Lawrenceville Fire Department

Department Operating Guidelines (DOG'S)

Lawrenceville Fire Department

Department Operating Guidelines

(DOG'S)

08/29/2013

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTSPAGE 2

DEPARTMENT INFORMATIONPAGE 3

FUND RAISERS & PARTICIPATIONPAGE 3

GENERAL CONDUCTPAGE 3

PROBATIONARY MEMBER REGULATIONSPAGE 5

TRAINING REQUIRMENTSPAGE 5

RESPONDING TO INCIDENTSPAGE 6

BLUE WARNING LIGHT AUTHORIZATION AND USEPAGE 3

APPARATUS DESCRIPTION & RESPONSE ORDERPAGE 7

MAINTENANCE OF APPARATUS & EQUIPMENTPAGE 8

LFD VEHICLE OPERATION PLANPAGE 8

RESPONSE CODESPAGE 10

STRUCTURE AND ORDER OF COMMANDPAGE 11

ACCOUNTABILITYPAGE 12

STANDARD OPERATIONS FOR INCIDENTSPAGE 13

OVERHAUL / SALVAGEPAGE 16

LANDING ZONEPAGE 17

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)PAGE 17

INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTSPAGE 20

DEFINITIONSPAGE 20

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Lawrenceville Fire Department 8Phone Number 570-827-2047

9-11 Mechanic StreetFax Number 570-827-2010

PO Box 177Email –

Lawrenceviville, PA 16929Web site –

Fire Department meetings are held on the third Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. The Fireman’s Ambulance Association meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. All other Monday evenings starting at 7:00 PM will be reserved for training, special meetings, and station maintenance events.

The material set forth in this manual will be used for operational and administrative guidelines. Any topics not discussed within this document shall revert to the guidelines specified by the Tioga County Fireman’s Association.

Fund Raisers & Participation

This organization operates approximately on 30% municipal funding, 65% fundraising activities and 5% other funding. All members are encouraged to participate to help with these events.

Bingo is held every Thursday night starting at 5:30. Bingo is our primary and most important fundraiser and takes many volunteers to be a success. A bingo schedule is available for choosing work nights and times. The By-laws of the LFD specify the following in reference to fundraiser participation:

Section 8: Fundraising Attendance Requirements: All members except Honorary and Lifetime members shall meet the attendance requirement of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of all fundraisers of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD). The attendance records shall be reviewed bi-annually by the Fire Chief, President, Head of the Bingo Committee, and one (1) Director from the Board. After a review, the committee shall report their results and recommendations at the regular meeting of the LFD. Failure to meet the attendance requirement shall prohibit the member from voting, participating in emergency calls, non-emergency calls, drills, and training events of the LFD. The member shall be able to participate in fundraising activities. These limitations shall remain in effect until full status is restored by showing participation and receiving approval by the committee at the following regular meeting of the LFD.

General Conduct

Purpose: It shall be described below the basic standards of personal conduct expected of the members during their performance of duty while operating as a member of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD).

Policy

  1. All members are expected to operate in a highly self-disciplined manner.
  2. Members shall abide by the standard of personal conduct outlined within this policy.

Responsibility

  1. Every member of the Fire Department is responsible to regulate his or her own conduct in a professional and respectful manner.

General Conduct – Continued

Professional Courtesy

  1. Members shall obey any lawful order, which has been relayed to them by a superior officer. Members shall obey a lawful order, which has been relayed from a superior officer by a member of the same or lesser rank.
  2. Members shall not be insubordinate or disrespectful to superior officers, nor shall they disobey any lawful command or order, verbal or written.
  3. Members who are given an order, which conflicts with a previous order, shall respectfully and immediately inform the officer of the conflict. If the officer issuing the conflicting order does not alter or retract the order, the order shall stand. The responsibility of the order will rest with the issuing officer and the member will not be responsible for disobedience of any previously issued conflicting order.
  4. An officer shall not issue any order, which he knows would require a subordinate to commit any illegal, unconstitutional, immoral, or unethical acts. An officer shall not issue any order, which he knows would require a subordinate to commit any act, which has been deemed unsafe.
  5. Members of the department shall not obey any order, which they know, would require them to commit illegal, unconstitutional, immoral, or unethical acts. Members of the department shall not obey any order, which they know, would require them to commit an act that has been deemed unsafe. If there is any doubt as to the legality or safety of an order, members shall request the officer to clarify the order or to confer with higher authority.

