Ordinances-2023-501 - Chapter 35

35.05 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS. 1. The Fire Chief and Fire Marshal shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Administrator, subject to the advice and approval of the Council. Deputy Fire Chiefs, Assistant Fire Chiefs, or Division Chiefs shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Fire Chief, subject to the approval of the City Administrator. The Fire Chief shall select and promote all other volunteer firefighters and also has the authority to discharge volunteer firefighters found to be incompetent or derelict in their duties. 2. In case of absence of the Fire Chief, the Fire Marshal, or the designated Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, or Division Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, or a designee, shall be in charge and have and exercise all the powers of Fire Chief. 3. The City Council shall appoint and may remove members of the fire department for just cause. Notwithstanding, the Fire Chief or a designee shall be responsible for recruitment and retention of members. 35.06 FIRE CHIEF: DUTIES. The Fire Chief shall perform all duties required of the Fire Chief by law or ordinance, including but not limited to the following: (Code of Iowa, Sec. 372.13[4]) 1. Enforce Laws. Enforce ordinances and laws regulating fire prevention and the investigation of the cause, origin, and circumstances of fires. 2. Technical Assistance. Upon request, give advice concerning private fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing equipment, fire escapes and exits, and development of fire emergency plans. 3. Authority at Fires. When in charge of a fire scene, direct an operation as necessary to extinguish or control a fire, perform a rescue operation, investigate the existence of a suspected or reported fire, gas leak, or other hazardous condition, or take any other action deemed necessary in the reasonable performance of the department’s duties. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.2) 4. Control of Scenes. Prohibit an individual, vehicle or vessel from approaching a fire scene and remove from the scene any object, vehicle, vessel or individual that may impede or interfere with the operation of the Fire Department. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.2) 5. Authority to Barricade. When in charge of a fire scene, place or erect ropes, guards, barricades or other obstructions across a street, alley, right-of-way, or private property near the location of the fire or emergency so as to prevent accidents or interference with the firefighting efforts of the Fire Department, to control the scene until any required investigation is complete, or to preserve evidence related to the fire or other emergency. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 102.3)