the Decatur Township Fire Department’s employee evaluation program

I. The counseling form shall remain in the individual’s personal file for two (2) years. After

two years the counseling form shall be removed and destroyed.

J. If a counseling form remains in an employee’s file after two (2) years it can not be used against the employee for any interdepartmental reason.



TITLE: MANDATORY USE OF SCBA NUMBER: 9.01 EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2016 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

In many cases it is not practical or possible for firefighters or fire officers to judge the degree of danger involved in working in contaminated or oxygen deficient atmospheres. The Scott self-contained breathing apparatus is designed to provide the wearer with a supply of respirable air carried in the apparatus and requires no intake of air or oxygen from the environment in which the wearer is operating. This General Orders establishes a policy mandating the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) by all personnel working in or who may potentially work in smoke-filled or otherwise toxic environments while responding to an emergency.

II. DEFINITIONS

COMPANY MEMBERS: All privates, engineers, lieutenants, and captains who are assigned to fire and/or rescue companies.

SCBA: Self-contained breathing apparatus.

TOXIC ENVIRONMENT: For the purpose of this order shall mean any environment where fire exists or has existed causing toxic smoke, gases, and/or vapors or any environment where Carbon Monoxide is present above 35ppm.

INVESTIGATOR: Member(s) assigned to Fire Investigation.

HOT ZONE: An area that is considered to be dangerous. It generally entails special equipment to protect occupants, because there is a high risk of danger. Determined parameters by the IC.


III. POLICY

A. Any firefighter who is working in or is about to enter a smoke filled or otherwise toxic environment while responding to an emergency situation shall don and activate the self-contained breathing apparatus provided by the Decatur Township Fire Department.

B. Company members responding to any building fire, structural fire or hazardous materials

incident shall don the SCBA before leaving their apparatus. The SCBA must be activated just prior to entering any toxic environment or hot zone.

C. Personnel working in a toxic environment shall wear SCBA and be on-air during all

phases of the operation (fire control, overhaul, etc.). IV. PROCEDURE

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMPANY MEMBERS

A. Company members shall be responsible for checking, inspecting and testing the SCBA assigned to their riding position to ensure the unit is operating properly. This shall include but not limited to: (H.U.D function, P.A.S.S function, 5500 psi cylinder).

B. If it is not clear whether or not respiratory protection is required, all

firefighters should assume that SCBAs should be worn and activated.

C. All company members shall activate their SCBA before entering a building for fire operations or before entering any area that may require respiratory protection.

D. Company members performing aerial operations, raising ladders, operating

hand lines outside a fire building are required to don and activate the SCBA anytime they are working in or around a toxic environment, when directed by a superior officer, or in their judgment they feel that the atmosphere may be harmful to their health. (Example: While performing outside horizontal ventilation in smoke conditions)

E. Company members performing roof ventilation are required to be on-air at all

times while performing ventilation on any roof.

F. The SCBA will be worn and activated by all personnel responding to a hazardous materials incident. The SCBA shall be worn by all personnel until the officer in command of the scene has evaluated the extent of the toxicity


problem and established a working perimeter, outside of which the SCBA will not be worn.

G. The SCBA shall be worn and activated during overhaul or anytime while

working in the hot zone.

H. The Battalion Chief or Safety Officer will take readings before the all clear can be given.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICER IN COMMAND OF AN EMERGENCY SCENE

A. It shall be the responsibility of the Incident Commander of any emergency

scene, through the company officers, to ensure that firefighters dispatched to the scene comply with this General Order.

B. Chief Officers shall don respiratory protective equipment when it is necessary

to enter a fire building or any area where a toxic environment may exist.

C. If it is necessary to designate an area (i.e. a field, a city block, etc.) off limits to personnel not wearing an SCBA, then it shall be the responsibility of the Incident Commander to designate that area and ensure that compliance is achieved.

D. If an area is designated off limits, personnel shall not enter that area without

donning and activating an SCBA.

E. It is the responsibility of all Company Officers and Chief Officers to take appropriate disciplinary action if their subordinates fail to comply with the policies established by this General Order.

F. Hydrogen Cyanide readings will be taken at every working incident and will

be documented properly.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMPANY OFFICERS

It shall be the responsibility of each Company Officer to ensure that SCBAs are available in sufficient numbers on the apparatus under their command and that all personnel under their command abide by this General Order.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF INVESTIGATORS

Investigators shall don respiratory protective equipment when it is necessary to enter a fire building or any area where a toxic environment may exist to conduct investigations.



