Section I
The name of the organization shall be ESCATAWPA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT INCORPORATED, herein referred to as the Department.
Section II
The Department’s objective shall be the preservation and protection of life and property from and during such emergencies as may occur in the community of Escatawpa and Helena. The Department will assist in surrounding areas if called upon by other fire departments and agencies.
Section III
Escatawpa Volunteer Fire Department Mission Statement:
We will provide the residents, businesses, and visitors of the Escatawpa Utility District with the highest level of protection against the loss of life and property. We recognize that we are an integral part of the community and are sensitive to neighborhood needs and priorities.
We are “dedicated to service” as trained professionals in aspects of rescue, emergency medical services, fire prevention and suppression, and the control of hazardous situations.
We uphold this commitment through quality emergency services and a proactive emphasis on public education, innovative life and fire safety awareness and community service.
Values
We are all valued members of the diverse Escatawpa Volunteer Fire Department family.
Team Oriented Input is Valued Communicate openly at All Levels Respectful of One Another Positive Environment Compassionate Toward One Another
We are professional in our actions.
Appearance and Behavior Honesty, Fairness, and Integrity Courteous Attitude Understanding and Compassion for Others High Quality Service Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Economy
We Strive for Excellence
Public and Volunteer’s Safety Personal Health and Fitness Unity, Teamwork, and Leadership Personal and Professional Development Training, Preparedness, and Readiness Creative and ProactiveSection IV
These By-Laws will pertain to the members, and property and equipment owned by the Department. The Paid Chief will have sole discretion over all property and equipment owned and managed by the City of Moss Point.
ARTICLE II ORGANIZATION
Section I
The officers of this organization shall consist of a Chief, Assistant Chief, Engineer, Secretary-Treasurer, Captain, and two lieutenants.
Section II
These officers are to be elected once a year, the first meeting in December, and nominations shall be made from the floor. Nominees shall not be on probation. Nominees for line grade office shall have completed a minimum of Certified Volunteer Firefighter I or equivalent. Nominees for line grade officer must have served at least two years as a firefighter in the Department to be eligible for Captain or Lieutenant and at least four years in the Department for Asst. Chief or Chief. Nominees shall be voted on by all members present that are not on probation. The nominee receiving a majority vote of members voting shall be declared elected. Newly elected officers take office the following First Day of January.
Section III
The Chief taking office on the First Day of January shall appoint a Chaplain, Training Coordinator, Supply Officer, Safety Officer, EMS Coordinator, a Public Relations person, a Membership Committee and By-Laws Committee, each committee composed of four active members, including a chairman.
Section IV
The Chief shall preside at all meetings. It shall be his/her duty to bring to the attention of the department all matters of importance and interest pertaining to the Department. In the event that the Chief is absent from a meeting, the highest-ranking line officer present shall preside over the meeting. The Engineer shall coordinate operation of all apparatus, and care of same owned by the volunteers, and help with the city owned equipment through the Paid Chief. The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all things proper to be written or recorded and to sign all checks when ordered to do so by the Department. The Training Coordinator shall be responsible for keeping training records of all members.
Section V
All firefighting and field operations will come under the direction of the Paid Chief and/or Paid Firefighter, then the Volunteer Chief. The further chain of command will be the Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenants. If all the previous are exhausted, the Driver/Operator will appoint the most qualified firefighter to be in charge.
Section VI
As of the year 1998, the Department adopted Standard Operating Guidelines used for department operations. A copy of these guidelines will remain in the Main station at all times along with a copy of the By-Laws.
Section VII
At the first meeting in December, a Board of Directors will be named after members have voted for department officers. This board will be comprised of the Volunteer Chief serving as President, Asst. Chief serving as Vice President, the Captain and Two Lieutenants serving as staff, and the Secretary/Treasurer serving as the Secretary, and one member from the public serving as Member-At-Large. The Member-At-Large may be recommended to the body by the President or another member of the Department for approval by the General Membership. The membership must vote to accept the recommended citizen as Member-At-Large for the Board of Directors by a majority vote and record in the meeting minutes.
Section VIII
Personnel records containing such things as membership applications, inventory and training records shall be kept on file for all members, including all classifications. These records shall be kept private and secure. The only persons having access shall be the Volunteer Chief, Supply Officer, Training Coordinator, and the Secretary / Treasurer.
Section IX
No dividends or profits shall be divided among the members of this organization.
