Purpose

The objective of the West Florence Fire Department Auxiliary shall be to assist the West Florence Rural Volunteer Fire Department, to serve the community, and to promote the social life of the members of the fire department.

General

  1. These bylaws are required by, and are subordinate to the Constitution and Bylaws of the West Florence Rural Volunteer Fire Department (Hereinafter referred to as Fire Department).
  2. If at any time, a conflict arises between these bylaws and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Fire Department, or between these bylaws and any other Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the Fire Department, these bylaws shall be preempted.
  3. Amendments to these bylaws shall be made following the administrative process used for other SOP’s.

Membership

  1. Membership is open to anyone who has attained the age of eighteen (18), and who resides within the West Florence Fire District or the City of Florence, provided that they have not been expelled from the membership of the Fire Department.
  2. It is not necessary for an Auxiliary Member to be related to a member of the Fire Department.
  3. Applications for Auxiliary Membership are submitted using the regular application form.
  4. Applications for Auxiliary Membership are accepted year-round.
  5. Auxiliary member applicants are not required to submit to a criminal background investigation.
  6. Applications for Auxiliary Membership are reviewed by the Application Committee for approval.
  7. If approved, the Auxiliary Member is granted membership, effective at the next regular business meeting.
  8. Auxiliary Membership may be terminated in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws, section on resignations and expulsions.

Responsibilities

  1. The Auxiliary Member is obligated to obey the rules of the Fire Department, as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws, Directives, SOP’s, and any other approved department policy or guideline.
  2. The Auxiliary Member is obligated to obey any lawful order of an officer of the Fire Department.
  3. The Auxiliary Member is obligated to maintain the minimum level of participation required for continued membership.
  4. The Auxiliary Member is responsible for maintaining strict control of any Fire Department keys they may be issued.

Benefits

  1. The Auxiliary Member is invited to participate in all social functions.
  2. Special apparel may be purchased for the Auxiliary Member.
  3. The Auxiliary Member is covered under the Fire Department’s Workmen’s Compensation and Liability Insurance policies.
  4. The Auxiliary Member is eligible to qualify for the SC Volunteer Tax Incentive. Qualification for this incentive is in accordance with the guidelines established by the S.C. State Firemen’s Association, and the S.C. Department of Revenue.
  5. The Auxiliary Member is invited to attend all regular meetings of the Fire Department, but does not vote in official Fire Department business.
  6. The Auxiliary Member is entitled to the use of Fire Department facilities, including, but not limited to the weight room.
  7. Auxiliary Members may engage in fireground support activities which do not require the use of specialized personal protective equipment, and which do not place the Auxiliary Member in a hazardous situation.
  8. As members of the Fire Department, in non-emergency conditions Auxiliary Members are authorized to drive certain department vehicles when so indicated on the Approved Driver List.

Training

  1. Training will be offered to the Auxiliary Member for any specialized support function they may be expected to perform.

Issued Equipment

  1. The Auxiliary Member will be issued an alpha-numeric pager.

Meetings

  1. Normally, the Auxiliary meets at Station 1 on the fourth Monday of the month.
  2. Normally the Chairperson will preside over each regular meeting. In the event the Chairperson is not available, a moderator should be elected from those present.
  3. Special meetings may be scheduled as needed to facilitate any ongoing projects.
  4. The project coordinator may preside over a special meeting.
  5. Minutes are required to be taken and forwarded to the Secretary-Treasurer of the Fire Department.

Projects

  1. In October of each year, the Auxiliary shall prepare and submit to the Board, a summary of projects planned for the following year.
  2. The summary shall include
  3. Project coordinators.
  4. Projected expenses.
  5. Fund-raising activities.

SOP-105 / Page 1 of 3 / Rev. 0 11/01/01