KentIsland Volunteer Fire Department

SOG Title: Uniforms / Guideline Number/Section:
Approved By: Paul Schlotterbeck / Revision Date:
Date Effective: October 26, 2007 / Page:

Purpose:

  1. Uniforms are worn to provide command, company and functional identification for the members of KIVFD and to facilitate the display of a neat and professional appearance by our members.

Policy:

  1. The Fire Chief shall have the authority to establish or change the KIVFD uniform standards, policies and procedures. The Fire Chief may form a uniform committee to review, develop or modify these standards.
  1. All uniforms will meet or exceed the NFPA 1975 Station Uniform Standard.
  1. Members are responsible to wear and maintain their uniforms within the guidelines of this policy so as to present a neat, clean and professional appearance.
  1. Uniforms are to be worn for official KIVFD functions. These include but are not limited to; Duty Crew shifts, Public Service standbys, training classes and funerals. The Fire Chief, President or detail OIC will determine the appropriate uniform.
  1. Members are encouraged to wear their Class C or Class B uniforms when on duty at the firehouse. If you are planning to bunk in and perform a duty crew shift (Any tour greater than 4 hours), members are required to be in uniform. Those responding from home are exempt. However, members are encouraged to keep a Class C uniform in their locker.
  1. The Class B uniform will be the official uniform for parades in which we are visiting other jurisdictions and being judged. The final determination will be made by the Fire Chief, President or Detail OIC.
  1. Only those accessories which are listed in this policy are approved to be worn on KIVFD uniforms.
  1. Members shall refrain from using the uniform, badge or the prestige of the KIVFD to attempt to influence any person, for any cause or reason.
  1. All members wearing any class of KIVFD uniform will conduct themselves as representatives of the department and act accordingly. Standards of conduct apply to any shirts, hats, coats etc., that display the company name, insignia, or reference to, even if that item was purchased privately and not company issued.
  1. Uniforms that have become unfit for service due to poor condition shall be disposed of properly. They shall not be donated or sold to any group, charitable organization, fundraiser or garage sale. Exceptions at the discretion or the Fire Chief or President.

Procedure:

  1. Individuals who join the KIVFD in a probationary capacity will be issued a basic compliment of uniforms. This will include: 1 short sleeve t-shirts, 1 long sleeve t-shirt and 1 pair of pants. The jacket and job shirt may be issued during foul or inclement weather at the discretion of the Chief or President.
  1. Should probationary member fail to meet their probationary requirements, no further uniforms will be issued until these requirements are met.
  1. Members who join with no fire or emergency medical experience are expected to complete either Firefighter I or EMT prior to the issuance of the remainder of the Class B uniform kit. If a member joins, completes their probationary period but has not finished either Firefighter I or EMT, through scheduling with MFRI, though no fault of the member will be eligible for the Class B kit issue.
  1. Probationary members with documented experience (Firefighter I or higher, EMT or higher and two years in the fire service) will be issued: 2 short sleeve t-shirts, 1 long sleeve t-shirt and 1 pair of pants. The jacket and job shirt may be issued during foul or inclement weather at the discretion of the Chief or President.
  1. Additionally probationary members with documented experience will be expected to complete NPQS Firefighter I during their probationary period. EMS only members will be expected to complete all MIEMMS requirements for their EMT (or higher), CPR, Hazardous Materials Operations, NIMS 200, 300, 700, KIVFD Firefighter pre-basic and riding clearance as a primary provider.
  1. Further KIVFD Uniforms, Class B (Button down shirt) and Class A will be developed by the Uniform Committee as expediently as possible. This will be based on members completing training and NPQS requirements set forth by the Chief and the Line Officers.

Uniform Specifications and Definitions – KIVFD Members

A. Class C Work Uniform: This uniform is to be worn for the “daily” activities of the KIVFD, including but limited to work details, duty crew standby’s, responses and hands-on suppression training.

The Fire Chief, President or the detail OIC will make the final determination as to the appropriate uniform.

  1. T – Shirt (Short Sleeved/Long sleeved):
  • 100% Cotton, Navy Blue, Approved department logo (See addendum) to KIVFD Specifications.
  1. Duty Trousers/Shorts:
  • Navy Blue, EMT Pants, with side pockets. (See addendum). Uniform pants to KIVFD Specification.
  1. Duty Belt:
  • Black Leather with approved silver buckle (Firefighter, Lt. and Captain), gold buckle (Chief Officers).
  • Last Chance Belt. (See addendum)
  1. Footwear: Footwear for station and service uniforms shall meet both NFPA 1975 and applicable OSHA standards for “Protective Clothing” and complies with ANSI Z41-1999 for Personal Protective Footwear, specifically: Z41.1 impact and Compression of Steel Soles, Z41.4 Electrical Hazard Protection (Dielectric) and Z41.5 Sole Puncture Resistance.
  1. Uniform Socks: Shall be navy blue or black, cotton. White socks for department Physical Training uniform.

B. Class B Uniform (Modified): This uniform is designated for station wear, public events and activities where the member is required to present a professional appearance without the need for the Class B button down shirt.

This can include but not be limited to: Station tours, building inspections, public education events, attending classes and official fire department business where the member has interaction with the public.

The Fire Chief, President or the detail OIC will make the final determination as to the appropriate uniform.

  1. Uniform Polo Shirt (Short/Long Sleeved):
  • 100% Cotton, Navy Blue (Firefighter, EMT), White (Chief Officer, Captain, Lieutenant, Department President, Vice President), Approved Department Logo
  1. T – Shirt (Short Sleeved/Long sleeved):
  • 100% Cotton, Navy Blue, Approved Department logo (See addendum) to KIVFD Specifications.
  • Plain white t-shirt for those wearing white polo shirt.
  1. Duty Trousers/Shorts:
  • Navy Blue. (See addendum). Uniform pants to KIVFD Specification.
  1. Duty Belt:
  • Black Leather with approved silver buckle (Firefighter), gold buckle (Chief Officers, Captain, Lieutenant and Department President, Vice President).
  • Last Chance Belt. (See addendum)
  1. Footwear: Footwear for station and service uniforms shall meet both NFPA 1975 and applicable OSHA standards for “Protective Clothing” and complies with ANSI Z41-1999 for Personal Protective Footwear, specifically: Z41.1 impact and Compression of Steel Soles, Z41.4 Electrical Hazard Protection (Dielectric) and Z41.5 Sole Puncture Resistance.
  1. Uniform Socks: Shall be navy blue or black, cotton.

C. Business Casual Alternative Uniform:To be worn by those members participating in events where a traditional fire department uniform is either unfeasible or a business approach is more fitting.

  1. Uniform Polo Shirt (Short/Long Sleeved):
  • 100% Cotton, Navy Blue (Firefighter, EMT), White (Chief Officer, Captain, Lieutenant, Department President, Vice President), Approved Department Logo.
  • Navy Blue Department Button Down Dress Shirt with approved KIVFD logo.
  1. Khaki Dress Trousers:
  2. Black Dress Belt:
  3. Black Dress Socks
  4. Black Dress Shoes