ARTICLE III MEETINGS
Section I
The department shall meet the first and third Monday of each month at the fire station or wherever directed on written or oral notice. The Chief shall have the authority to call special meetings. Seven members shall constitute a quorum. The Chief can also call officer meetings to take care of important matters needing immediate attention and shall be binding if four elected officers attend.
Section IIAll regularly scheduled General Membership Meetings shall be conducted in the following order preceded by Roll Call: Prayer, Introduction of Guests, Reading of Minutes, Financial Report, Committee Reports, Old Business, New Business, Adjournment.
Section IIIThe general control and management of the Department shall be vested in the Board of Directors of the organization, subject to review by the general membership; provided however, the borrowing of money, acquiring credit, pledging the assets of the organization, purchasing of equipment or property must be done by the general membership.
Section IV
By-Laws may be amended or new By-Laws adopted by the membership of the Corporation at any time providing that a written request is made to the General Membership at a regular business meeting and posted on the main fire station bulletin board until the next regular scheduled business meeting. Notice must be given to the general membership in advance of that meeting by alpha paging, radio, or verbal. The amendment(s) or new proposed By-Laws will at that time be presented for a vote. To be approved, the amendment(s) or new proposed By-Law(s) must pass with a two-third majority of the votes cast.
Section V
Additional meetings may be scheduled, with due notification of the membership, if deemed necessary by the responsible officer. The Responsible officer will be responsible for notification of the members.
Section VI
Individuals may be excused from a General Membership Meeting or Training meeting by simply calling the Department and notifying the paid personnel on duty, or they may notify the Chief of their excuse.
Section VII
Should a member, because of work or school commitment for any extended period of time, need to be excused from required meetings, he/she must notify the Chief or Asst. Chief indicating inclusive dates of absence and adhere to Article IV, Section XI.
Section VIII
An active member will jeopardize their membership status on missing three consecutive General Membership meetings or two Training meetings within a three month period, unless he or she has a legal and lawful excuse. The individual will be notified by certified return receipt letter that their membership is in jeopardy and what action will be needed to retain membership. These excuses shall be accepted or rejected by the officers of the department unless the member is on a “Leave of Absence”. This individual, if in good standing with the Department, may request in writing or verbally to the membership body that they be placed on “Exempt” or “Support” status. If an individual chooses not to respond, their membership status will automatically be placed in an “Inactive” state.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
Section I
An active member shall be a minimum of 18 years of age, of sound mind, physically fit, a resident of the primary response area covered by the Department, and of good moral character. The membership shall consist of members who desire to fully participate and abide by the directives of the Department. Membership shall further be classified as “SUPPORT MEMBER’, “EXEMPT MEMBER”, “LIFETIME MEMBER”, and “HONORARY MEMBER”. All members except for “Honorary members” shall have the same rights and privileges as an Active member, with the exception of paid personnel, who are given the same rights and privileges as all active members if they so choose.
Section II
To become a member of the Department, one must make application with a signed Background Investigation Authorization form, to a member who in turns reports this application at the next meeting. The membership committee shall make the necessary investigation and report their findings at the next regular business meeting at which time the application will be voted on. New members are accepted by a two-thirds majority vote of voting members.
Section III
New members accepted by membership shall serve a probationary term to be determined by the membership, normally six months, in which time they shall learn how to fight fires, and learn to operate trucks and equipment. All applicants accepted for membership are urged to take a medical physical with their family physician, but not required. During the probationary period, the probationary firefighter shall make a legitimate attempt to become a “Certified Volunteer Firefighter I” or obtain equivalent status. Equivalent status is defined as course material covered under the “Certified Volunteer Firefighter I” and/or NFPA 1001-I-II-III” training programs. Probationary members shall participate in a minimum of two-third of all training exercises, unless, a legitimate excuse is accepted by the Training Coordinator or Volunteer Chief. At the end of the probation term, membership will re-vote on the new member to determine whether to extend probation, accept into full membership, or dismissal. The membership body may however, recommend and vote to change a probationary member from a probationary status to a full member during the recommended probationary period with a two-third vote of the membership.
Section IV
All members of this organization shall be governed by and comply with these By-Laws and the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s) of the Department.
Section V
Any active firefighter upon leaving the Department in good standing, may become a “Support” or “Exempt” member if he or she so desires. The status of “LIFETIME MEMBER” is awarded by a vote of the membership and only bestowed on persons who have shown exemplary service to the Department.
Section VI
Membership will be forfeited immediately for any member reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or committing a crime that would discredit the Department.