TITLE: ESO DOCUMENTATION NUMBER: 9.02 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish departmental policy for ESO Information Documentation.

II. POLICY

A. All companies shall obtain at minimum the following information for ESO documentation:

1. Name (this might include person involved, occupant, owner, company, etc.)

2. Address

3. Phone Number

4. Vehicle Insurance Information (When applicable)

5. Vehicle Identification Number and License Plate Number (When applicable)

6. Vehicle Year, Make and Model (When applicable)

7. A descriptive narrative of the events of the incident

B. The above listed information shall be obtained on all runs. However, the EMS report will

be sufficient when only an ambulance is dispatched

C. Officers should obtain as much information as possible (date of birth’s, vehicle type, etc.)

D. Social Security numbers shall not be entered into ESO Fire Reports.


E. You may also have multiple inquiries dependent upon the type of run.

Example: If you respond to a building alarm and a representative shows up on the scene then you would have two inquiries, one would be the business and the other would be the representative. Narratives shall include all pertinent information (what was done on the scene and any other pertinent information).

F. It shall be the responsibility of the first arriving Company Officer to ensure all information is obtained and entered properly into ESO.

G. All responding apparatus shall enter a narrative in ESO. If the apparatus was disregarded enroute note the disregard in the narrative section of ESO

H. All reports shall be completely and accurately filled out, immediately upon the completion of a run and the equipment being returned to service. This shall also include the entering of data into the proper record keeping system.

I. It shall be the responsibility of the Company Officer to ensure all necessary reports are completed within the scheduled shift unless a situation prevents a report from being completed. (i.e. a fire that is under investigation)



TITLE: INCIDENT / FIRE SCENE AUTHORITY FIRE INVESTIGATIONS NUMBER: 9.06 EFFECTIVE: JULY 1, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish command authority at an incident/fire scene being investigated by members of the Fire Investigations Unit (FIU).

II. POLICY

A. The Decatur Township Fire Department recognizes the importance of a well-protected fire crime scene and the value of evidence contained therein as well as the obligation of the suppression companies’ duty to maintain control over working fires.

B. The scene of a fire of questionable origin is to be maintained and kept free from contamination which may cause the loss of valuable evidence and minimizes firefighters' time loss due to courtroom testimony at later dates.

III. PROCEDURE

A. The first arriving Company Officer and/or Incident Commander shall have the initial investigation and suppression authority until the appropriate investigative authority arrives on the scene. At that time, the investigative authority lies with the FIU.

B. The first arriving Company Officer and/or Incident Commander shall assist the Fire

Investigator by ensuring that:

1. A rope or barrier tape perimeter with one entry point to the incident scene is established at all scenes where there is a serious injury or fatality, and wherever else deemed appropriate.

2. Notify police dispatcher to ensure sufficient staffing and equipment is provided to

control pedestrians and vehicle traffic.


3. Any other action deemed appropriate is taken to preserve the scene and the

evidence contained therein.

C. Upon arrival of investigative authority (FIU investigator) at the scene the Company Officer and/or Incident Commander will retain authority over fire suppression and assist the FIU investigator with any and all reports or provide any other assistance requested. However, once the fire has been extinguished, the incident location becomes a crime scene and FIU officers, regardless or rank, assume charge and responsibility.

D. If a fire breaks out after the arrival of the FIU, it is understood that the suppression

companies are in charge of the suppression of fire.

E. After the perimeter of the incident scene is established, no personnel, regardless of rank, will be permitted to enter the scene without permission of the assigned FIU Investigator having control of the scene.

F. Personnel will not be permitted to interfere with the investigation, or alter or disturb anything that may be considered to be evidence.

G. On scene personnel will not touch, move or otherwise contaminate any evidence within

the incident scene except for those who are authorized to examine and collect such evidence.

1. Evidence may not be removed or altered in any manner with the possible

exception of overhauling operations needed to find and extinguish hidden fires.

2. Evidence may be removed or altered only if it poses a threat to human life or

there is a chance the evidence may be destroyed by weather or other conditions at the scene.

H. In the event of a fatality at a fire scene, the Homicide Branch of the Indianapolis

Metropolitan Police Department will have control of the fire scene after fire suppression, until no foul play in the incident is determined. After that determination is made the FIU will assume responsibility for the fire scene.

