Subject: District Uniform, Grooming/Appearance, and Awards Regulations

1. Purpose.

The CSFD is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the

manner in which uniformed personnel wear a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all uniformed personnel is fundamental to the CSFD and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective firefighting and rescue force. A vital ingredient of the CSFD’s strength and effectiveness is the pride and self-discipline that firefighters and paramedics bring to their Service through a conservative fire service image. It is the responsibility of all officers to ensure that uniformed personnel under their command present a neat and professional appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, officers must determine a uniformed member’s compliance with standards in this regulation. Uniformed personnel must take pride in their appearance at all times, in or out of uniform, on and off duty.

This order:

A. Continues the Carol Stream Fire District (CSFD) policy for uniformed

members, information relative to uniform and award definitions; uniform

and award configurations; grooming and appearance standards, and

personnel compliance.

B.Becomes effective 2009.

C.Rescinds the Carol Stream Fire Protection District Policy & Procedures Manual; Organizational Procedures, Section 3.21 – Personal Appearance; February 10, 2000.

D. Compliments Rule #12 of the Rules & Regulations.

2.Policy.

The purpose of the CSFD Grooming/Appearance, and Awards Regulations are

to: (1) provide descriptions of all authorized CSFD uniforms and components;

and (2) provide guidance for all CSFD activities prescribing uniform wear as to

present a consistent guidance for all CSFD activities prescribing uniform wear so

as to present a consistent District professional image. Any standards or

components regarding uniforms and grooming, which are not specifically

permitted in these regulations, are prohibited.

3.Responsibility.

All personnel who are authorized to wear the CSFD uniform are responsible for

the provisions of this order. It is issued for information and guidance, and

requires compliance when wearing the CSFD uniform. This order is the sole

source of dictating how CSFD uniforms, uniform components, awards,

grooming, and personal appearance, shall be complied with.

4.Authority to Prescribe.

A. General. CSFD personnel shall wear the uniform of their respective rank,

as prescribed by the designated uniform prescribing authority.

B. Prescribing Authority. the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief are the prescribing

authorities responsible for issuing and controlling the uniform, awards,

grooming, and professional image for the CSFD. This authority shall not

be delegated. The ranking officer present at all facilities is responsible for

the uniform, awards, grooming, professional image policy and compliance

as set forth by the prescribing authority.

C.Ranking Officer Present. The ranking officer present shall ensure

compliance with the uniform, award, grooming, and professional image

policy by the prescribing authority.

D.Approved Uniforms. The prescribing authorities shall select the uniforms

for all personnel. Individual personnel do not have the authority to select

their uniform. It is essential that suitable uniforms, including dress,

modified dress, and work uniforms be prescribed. There shall be only one

uniform of the day authorized for wear at a given time and location, unless

otherwise indicated. Uniform attire must present a neatly groomed and

acceptable appearance.

5. Uniform Standards.

A. When making official references to uniforms, insignias, awards, and grooming

standards, verbally or in any official publication, the terms set forth in these

regulations shall be used.

1) Basic Uniform Components – Uniform items issued by the CSFD and

approved for purchase by the uniform allowance.

2) Prescribed Items – Uniform items, issued by the CSFD, which may be

directed or authorized for wear with the basic uniform. Prescribed items

may be worn with the basic uniform at the individual’s discretion, unless

otherwise directed.

3) Optional Items – Authorized uniform items which are purchased with the

uniform allowance or at the individuals expense. Optional items, where

indicated, may be worn with the basic uniform at the individual’s discretion,

unless otherwise directed.

6. Uniform Periods of Wear.

A. Winter Uniform. The Winter Uniform shall be worn from October 1st to

May 31st.

B. Summer Uniform. The Summer uniform shall be worn from June 1st to

August 31st.

C. Optional Periods. During the months of April, May, September, and October,

personnel shall have the option of wearing the appropriate summer/winter

uniform.

7. Uniform Insignia.

A. CSFD personnel with the rank of lieutenant and above shall wear appropriate insignia on the epaulets of the regulation uniform blouse (jacket), overcoat (if provided), and on collar of the uniform Class B shirt. Only CSFD approved insignia shall be worn. The correct insignia sizes are:

Bugles:

-on dress cap – 1 ½”

-on epaulets – 1 ¼”

-on shirt collars – 5/8”

U.S. Flag:

-Right shoulder on all uniforms – field forward (reverse)

B. All uniformed personnel with the rank of lieutenant shall wear a dress hat rosette

according to company assignment as follows:

- Black rosette with one 1 ½” bugle horizontal (bell to the wearers right) with

¼” company numbers centered above for the Engine Company.

- Red rosette with one 1 ½” bugle horizontal (bell to the wearers right) with

¼” company numbers centered above for the Truck Company.