Section VII
Upon leaving, a member must return any equipment in his or her possession that is the property of the Department. Members leaving the Department, either voluntary or dismissed, have 10 days to return equipment before legal action may be taken.
Section VIII
Members shall conduct themselves in a courteous, professional, and dignified manner. Abusive or profane language will not be tolerated at any time.
Section IX Paragraph I
The membership status of an “ACTIVE MEMBER” implies that the member participates in firefighting activities.
Paragraph II
The status of “INACTIVE MEMBER” implies that the member is no longer active in the Department and all equipment has been turned in or collected.
Paragraph III
The membership status of a “SUPPORT MEMBER” implies that the member does not participate in firefighting activities, but provides a support for the active firefighters in such things as providing drinks and assistance at functions.
Paragraph IV
The membership status of an “EXEMPT MEMBER” implies that the member may still participate in firefighting activities as they once did as an active member provided that they can obtain the necessary equipment to do so, but that the department no longer has an obligation to furnish any equipment such as a personal set of turn-outs and pager. Equipment may be furnished, if and only if all active members are furnished equipment first. Exempt Membership may be requested by any member in good standing who chooses to remove him/her self from active service for any reason. Such membership will require a majority vote of the members present at a General Membership meeting. An Exempt member cannot vote or hold an elected office.
Paragraph V
The membership status of an “HONORARY MEMBER” implies that the member has been selected by the membership body to serve with the Department as an honorary member. They have no particular duties other than a social status of being part of the membership and have no voting rights and privileges, with the exception of paid personnel. Honorary Members are those people who, in the past, have either been a member of the Department or who have been instrumental in assisting the Department in achieving its goal for the betterment of the whole community. Honorary Membership may be awarded to any citizen or past member who has shown outstanding community service on the behalf of the Department. All Honorary Memberships will be voted on by secret ballot at a regular scheduled General Membership meeting and must pass by a majority vote (50% or more is considered a majority) of the members voting. Honorary Members will be given a certificate stating that they are Honorary Members of the Department. Honorary Members may be invited to participate in social or other functions of the Department.
Paragraph VI
All charter members may be “LIFETIME MEMBERS”. Persons who have served with distinction as active members may be granted “LIFETIME” Membership. Lifetime Members shall have no voting privileges, cannot hold any office, or possess any Department equipment. All Lifetime Members must have been members of the Department for a minimum of ten years (excluding charter members), however, for outstanding achievement or other circumstances, they may be considered if they must resign for reasons whereby they can no longer remain active and participate. All Lifetime Memberships will be voted on by secret ballot at a regular scheduled General Membership meeting and must pass by a majority vote (50% or more is considered a majority) of the members voting. Lifetime Members will be given a certificate stating that they are “LIFETIME MEMBERS” of the Department with a copy of the certificate going into their file. Lifetime Members that desire to become active members again, must do so in writing at a General Membership meeting and, if accepted, would automatically forfeit their Lifetime Membership. Upon termination of this active membership they will automatically revert to their Lifetime Membership. No probationary period will be served. Lifetime Members should be invited to participate in social or other functions of the Department.
Section X
Paragraph IA leave of absence of up to 60 days may be granted by the Department Chief or President upon a written request from the member. This request will be presented to the general membership and become part of the meeting minutes. A member, during this time, may, if the need should arise, respond to alarms. Upon granting the request, the responsible officer may appoint a temporary replacement for the duration of the leave if the member holds an officer position.
Paragraph II
A leave of absence of less than 180 days (to include an extension of the 60-day leave of absence) must be submitted to the Membership Committee in writing for approval. Upon approval, all equipment belonging to the Department may be asked to be returned to the Supply Officer. Upon granting the request, the Chief will be notified and may appoint a temporary replacement for the duration of the leave if the member holds an officer position.
Paragraph III
Any leave of absence that extends beyond 180 days will be submitted to the General Membership for approval. All equipment will be returned to the Supply Officer. The Chief will appoint a replacement for the duration of the leave if the member holds an officer position.
Paragraph IV
A leave of absence request is not required for a vacation, emergency leave, medical leave, or for the individual work related travel or schedule if the individual should be working during scheduled meetings.
Section XI
Any resignation shall be in writing with an effective date and presented to the President or Vice-President. At which time, all department property will be turned over to the Chief or Supply Officer.
ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP IN THE MISSISSIPPI FIREFIGHTER’S ASSOCIATION
Section I
Support and Exempt members are eligible to join or remain a member of the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association provided that they provide funding prior to the time that payments are due by the department. They must be notified by the Secretary / Treasurer that membership dues or Death Benefit Organization dues are due and given a date to submit required payment to the Department. It is the discretion of the membership to elect to continue funding membership dues and Death Benefit Organization dues to the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association for current Support and Exempt members using fire department funds as of February 20, 2001.
Section II
Honorary members are not eligible to join the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association.
Section III
The membership body, which must constitute a meeting quorum, must vote to remove a member from the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association membership and Death Benefit Organization with a two-third majority of votes cast.
Section IV
Any member given a “Lifetime Member” status is eligible to remain a member of the Mississippi Firefighter’s Association with the department incurring all yearly membership and DBO dues.
ARTICLE VI APPARATUS , EQUIPMENT, POV RESPONSE
Section I
The names of apparatus operators shall be posted in the fire station, along with the apparatus in which they may drive and operate. The Volunteer Chief, Asst. Chief, or Training Coordinator may recommend to the Paid Chief to allow a member to drive and operate a particular piece of apparatus. The ultimate approval lies with the Paid Chief, as the City of Moss Point provides insurance on the apparatus.
Section II
No equipment shall leave the fire station until a qualified operator arrives or authorized by the paid firefighter on duty or a line grade officer.
Section III
No apparatus shall be driven more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit responding to a call (State Law). Anyone driving reckless shall have his or her driving privileges withdrawn. All traffic laws shall be obeyed at all times, when operating department apparatus.
Section IV
When responding to a call, sound judgment should be used to determine which code to use if not informed by the officer in charge, or firefighter on duty.
Section V
On returning from a call, all apparatus shall be put in the proper place. All truck tanks filled, extinguishers replaced or refilled, used hose replaced with clean hose, and wet hose placed on racks for drying. SCBA tanks shall be checked and refilled as necessary. SCBA mask and harnesses shall be cleaned before putting back in service. Members are asked to return to the station for clean-up and other necessities after alarms unless released by the officer-in-charge.
Section VI
No equipment or apparatus shall be used in any parade, demonstration or any other event, except for City, County, or national programs, without the consent of the General membership upon recommendation of the Volunteer Chief. The number of apparatus to participate in a parade or function outside of the response area, will be the discretion of the Paid Chief and Volunteer Chief.
Section VII
Periodic inspections may be held at the discretion of the Department Chief or Supply Officer.
Section VIII
Members of the Department will be responsible to repair, replace, or submit compensation for any equipment borrowed that is damaged or lost due to neglect or abuse while not engaged in Department related activities.
Section IX
Members should report all equipment and real property discrepancies to the paid personnel on duty, Paid Chief, Volunteer Chief, or Asst. Chief. This includes, but not limited to, faulty equipment and mishaps.
Section X
Members will be responsible to evaluate their physical condition prior to responding to an alarm.
Section XI
Members will be responsible for the lawful and safe operation of his/her private vehicle to and from an alarm.
Section XII
Members may use emergency lights in accordance with the state law. Members may not use sirens or other loud devices omitting sound when responding to alarms unless prior approval has been granted by the Department.
ARTICLE VII TRAINING
Section I
The Paid Chief, Volunteer Chief, Training Coordinator, Paid Firefighter, Safety Officer, EMS Coordinator, or Engineer shall order and direct fire service training sessions.
Section II
It is the responsibility of each member to log any training received in-house and outside of the Department into department training records. Individual training records will be filed in each member’s folder frequently throughout the year by the Training Coordinator
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS
Section I
The organization shall at all times carry reasonable insurance coverage upon its property, and upon the operators of any of its equipment for the protection of such operators. And in the event that such coverage is not obtainable, or not obtainable at a reasonable rate, the general membership shall be made aware of such fact immediately.
Section II
Each active member shall have in effect personal liability insurance on any personal vehicle used to respond to the scene of any request. This insurance may be the minimum amount as directed by the State of Mississippi. This insurance will be maintained intact, as long as the member utilizes their personal vehicle for emergency response. As of
January 1, 2001, it is state law that all vehicles driven on the roadway must carry liability insurance.
Section III
Members may not make any written or oral public statements(s) false, libelous, slanderous, or degrading about the department, its members, or the City of Moss Point to the media or public. Doing so could result in dismissal or reprimand from the Department pending a two-third majority vote by the membership.