Chapter 12 – Fire Department

§ 12-1. Title

The title of this chapter shall be known as the "Forks Township Fire Department Ordinance of 2007." The ordinance establishes the structure, leadership, authority, and operational framework of the Forks Township Fire Department.

§ 12-2. Designation of Department; Volunteer Manpower

Official Fire Department

The Township of Forks officially recognizes the Forks Township Fire Department as the Township's fire protection agency. The department is responsible for providing fire suppression, emergency response, rescue operations, public safety services, and other firematic functions throughout the Township.

Volunteer Membership

The Community Fire Company of Forks Township serves as the volunteer organization that provides the personnel who staff and operate the Forks Township Fire Department. During emergency incidents, training activities, and department functions, volunteer members respond on behalf of the Township to protect life, property, and the environment.

§ 12-3. Officers

Department Leadership

The leadership structure of the Forks Township Fire Department consists of:

• Fire Chief
• Deputy Fire Chief
• Additional officers as determined by the Fire Chief

These positions provide operational leadership, emergency incident command, strategic planning, training oversight, and coordination of departmental activities.

Appointment Process

The Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief are appointed annually by the Forks Township Board of Supervisors during the organizational meeting held each January. Appointments are made based upon recommendations submitted by the Community Fire Company of Forks Township.

Community Fire Company Officers

All other officers within the Community Fire Company of Forks Township are elected in accordance with the organization's bylaws and internal governance procedures.

§ 12-4. Requirements for Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief

To ensure qualified leadership, candidates for Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief must meet established standards relating to membership, experience, training, and residency.

Membership Requirements

Candidates must be:

• Members in good standing of the Community Fire Company of Forks Township.

Experience Requirements

Candidates must possess:

• Either five years of active firefighter service within the Forks Township Fire Department, or
• Four years of active firefighter service plus prior experience meeting criteria established by the Board of Supervisors.

Officer Experience

Candidates must have:

• A minimum of three years of service as a line officer within the Forks Township Fire Department.

Training Requirements

Candidates must have successfully completed:

• Essentials of Firefighting,
• Firefighter I, or
• Equivalent basic firefighting training.

Residency Requirements

Candidates must reside:

• Within Forks Township, or
• Within ten miles of the Township boundary.

Alternative Appointments

If no candidate satisfies all established requirements, the Board of Supervisors and the Community Fire Company may jointly appoint the individual determined to be the most qualified candidate for the position.

§ 12-5. Vacancies

Should a vacancy occur in the position of Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief, the Board of Supervisors may appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the unexpired term after obtaining a recommendation from the Community Fire Company of Forks Township.

§ 12-6. Removal from Office

The Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief may be removed from office for just cause. Any removal action requires a hearing before the Forks Township Board of Supervisors and must follow the procedures established by Township governance.

§ 12-7. Rules and Regulations

Development of Department Policies

The Fire Chief is responsible for drafting and maintaining rules and regulations governing the operation of the Forks Township Fire Department. These policies must be reviewed and submitted to the Board of Supervisors no less than every three years.

Approval Authority

No departmental rule, regulation, policy, or operational guideline shall become effective unless it has been approved and adopted by the Forks Township Board of Supervisors. This ensures accountability, consistency, and compliance with Township governance requirements.

§ 12-8. Funding and Compensation

Fire Protection Fund

Funding for the Forks Township Fire Department is provided through a municipal budget account known as the Fire Protection Fund. The Fire Chief submits an annual budget request that is reviewed and approved by the Forks Township Board of Supervisors.

Volunteer Service

The Forks Township Fire Department is composed of volunteer members who receive no compensation for their services. Volunteers donate their time and expertise to provide emergency services and protect the residents, businesses, and visitors of Forks Township.

Reimbursement of Expenses

The Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while conducting official department business using personal vehicles. Reimbursement is subject to review and approval by Township administration, and reimbursement rates are established annually by the Board of Supervisors.

Annual Budget Approval

The Board of Supervisors annually approves funding allocations for departmental operations and reimbursable expenses to ensure the Fire Department can effectively carry out its mission of protecting the community.

Mission of the Forks Township Fire Department

The Forks Township Fire Department, supported by the dedicated volunteers of the Community Fire Company of Forks Township, is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through professional emergency response, training, prevention, preparedness, and community service. Together, we proudly serve the residents and visitors of Forks Township with integrity, dedication, and excellence.