- Blue rosette with one 1 ½” bugle horizontal (bell to the wearers right) with

¼” company numbers centered above for the Squad Company.

C. Insignia of rank for uniformed personnel:

-Fire Chief – Five (5) gold crossed bugles on epaulets, collars, and dress uniform hat.

-Deputy Fire Chief – Four (4) gold crossed bugles on epaulets, collars, and dress uniform hat.

-Battalion Chief – Two (2) gold crossed bugles on epaulets, collars, and dress uniform hat.

-Lieutenant – One (1) horizontal silver bugle on a red enamel background on epaulets and collars, and one bugle on the dress uniform hat. The Class A blouse bugles shall be centered on the epaulets, spaced 5/8” from the shoulder seam with the (bugle) bells forward.

D. Shoulder patches.

1) The CSFD shoulder patch and flag patch shall be worn on the long sleeve

Class B shirt, short sleeve Class B shirt, work jacket, Class A blouse, and overcoat (if provided).

2) The CSFD shoulder patch shall be worn on the left sleeve and the flag patch

on the right sleeve. The patches shall be centered 1” from the shoulder seam.

3) All Firefighter/Paramedics shall wear the shoulder patch with the paramedic

rocker ONLY on Class B shirts and work jacket.

8.Official Awards & Recognition

The Fire Service has historically honored the traditions of the past. These traditions include the recognition of members that exhibit a high degree of valor, heroism or extended service in the performance of their duties.

No other signs or symbols of recognition shall be allowed on the Class A uniform outside of these written guidelines (e.g., American flags, veterans insignias, remembrance ribbons, religious pins, etc.).

The objectives of this regulation are:

-To establish a system of awards and special recognition for all employee’s of the District.

-To establish a system of awards and special recognition for non-employee’s of the District.

-To define official protocols to be utilized by members while participating in Department events or ceremonies.

A. Types of Awards (All commendation bars shall be 1 3/8” x 3/8”):

- The Carol Stream Fire District Award of Valor

- The Carol Stream Fire District Distinguished Service Award

- The Carol Stream Fire Unit Performance Award

- The Carol Stream EMS Unit Performance Award

- Authorized Recognition Commendation Bars

- Service Awards

- Administrative Awards

- Citizen Awards

B. The Carol Stream Fire District Award of Valor

An award granted to any member of the District for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism by which the member has demonstrated in a great degree the characteristics of selflessness and personal courage, above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk.

A certificate denoting these accomplishments along with an award will be presented in the form of an enamel commendation bar and an associated ribbon/medal.

Recipients of the award of valor may have their award forwarded to the Hundred Club for further recognition.

C. The Carol Stream Fire District Distinguished Service Award

An award granted to any member for an act of heroism that clearly demonstrates courage and dedication in the face of danger while in the performance of duty and/or the saving of a life.

A certificate denoting these accomplishments along with an enamel commendation bar will be presented to each company member. Repeated Distinguished Service Awards shall be denoted by a second star and up to a third star.

D. The Carol Stream Fire Unit Performance Award

An award presented to a company that demonstrates exceptional skills (proficiency) and dedication to duty while operating at an incident.

A certificate denoting these accomplishments along with an enamel commendation bar will be presented to each company member. Repeated Unit Performance Awards shall be denoted by a star or additional stars up to four unit commendations.

E. The Carol Stream EMS Unit Performance Award

An award presented to a company that demonstrates exceptional skills (proficiency) and dedication to duty while operating at an incident.

F. Authorized Recognition Commendation Bars

The following Recognition Commendation Bars are awarded to uniformed personnel who are or have officially served within the operation any one of the entities or events below*.

*Past commendations from prior distinguished acts within the fire service that have been officially recognized can be allowed with the approval of the Awards Committee.

G. Service Awards

For firefighter and firefighter paramedics, the service stars and bars shall be stitched on the left cuff vertically in formation and aligned 1/4 – inch above the point where the lieutenants stripe would be located.

For officers, the service stars and bars shall be stitched on to the left cuff vertically in formation and aligned 1/4-inch above any existing stripe no matter the rank.

Five Year Service Award

An award granted to any uniformed District member who has successfully completed five years of service with the District.

This award will be presented in the form of one silver or gold embroidered bar to be sewn on the left cuff.

Ten Year Service Award (Firefighters & Lieutenants / Silver – Chief Officers / Gold)

An award granted to any uniformed District member who has successfully completed ten years of service with the District.

This award will be presented in the form of two silver or gold embroidered bars to be sewn on the left cuff.

Fifteen Year Service Award

An award granted to any uniformed District member who has successfully completed fifteen years of service with the District.

This award will be presented in the form of three silver or gold embroidered bars to be sewn on the left cuff.

Twenty Year Service Award

An award granted to any uniformed District member who has successfully completed twenty years of service with the District.