Performance of Duty

  1. Members will not make untruthful statements, either verbal or written, pertaining to their duties.
  2. Members shall be responsible for the proper performance of their duties, maintain sufficient competency to perform their duties, and assume the responsibilities of their position.
  3. Members shall courteously and promptly record in writing any complaint made by a citizen concerning any member of the department or of the department itself. The complaint shall be submitted to their supervisor on the same day the complaint was taken.
  4. Members shall not mistreat or misuse any equipment or property.

General Conduct

  1. Members shall adhere to all Lawrenceville Fire Department policies and procedures.
  2. Members shall adhere to all the Orders, Guidelines and Standards of the Department.
  3. No member will commit any act which constitutes conduct unbecoming a member of the department. Conduct unbecoming, includes, but not limited to, any breach of the peace, neglect of duty, any criminal act, dishonest or improper action which tend to bring the department in disrepute. Conduct unbecoming a member of the department applies to members operating in any extent that represents the individual as a member of the department.
  4. Members shall be courteous and tactful in performing their duties. Members of the department shall control their tempers, exercise utmost patience and discretion, and shall not engage in argumentative discussions even under extreme conditions.
  5. Members of the department shall not use coarse, profane or insulting language or gestures. Members of the department shall not express any prejudice, harass, or use derogatory language or gestures, in referring to any other member or citizen concerning race, religion, ethnic origin, politics, lifestyle, or other personal characteristics.
  6. Members of the department are prohibited from providing confidential medical, personnel, training, and investigative information to unauthorized persons.
  7. Members of the department shall not purchase or consume alcoholic beverages while operating as a member of the department. Alcoholic beverages shall not be consumed by a member of the department, while wearing any part of the department’s uniform, with exception of a department sponsored event. (ie:Annual Banquet)
  8. Members shall not perform any fire department duties while impaired by drugs and/or under the influence of alcohol.

Probationary Member Regulations

Each probationary member shall serve a probationary period of one (1) year. This probationary period may be reduced to 6 months if the member is able to provide a record showing proper training and a recommendation letter from their prior Fire Department. This must be approved by the Chief of the FD, President of the FD, and FD Board of Directors.

Upon being accepted as a probationary member of the LFD, each probationary member will receive a copy of the departmental by-laws, operating guidelines (DOG’S), and any operational standards.

After completing basic training requirements as determined by the Chief of the FD, probationary members may participate in responding to incidents under supervision of a senior member while operating on a scene.Personal protective equipment (PPE) and radio pager will be issued upon completion of basic requirements determined by the Chief of the FD. PPE will consist of a turnout coat, bunker pants, nomex hood, gloves, boots, reflective vest, helmet (orange), and accountability tag. The issued equipment shall be kept at the station in a locker unless otherwise authorized by the Chief of the FD.

Upon completing the probationary time period, the member will submit a paper probationary report and provide a verbal report of accomplishments at the meeting in which they are to be voted to active status. This report will be reviewed and discussed prior to voting for active status of the member.

Training Requirements

The Lawrenceville Fire Department requires all members that respond to incidents participate in HAZMAT Operations class (HAZMAT Awareness is accepted in certain circumstances) and Incident Command System: 700 prior to responding to any incident. The department also requires that every responding member participate in an annual HAZMAT refresher course. This course will be schedule annually on the first Sunday of February at the Lawrenceville FD. Failure to participate in this annual refresher course could disqualify the member from responding to any incident until it is taken.

