Town of Buxton, ME -

1. These rules apply to all members of the department on and off duty, unless otherwise denoted. These rules are intended as examples of permissible conduct, not as an all inclusive list.

2. Members shall be courteous in their dealings with the public, and shall give them assistance when it is in their power to do so.

4. Members shall not: threaten, intimidate, coerce, or interfere with the public or other members of the department.

5. Members shall not use: indecent, profane, sexist, racist, or otherwise abusive language. Members shall adhere to the Buxton Fire & Rescue Sexual Harassment Policy.

8. Members of the department shall not destructively criticize the department or its policies, programs, actions, or officers. Members shall not make any written or oral statements which tend to bring discredit to the department.

9. Members shall accord all officers the respect due their rank, and shall address and refer to officers by proper title in the presence of the public and other department members while on duty or representing the department.

10. Members shall maintain all required licenses and certificates, and shall immediately submit a written notice through the chain of command to the fire chief if such license is suspended, revoked, or restricted. Junior members need not maintain a driver’s license.

11. Should any member be convicted of OUI, driving to endanger, or multiple other driving offenses, the member will be prohibited from driving town vehicles. The driving status will be reviewed by the chief officers prior to the member’s driving duties being allowed to resume.

12. It shall be the responsibility of the member to notify their superior officer to any new motor vehicle violation that occurs. The officer will notify the fire chief in writing. The town’s insurance company will review driving records yearly. If a new violation is found that has not been reported, the member may be subject to disciplinary action.

13. Members shall familiarize themselves with the laws governing emergency vehicle response and shall exercise due regard according to the law.

14. Members shall not present themselves as representing the department before the Board of Selectmen, State Legislature, or the media on any matter relative to the department without the prior knowledge of the fire chief or designee. Subpoenas or any other legal matter shall be referred to the fire chief.

15. Members shall not use the department uniform, badge, name ,or prestige of the department for purpose of personal gain or soliciting gifts.

16. Members shall not maliciously make false reports or gossip concerning the character and conduct of any other member or of the business of the department to the discredit or detriment thereof.

17. No member shall publicly express any opinion on litigation the department or town may be involved in or the circumstances surrounding the same, without permission from the fire chief.

19. Members shall not knowingly or falsify alter any personnel or pay records, or any other records or reports.

20. Members shall report to their superior officer any complaint regarding unsafe practices which might endanger the public or other members of the department.

21. Members shall not litter or otherwise contribute to: poor housekeeping, unsanitary, or unsafe conditions on any department premise.

22. Members flouting the authority of any superior officer by obvious disrespect or by disputing or ignoring such officer’s orders will be guilty of insubordination.

24. Members who, by lack of good judgment, neglect, or carelessness, cause or contribute to damage of property belonging to the Town of Buxton shall be held responsible for their actions and may be subject to disciplinary action and/or financial restitution.

25. Members receiving orders or directions from other members when the authority of the directing officer is delegated shall regard such orders as coming directly from the designated officer and shall promptly execute said orders.

26. Members shall not furnish information pertaining to the department or its members past or present to anyone not connected to the town or department except as authorized by the fire chief or his designee.

27. Members will not be allowed to have a beard or any facial hair that interferes with the face piece seal of the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). If a member has a beard or refuses to shave, their activities for Buxton Fire & Rescue will be greatly restricted.

29. Members are required to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of training each year. Members who hold an EMS license are required to maintain their license in addition to the minimum 12 hours.

30. Members shall immediately bring to the attention of their superior officer any condition that inhibits the member’s ability to perform prescribed firefighting/EMS tasks.

31. The department retains the right to require a member to have at any time, a physical exam at the town’s expense. If in the opinion of the town provided medical doctor, an employee is not medically or psychologically fit for duty, he or she may be subject to status review.

32. Any job related injury should be reported as soon as possible to the immediate supervisor, and then forwarded to the fire chief. All appropriate paperwork will be done at that time.

36. Ignorance of “Rules and Regulations” or any directive will not be accepted as an excuse for any violation thereof.

2. Department: apparatus, equipment, and facilities shall be for Buxton Fire & Rescue use only, unless approved by the fire chief, deputy chiefs and/or station captains.

3. Obey all traffic regulations; the use of excessive speed and erratic operation are strictly forbidden in department apparatus or personal vehicles while responding to emergencies.

4. No equipment belonging to Buxton Fire & Rescue shall be removed from any of the three stations for personal use unless approved by the fire chief, deputy chiefs and/or station captains.

5. Any new equipment or major change in equipment location must first be approved by the fire chief or deputy chiefs. It shall be their responsibility to notify members of the changes.

6. Broken, lost, damaged or unsafe equipment shall be reported immediately in writing to the appropriate officer, who will forward the information to the fire chief.

7. No animals are allowed on any vehicle or property of Buxton Fire & Rescue without permission from the fire chief.

1. The member is responsible for all equipment and uniforms issued. The member shall treat them with care. Substandard equipment and uniforms shall be reported to the appropriate officer. If equipment and uniforms are lost, stolen, or damaged as a result of the member’s negligence in the opinion of the fire chief, the member may be required to replace the equipment and uniforms at their own expense.

