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Subject: / Conduct on Fire Assignments and During R&R
To: / Fire Crews, Support Crews and Overhead Team Members
Employees, supervisors, and management officials all share the responsibility for ensuring that high standards of ethical conduct are maintained within the Forest Service. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest wants to emphasize the importance of maintaining these standards while on fires, in fire camp, or in town.
Mutual respect for your crew members or others, agency employees and the public is the cornerstone for creating the high standards of conduct we are asking you to maintain while you are here.
In the past, some fire crew members have not conducted themselves in an acceptable manner. Illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol, racial discrimination, sexual harassment, and vandalism are some of the more serious problems. Using intoxicating beverages or narcotic drugs on Government-owned or leased property, or transporting such beverages or drugs at any time in a government-provided vehicle is prohibited conduct.
The Agency has a zero tolerance policy for acts of harassment and retaliation/reprisal against any employee. Any indication of prohibited conduct will be thoroughly investigated, and for anyone determined to be in violation, the consequences will be severe. An AD employee will be terminated immediately. Government-owned equipment will be returned and the individual may be required to find transportation home. A permanent or temporary employee will be removed from the worksite, placed on administrative leave, and returned to their duty station. The violation will be documented and the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which can include termination of employment.
Report any incident through your local chain of command, Human Resource Specialist or Command and General Staff. What’s most important is to find someone you feel comfortable speaking with who will pursue the matter in a timely and appropriate manner. Condoning misconduct by either not intervening or failing to report it may result in disciplinary action. Allowing misconduct to continue, especially in fire situations, may jeopardize the safety of the entire crew and others as well. We ask for your assistance in achieving our safety and effectiveness goals. Be conscious of your words and actions and observe others in all matters concerning the safe and effective operation of your crew or team. Your cooperation will be most appreciated.
/s/ Rick BrazellRICK BRAZELL
Forest Supervisor