In-house departmental training will be held Monday at 7:00 PM with the exceptions of the 2nd and 3rd Mondays which are reserved for departmental meetings. Other In-house training may be scheduled for other days of the week and will be posted in advance.

Pennsylvania State Fire certified training courses are scheduled throughout the year at various locations in the county and state. All training classes will be posted on a regular basis. A course application must be filled out turned into a Chief Officer for authorization prior to attendance.

Training that has an associated cost must be preapproved at a departmental meeting. Travel and lodging cost may be reimbursed only of approved prior to the course. Classes within a reasonable distance will not be eligible for reimbursement of travel and lodging costs.

The Chief of the Fire Department maintains the records of all training for each member. A copy of each certificate or proof of course attendance shall be provided to the Chief of the FD.

The minimum recommended requirement for and crew member responding shall be the following: HAZMAT, Incident Command System, Essentials of Firefighting or an equivalent, Basic Vehicle Rescue Awareness and the approval of the Chief of the FD. The driver/operator shall have the minimum plus Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC), Pump Operations 1, and participated in the Departmental Driver’s training program. A chief or line officer may temporarily approve a member to respond on an apparatus that doesn’t meet the basic qualifications.

Responding to Incidents

When responding to an incident, members must obey the PennsylvaniaState and local driving laws. It is the policy of the Lawrenceville Fire Department to not allow the use of visual warning devices on personal operated vehicles (POV) with the exceptions of Chief Officers without qualifications first being met by the member. A blue visual warning device may be utilized on the scene for use of fire police and traffic control purposes. A blue warning device maybe used on a POV if the qualifications are met that are set by the Chief of the Fire Department. (See below - Blue Warning Light Authorization and Use)

Members must respond to the fire station for response with the apparatus unless otherwise directed by a Chief Officer. This will ensure that all apparatus will respond and will have complete crews as well as reducing the problem of POV congestion at the scene and allows room for emergency apparatus.

Only Chief Officers, Fire, and EMSemergency vehicles may respond to the scene of an incident on US Route 15 Highway.

All driver/operators of departmental apparatus must participate in the Lawrenceville Fire Department Vehicle Operation Plan. This plan addresses the departmental operating and safety requirements as well as authorizes qualified individuals to operate emergency apparatus. The Chief of the FD oversees the enforcement of this plan and the driver/operator candidate must have his approval prior to operating any emergency apparatus.

Blue Warning Light Authorization and Use

Purpose: It shall be described below the regulations and procedures for the safe and effective use of blue warning lights on privately operated vehicles.

Policy and Application

A. In order to equip or install a blue warning light (BWL) on a privately owned vehicle, the following requirements of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD) shall be met:

1. Training

a. Member shall participate in the 16 hour Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).

b. Member shall review all applicable regulations and state laws regarding use of a BWL with a Chief Officer of the LFD.

2. Light Regulation

a. The BWL shall produce only a blue in color light, either by colored lens or LED.

b. The BWL’s width shall not exceed more than 36”.

c. No more than two (2) BWLs shall be installed on a vehicle.

d. One (1) BWL must be visible from 360 degrees.

3. Other Regulations

a. The vehicle equipped with the BWL shall be registered to the member authorized to use the light.

b. Only active members of the LFD who have reached the age of 19 years may be authorized to use a BWL.

c. The member shall obey all traffic laws while utilizing the BWL.

d. The authorized member shall be the only person to utilize the BWL while operating the vehicle.

e. The member must have held a valid drivers license for the past two years.

Blue Warning Light Authorization and Use – Continued

B. The member shall complete the Use of Blue Warning Light form after reaching all training requirements and receiving authorization from the Chief of the LFD. The member shall show proof of registration, insurance, and licensure on the vehicle being equipped with a BWL to be kept on file.