2. When a person’s employment status ends for Buxton Fire & Rescue, all issued equipment and uniforms will be returned in a timely manner. (note: thirty days)

4. All protective gear shall be the property of the Town of Buxton. Any member may purchase their own gear as long as it meets department requirements as determined by the Fire Chief. No 50/50 purchase arrangements are authorized.

5. Any member responding to an incident without issued protective gear and an acceptable excuse may be subject to disciplinary action.

6. Any disciplinary action regarding protective gear will be handled at the company officer level, with the right to appeal to the chief officers

7. All personnel entering or in close proximity to any hazardous environment must be properly equipped to operate in that environment.

1. Officers of the department shall be included in the definition of the general term “member” and shall be governed by these “Rules and Regulations” pertaining to such members.

2. All officers shall be responsible for discipline of their subordinates and shall inspire and motivate members under their command to promote and maintain: safety, efficiency, and morale while accomplishing department missions and objectives.

3. Officers shall be just, dignified, and firm in their dealings with subordinates and shall refrain from violent, abusive, or immoderate language in giving orders and directions.

4. Officers shall be responsible for making certain that all rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives are known by their subordinates and are carried out and obeyed. Officers shall lead by example.

5. Officers shall properly report well-substantiated charges in writing of any violations of the department’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives or other conduct discrediting to the interest of Buxton Fire & Rescue to their superior.

6. Officers in disagreement with an order or directive shall first obey the order and then express themselves to their superior officer at the appropriate time. Their opinions will be received and shall be given due consideration. They shall refrain from expressing dissatisfaction with department rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives to or in the presence of their subordinates.

7. Officers shall relay all written communications through proper channels and no intervening officer shall suppress or disregard any such communications.

1. When an opening is posted by the fire chief for an officer position, a qualified candidate will submit in writing his/her letter of intent, resume, and qualifications for the position to the fire chief.

2. The applications are first reviewed and then an interview shall be arranged with a promotional board that is established by the fire chief. After the interviews/assessments of the candidates the promotional board shall forward the recommended names of the top candidates to the fire chief for appointment.

3. That office shall then be appointed by the fire chief based on a personal interview between the top candidates chosen by the promotional board.

The position of the safety officer, when it applies to incident operations shall be a sector in the incident command system and shall be assigned by the incident commander. The chief officers shall act as a safety board, when needed administratively, to recommend changes in rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives.

When a member of the Buxton Fire-Rescue believes an amendment, addition, or deletion should be made to “Rules and Regulations”, Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs), or Standard Operating Guidelines(SOGs), the member shall submit in writing the same through the chain of command to the fire chief. The fire chief will review such proposed amendments with the chief officers and may deny or recommend approval. The department shall ensure that all members are kept informed of any change affecting “Rules and Regulations”, SOPs, or SOGs.

1. No member shall in the name of Buxton Fire & Rescue solicit subscriptions among businesses or citizens without authorization from the fire chief.

2. All moneys received from fund raising activities shall be specifically designated to the station association doing the fund rising.

4. It will be the policy of Buxton Fire & Rescue that all donations received by any sources are forwarded to or received by the fire chief.

5. Donations will be reviewed and those that involve multi-station operations shall be shared equally with all participating stations.

7. Any attempt for a direct donation from individuals, groups, or from the business community will be referred to the fire chief.

1. Any violation of the provision of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and directives of Buxton Fire & Rescue or the neglect or evasion of the duties prescribed herein may warrant disciplinary action.

2. Charges against a member of the department shall be in writing and submitted within a reasonable time period of the alleged violation. Copies shall be jointly delivered to the member charged, the member’s superior officer, and the fire chief. Charges that are sent via registered mail are considered delivered in accordance with these rules and regulations.

3. The fire chief or deputy chiefs may suspend any officer or member of the department from duty when, in his or her judgment, the circumstances warrant. This will be done pending an investigation by the chief officers.

4. All members of the department may be subject to: reprimand, suspension, demotion, or dismissal from the department for violating any of these rules and regulations.

5. Probationary members may be subject to dismissal without cause. Standard probation period is six months and can be extended at the discretion of the chief officers.

6. In the event that a member fails to meet training requirements for the probationary period, that member shall be deemed inactive. The member shall not be allowed to hold any department position. Administrative leave may be granted for a period of not longer than six months. If the member doesn’t meet the requirements within the time period, the member may be subject to disciplinary action and/or dismissal.

7. Notwithstanding an appeal, actions taken against a member may include: a verbal or written warning (with plans of correction), demotion, suspension, or termination.

8. In the event of a departmental investigation, members called upon shall answer any and all questions truthfully and directly. Members may have representation (at their own expense) during any phase of the disciplinary process.

Note: Depending on the nature of the offense, departmental action may include suspension or termination on the first offense.

Step 2 If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved, the employee must submit in writing the details of his/her grievance to the supervisor/chief within 5 days. The department will provide a written response within a reasonable time frame.

Step 3 If the employee is dissatisfied with the written response, the employee may present grievance in writing to the Board of Selectman within 5 days of receiving written response.

Step 4 The Board of Selectman will meet with the employee within 30 days and provide a decision within 30 days of that meeting.

I have read and understand “Rules and Regulations”, and will work for the common good of Buxton Fire & Rescue.