CODE/TITLE:50.01 VolunteerProgram

SECTION:50.00 Volunteer Program

APPROVED:06/21/05, 08/15/06, 02/16/10, 04/20/10, 06/19/12, 09/18/12, 09/17/13, 07/21/15

I.PURPOSE

The purpose and mission of the Highlands FireDistrict Volunteer Program is to support and enhance the provision of superior service to the community.

II.SCOPE

This policy applies to Operations Volunteer Firefighters, andCommunity Volunteers.

III.POLICY

It is the policy of the District to utilize the service of volunteers to provide additional operational staffing and critical support functions during times of real and/or potential demand for service. The District recognizes the value of volunteers by providing the means, equipment, support, and training for them to make a meaningful contribution. The Volunteer Program provides opportunity for volunteers to maximize their contribution to the District. Volunteer personnel may provide a qualified pool of applicants that could potentially be integrated in full-time staff positions.

IV.DEFINITIONS

Volunteer Firefighteris amember utilized for operational staffing, firefighting duty, and incident support functions.

Community Volunteeris amember who helps the organization in a non-emergency capacity such as clerical, administrative, fire prevention, education, critical stress intervention services, or other program assignments.

V.GUIDELINES

  1. The District will attempt to recruit, retain, and develop personnel in order to maintain theVolunteer Program. Emphasis on retention, development, and promotion will take equal precedence to entry level recruitment. Volunteer positions shall be filled as determined by the Fire Chief.

B.Volunteers must meet the established minimum entrance standards as set forth by the Fire Chief.

C.Volunteers are expected to attend required training and are encouraged to participate in a variety of other department related functions.

D.Volunteer positions are performed without compensation. Volunteer positions may be monetarily supported for training, educational assistance, mileage, approved out of pocket expenses, and awards.

E.Volunteer Firefightersshall respond to emergency incidents or backfill station as per SOP 9001 Response Procedures.

F.Volunteer Firefighters may fill minimum staffing needs when career staff is not available a per SOP 1004 Minimum Staffing.

G.Volunteer Firefighters responding or backfilling for reimbursable State Land Fire Assignmentsshall be paid the appropriate Federal Administratively Determined (AD) hourly rate.

H.Volunteers shall adhere to the expectations established in HR Policy Guidelines 20.07 Standards of Conduct.

I.Volunteer Benefits. Benefits offered shall not be construed to be a contract between the District and volunteer.District paid benefitsare subject to annual appropriation of the Fire Board.

1.The District providesmembers with a Blanket Accident Insurance Policy for Emergency Service Organizations. Benefits will be paidfor loss resulting from covered injury orillness,subject to all provisions of the policy.

2.Volunteers are covered by Workmen’s Compensation for job related injury or illness.

3.Applicable volunteers will receivethe budgeted allowance in their uniform account annually per SOP 1005 Uniforms and necessary equipment to perform the functions of the assigned duties.

Volunteer Program50.01 Volunteer Program, 07/21/15