Responsibility

  1. It shall be the responsibility of the authorized member to follow the applicable traffic laws and departmental regulations for the use of a Blue Warning Light. The member shall be held responsible for the improper use of a BWL by an individual operating the vehicle equipped with a BWL that is registered to the member.
  2. Failure to follow the regulations or applicable state laws regarding BWL shall be subject to disciplinary action.
  3. The Chief of the LFD is responsible for the use of a BWL by members and may revoke the privilege to utilize a BWL.

Apparatus Description & Response Order

Engine 82 – 2003 Freightliner Pumper; 1250gals/1250 pump; Max Crew - 3

Engine 83 – 2008 Freightliner Rosenbaur Pumper/Tanker/Rescue; 2000gals/1250 pump; Max Crew - 5

Patrol 84 – 1978 Dodge Power Wagon Brush Unit; 250gals/500 pump: Max Crew - 3

Rescue 88 – 1997 Freightliner PL Customs Rescue; Max Crew - 5

Squad 818 – 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup; Max Crew - 5

Ambulance 86 – 2011 PL Custom Ambulance on Ford Chassis

Ambulance 87 – 2005 Horton Ambulance on Ford Chassis

Refer to the posted response order board in the fire apparatus bay area to determine what apparatus is to respond. A Chief or Line Officer may override the apparatus response order. Generally, E83 will respond first to all fire related calls and R88 will respond first to all rescue related calls.

Apparatus must respond with full crew unless directed by a Chief or Line Officer. After the 6 minute mark (second dispatch), the apparatus may respond understaffed if the officer or senior individual on the apparatus feels that an immediate and understaffed response is necessary.

Maintenance of Apparatus & Equipment

Each apparatus may have an individual(s) assigned to be responsible for the maintenance, cleaning, inspection, and proper functioning of all equipment carried by that vehicle. This individual(s) is responsible for inspecting the vehicle and its equipment periodically as well as after an incident to account for equipment and its correct placement on the apparatus. A report shall be submitted to the Chief of the FD each month.

It is necessary to clean both the apparatus and equipment carried after every incident.

Any damage to the apparatus or equipment shall be reported to a Chief or Line Officer for immediate repair or replacement.

Any apparatus or equipment that is not able to operate due to mechanical or safety issues shall be removed from service until such problem is corrected.

Vehicle Operation Plan

INTRODUCTION

It is the standpoint of the Lawrenceville Fire Department (LFD) to provide regulations that will assist in the safe operation of activities, emergency or non-emergency in nature. This plan will focus on the safe operation and the training requirements that are necessary to operate a fire department apparatus of the LFD. The Chief of the fire department shall oversee the enforcement of this regulation and provide any additional requirements.

REQUIRMENTS

The LFD has established the following requirements for the operation of all emergency vehicles:

  • All driver/operators shall have reached the age of 21 years to qualify for operation of an emergency vehicle.
  • Exception : Driver/operators who have reached the age of 19 and 20 years may qualify to operate an emergency vehicles of the Lawrenceville Fire Department without air brakes and under 26,000 lbs for non-emergency reasons. i.e.: Training
  • All driver/operators shall posses a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License and provide a current copy of the DL.
  • All driver/operators shall participate in the PA State Fire Academy approved Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).
  • All driver/operators shall participate in an in-house driver training program which shall not be limited to the safe operation of the vehicles and equipment that is carried on said vehicle.
  • All driver/operators shall ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing a vehicle restraint belt prior to operation of the fire department apparatus.
  • Driver/Operators shall not operate any electronic device while the vehicle is under motion including but not limited to: two-way radios, cellular phones (unless hands-free), global positioning units (GPS), portable music players, or any other similar unit that may cause distraction for the driver/operator.
  • The Chief of the fire department may establish any other requirements necessary at any time to insure the safe operations of fire department apparatus.

Vehicle Operation Plan – Continued