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I need some input on how your dept. handles applications from potential new members. Is everyone accepted or does the chief screen out the "bad apples"?
Feel free to give details.
Feel free to give details.
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J.J. Bichard, Chief
Devola Vol. Fire Co.
Marietta, Ohio
"A few, serving many" -
After the app. is turned in, all of the officers look over the app. and discuss it's pluses and minuses. Then the chief and asst. chief interview the applicant to find out a little about him/her and to get a better idea on why this person is wanting to join.
While all this is going on, the app. is submitted for a criminal/driving background check.
If nothing sends up any red flags, then the person is allowed to join for a probationary period (usually about six months). At this point, the members will vote on whether this person should continue as a member.Just someone trying to help! (And by the way....Thanks for YOUR help!)
Aggressive does not have to equal stupid.
** "The comments made here are this person's views and possibly that of the organizations to which I am affiliated" ** -
Application Process
After the application is recieved the person is interviewed by the Chief and Deputy Chief. The Chief either appoints the person as an "appointed firefighter" or doesn't appoint. After the "appointed firefighter" attends 3 busisness meetings they are voted on by the membership, with a majority vote they become a "probationary firefighter". They must then serve 9 months on probation. Probationary firefighters have no voting rights however they can give input on meeting topics. After serving their probation with the Chiefs recommendation they become a firefighter. Appointed and probationary firefighters serve at the "will and pleasure" of the Chief and can be terminated at his discretion. Terminated firefighters do have an appeals process, should they feel they were unjustly terminated. The appeals process allows the terminated firefighter too present his case, and the Chief to present his case to a board of 5 firefighters.(President,DeputyChief,Captain,and 2 firefighters chosen by the President)No termination has ever been appealed, but the option is there. This may seem kinda extreme but it does afford the Chief a very good way to weed out the "bad apples".Comment
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The major problem that I see with this system is that this alows the chief to have the "good ol' boys system". He can pick and choose his friends at will. He can also get rid of anyone who doesn't like the way he is running the dept.Just someone trying to help! (And by the way....Thanks for YOUR help!)
Aggressive does not have to equal stupid.
** "The comments made here are this person's views and possibly that of the organizations to which I am affiliated" **Comment
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Good ole boy system???
Can you NOT read????? There is an appeals process that doesn't involve the Chief (other than his testimony) How much more fair can it get? Plus why have a Chief if he can't run the department? I've been in the fire service (Both paid and volunteer for 22 years.(Chief for 7yrs.) Been associated with 4 different departments. and this system is by far the best I've seen. And ANY Chief who is doing what you discribed needs to be terminated himself. The Chief needs to do whats best for the department period. At whatever cost.Comment
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Our department is a multi-company department, consisting of four independently chartered companies. The oldest just celebrated its 150th anniversary. My company was organized in 1894.
From the start each company was responsible for its own membership requirements and election process, and they are all pretty much the same.
Department command has evolved over the years to where we have a chief appointed by the city and 3 assistant chiefs elected by the membership. Not a perfect command system, but it works.
When a new member meets the requirements and is voted in by any company, his name is submitted to the chief, who hands it to the city peraonnel department. The standard background checks are conducted by the local PD, and the member's fire certifications are reviewed and placed on file.
Only after the chief (as the official head of a city department) is satisfied the person meets department standards and places them onto the duty roster, can the members answer calls and fight fire in accordence with that person's level of training.
At any time the chief has the power to place any member on duty suspention for infringment of department rules and policy. They are still a member of their company, but prohibited from answering calls.
Infractions which occur within the workings of the company are handled by the membership to whatever extent the company by-laws dictate.
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Our Chief looks through the applications with his officers. He then turns them over to the Police and Fire Commission who in turn run the Criminal History Background checks and, if they pass that, call the applicant in for an interview. If they pass the interview they are offered the position with the department. I believe they have a one year probationary period.
SarahComment
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No bickering please
Now, now, I didn't start this posting to get people riled up at each other. I appreciate all the input. People on my dept. think they have a say in everything that happens. It shouldnt be that way. As the Chief, I should be able to screen applicants and accept only the ones I feel would best serve the dept. Am I wrong?J.J. Bichard, Chief
Devola Vol. Fire Co.
Marietta, Ohio
"A few, serving many"Comment
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never fired
#1,Started as a Public Safety Officer (Policeman/Firefighter/EMT), Lived outside the City I worked in so I volunteered on my community's small volly dept.(thats #2), Also volunteered on that same communities rescue squad as an EMT (that's #3) Moved to be closer to my elderly parents, and Joined the Volunteer FD where I live now. (That makes #4). I have been with my current FD since 1994. So I figure thats not a bad track record, And your welcome to contact ANY firefighter on my department and inquire as to my leadership/management skills.Comment
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3 for me. Did a stint as a volunteer, got hired in Houston and I started working for a smaller department part time last year. I know several guys who work for multiple departments.Logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead.Comment
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You only have to be stupid once to be dead permanently
IACOJ Power Company Liason
When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution
and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy. - Dave Barry.Comment
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First of all......yes, I can read!!!!!!
Second....you said that the chiefs decision was NEVER appealed.
Third.....I have seen several departments where the chief (and only the chief) made all of the decisions. This propably means that he doesn't trust the other officers under him to make any input into HIS department.
And that......in a nutshell is the good ole boy system!!!!!
Any questions?????Just someone trying to help! (And by the way....Thanks for YOUR help!)
Aggressive does not have to equal stupid.
** "The comments made here are this person's views and possibly that of the organizations to which I am affiliated" **Comment
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