This award will be presented in the form of one silver or gold embroidered star to be sewn on the left cuff.

Twenty-Five, Thirty, and Thirty-Five Year Service Awards

An award granted to any uniformed District member who has successfully completed twenty-five, thirty, and thirty-five years of service with the District.

This award will be presented in the form of one silver or gold embroidered star in addition to one, two, or three bars to be sewn on the left cuff.

Forty Year Awards

An award granted to any uniformed District member who has successfully completed twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five years, and forty years of service with the District.

This award will be presented in the form of two silver or gold embroidered stars to be sewn on the left cuff.

H. Administrative Awards

An award given to any civilian District member whose service to the District is to be recognized by the Fire Chief (e.g., service time, special achievements, etc.).

An award given to any civilian District member whose actions positively affected the outcome of an emergency situation (e.g., CPR, rescue, etc.).

Such awards will be in the form of a plaque or statue recognizing the service or action given by the District member.

I. Citizens Awards

An award given to any non-department member whose actions positively affected the outcome of an emergency situation.

Such awards will be in the form of a plaque or statue recognizing the service or action given by the civilian.

For non-District members who are uniformed personnel of another public safety or military entity, a certificate denoting these accomplishments along with an award will be presented in the form of an enamel commendation bar and matching ribbon/medal can be given by the Fire Chief.

J. Wearing the District Awards

The commendation bar(s) will be worn on the right breast centered 1/4 inch above the name plate.

When wearing District commendation bars, no more than three commendation bars will be worn in a row. The fourth commendation bar will be placed and centered immediately above the first three bar row.

Commendation bars will be displayed in accordance with their order of precedence with the highest Federal, then State, then District award being placed on the right side. As additional ribbon bars are received, members will realign their commendation bars so that the highest award is always displayed in the top row; centered if alone, or to the right if accompanied.

Authorized Recognition Commendation Bars are to be worn along with fire department commendation bars but must be displayed in proper sequence.

K. Procedure for Award Recommendations

Any and all members may recommend another member from his/her company or a company other than his/her company of assignment.

The immediate superior of the potential recipient will complete the OFFICIAL AWARDS & RECOGNITION SUBMITTAL RECOMMENDATION FORM by checking which particular award is being recommended, and clearly describing the act or performance to be cited. The form will then be forwarded to the chairman of the Awards Committee.

The Awards Committee shall meet during the month of April annually. The committee will review the recommendation and determine if the act which is the basis for the recommendation meets with established criteria for the recommended award or any other award. The immediate superior will be notified by the Awards Committee of their decision.

The District Award Form mentioned is attached to this regulation.

L. Awards Committee

The Awards Committee will:

Consist of the following seven members - the Fire Chief or designee and six designated members of the Carol Stream Fire District.

Have the Fire Chief or designee act as the Chairman of the Committee.

Conduct affairs only when a quorum of the membership is present for a vote. A quorum will consist of at least the Chairman or Vice-Chairman and three other members.

Provide all awards and have them available for the May annual Awards Ceremony.

M. Presenting District Awards

The awards will be presented by the Fire Chief at a place and time of his choosing.

The general focus of the award presentations is to organize and annual Awards Ceremony that will allow an opportunity to formally recognize each and every member receiving recognition and awards. This event is generally to be scheduled during the month of May annually.

9. Grooming and Professional Image Standards.

A. General. The primary consideration for the CSFD grooming standard is to

provide a professional appearance, while wearing the CSFD uniform.

Grooming standards are based on several elements including; neatness,

cleanliness, safety, image, and appearance. The limits set forth are

reasonable, enforceable, and ensure that personal appearance contributes to

a favorable CSFD image. The difference between men and women’s

grooming policies recognizes the difference between genders.

B. Neatness. CSFD personnel must set and maintain the high standards of

professionalism in uniform appearance. The image reflected through

attention to detail, while wearing any CSFD uniform, is a key element in the

public image of the CSFD.

C. Cleanliness. Uniforms must be kept clean, with devices, insignia, and awards

bright and free from tarnish and corrosion.

D. Articles.

1) Communication devices may be worn on the uniform in the manner

prescribed below:

a. Working and modified dress uniforms. CSFD authorized wireless

communications devices (e.g., cell phone, personal digital assistant

(PDA), page, etc.) may be worn on the belt, on either side of the body,

to the rear of the elbow. Devices shall not be visible from the front and

shall not be worn in such a manner as to impede the normal wear and

appearance of the uniform (e.g. sagging, bunching, etc.).

b. Dress uniforms. CSFD authorized wireless communication devices are

not to be worn in such a manner as to be visible (e.g., front, side or

rear, bulging, or protruding) when wearing dress uniforms. Whenever

there is a concern for operational security, or inadequacy in