CHAPTER I. ADMINISTRATIONCHAPTER I. ADMINISTRATION\Article 7. Fire Department

There is hereby established in the City of Plainville, Kansas, a volunteer fire department consisting of a chief, an assistant chief, and not less than 10 nor more than 35 firefighters.

(Code 2019)

The mayor shall appoint the chief of the volunteer fire department.

(Code 2019)

The fire chief shall have the following powers and duties:

(a)   To appoint the assistant chief and the firefighters of the department;

(b)   Under the direction of the mayor, have complete control of the fire department and all firefighting equipment of the city and be responsible for the proper organization, training, discipline and functioning of the fire department and for the proper care, use and safety of the equipment of the department and fire apparatus of the city.

(c)   To call for assistance from any and all citizens who may be present at the time of any fire, in the operation of the fire apparatus of the city, and all persons who shall refuse or neglect to follow the directions so given or shall disobey the orders of the chief, or shall obstruct or hinder any person in his or her efforts while working under the instructions of the chief shall be deemed guilty of a violation of this code and on conviction thereof be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00;

(d)   To hold a practice drill, after due notice, of not less than two hours at least once every month during good weather;

(e)   To keep an accurate list of all equipment belonging to the fire department; and

(f)   To maintain accurate records of fire alarms, practice drills and the attendance at such drills and to make all reports required by law.

(Code 2019)

In the absence of the chief, the assistant chief shall have all powers and perform all duties incumbent upon the chief.

(Code 2019)

(a)   It shall be the duty of each member of the fire department to attend all the practice drills the same as all fire alarms. Any subordinate officer or firefighter who refuses or neglects to attend a fire or practice drill without submitting an excuse which is satisfactory to the chief, or shall neglect or refuse to do his or her duty or obey the orders of the chief or his or her proper commanding officer, or who shall leave his or her post of duty while at afire, without the permission of the chief, shall be fined the amount paid for responding to such fire alarm and be subject to expulsion from the fire department.

(b)   All emergency vehicles of the fire department, while proceeding on official business, shall be operated in strict accordance with the requirements of the Kansas Statutes regarding the operation of emergency vehicles, and each departmental member assigned to the operation of emergency vehicles shall familiarize himself or herself with the requirements of the law and govern himself or herself accordingly. Any operator violating the provisions of the state law shall be liable for disciplinary action.

(Code 2019)

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to take away or use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private purpose or for any person willfully and without proper authority to remove, take away, keep or conceal any tool, appliance, equipment or other article used in any way by the fire department.

(Code 2019)

The members of the fire department of the city shall be organized into a fireman’s relief association, the same being a corporation organized under the laws of the state as provided by K.S.A. 40-1702 through 40-1707.

The association shall in all respects conduct its affairs in accordance with the laws and its charter and bylaws which shall entitle its members to the benefits coming to the association.

(Code 2019)