I. If the FIU desires to take command from the Incident Commander prior to the scene

being turned over to the FIU the investigator shall show justifiable cause which may include:

1. Prior intelligence knowledge of an impending arson

2. Prior knowledge of alleged arson patterns in a given area

Page 1 of 1 General Order 9.07 - Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Pascal Arnes – Chief of Fire


TITLE: CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSPECTION STATION PROGRAM NUMBER: 9.07 EFFECTIVE: June 18, 2014 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

Decatur Township Fire Department is a permanent car seat fitting and distribution station certified by the Automotive Safety Program. This General Orders serves to establish a policy for the Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Program.

II. POLICY

A. Only certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can install, inspect or distribute car seats or related equipment.

B. Any person requesting car seat inspection, installation or distribution shall be referred

to the Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Coordinator.

C. If a request is received outside of normal business hours obtain the requestors name, address, email address and phone number. Forward this information to the Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Coordinator.

D. Car seats, all accompanying equipment, and proper documentation shall remain in a secure location. This location may only be accessed by the Division Chief of Fire and Life Safety and Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

E. Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians shall ensure all paperwork is properly filled out prior to installing, inspecting or distributing car seats and related equipment

F. Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians shall complete the required data and present data to the Division Chief of Fire and Life Safety upon request.

Page 1 of 2 General Order 9.08 Pascal Arnes-Chief of Fire


TITLE: SCBA MAINTENANCE NUMBER: 9.08 EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2016 THIS ORDER SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS GENERAL ORDERS, POLICIES, RULES, S.O.G’S & S.O.P’S UPDATED: FEBRUARY 15, 2017


I. PURPOSE

To establish Decatur Township Fire Department policy concerning employee responsibility for individual SCBA face pieces.

II. DEFINITION SCBA: self-contained breathing apparatus

FACE PIECE: the portion of the SCBA that fits over the employee’s face and connects to the supply line from the SCBA.

OSHA: Occupational Health and Safety Administration; an enforcement agency of the federal government responsible for health and safety in the work place.

III. POLICY

A. It is the responsibility of each Decatur Township Fire Department employee to possess, properly maintain and clean the SCBA face piece provided by the fire department. This face piece includes the breathing valve, breathing valve body, exhaust port, speech diaphragm, and a high pressure hose that has a male fitting to accommodate the connection to the manifold block.

B. Employees are required to inspect their face piece each duty day. Any defects or

contamination found during the daily inspection shall be reported via the form located in the employee section of the Decatur Township Fire Department website. The owner of the face piece will be responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and reporting damage to their personal face piece.

Page 2 of 2 General Order 9.08 Pascal Arnes-Chief of Fire

C. Employees shall attach their face piece to the assigned SCBA and perform a leak function test as described in Appendix E of the written respiratory program.

D. Maintenance of face pieces is provided by the Decatur Township Fire Department. Only

a Scott Authorized Service Specialist or above shall perform maintenance on an SCBA face piece. These technicians shall only use Scott and NIOSH approved parts.

E. The SCBA face piece shall not be used if there is damage restricting the proper fit.

F. If the employee’s SCBA face piece is replaced, the SCBA work order form shall be completed with the proper information.

G. If there are significant changes in the employee’s ability to wear a respirator or if

observations deem that the employee is experiencing difficulty with the respirator, then fit testing may be conducted more often than an annual basis.

H. All Scott brand face pieces shall be serviced and re-certified annually. A complete

function test shall be performed after each dismantling and assembly related to a repair or service.

I. It is the sole responsibility of the employee to clean their assigned face piece after each

use.

J. Employees shall not have any facial hair or other obstructions that interfere with the mask-to-face piece seal or valve function.

K. If an employee wears corrective glasses, goggles, or any other protective equipment, that

equipment cannot interfere with the face-to-face piece seal or valve function.

L. It is the Company Officers' responsibility to ensure that each individual under their command is in possession of a fully functional OSHA approved SCBA face piece.

M. A visual inspection of the SCBA bottle and SCBA pack for damage shall be conducted every day.

N. The SCBA bottle and SCBA pack shall be turned on and the PASS device tested daily.

O. Any defects or contamination found during the daily inspection shall be reported via the form located in the employee section of the Decatur Township Fire Department website.

Documents

DECATUR TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT · 1.07 Professional Relations 1.08 Pornographic Materials 1.09 Tobacco / Smoke Free Workplace 1.10 Discrimination, Sexual Harassment 1.11 Damage