Last Updated
Friday, August 04, 2006 03:29:13 PM

  Constitution

PREFACE 

This Constitution serves to delineate the organizational structure and establish guidelines for the conduct of the Red River Parishwide Fire Protection District members.  The responsibilities, obligations, and duties of all members of the Fire Department are prescribed in a definite, written form so as to provide a solid foundation upon which members may base their actions and strive for the highest quality service possible.  This Constitution was written with the deep consideration for the best interest of the Red River Parishwide Fire Protection District and the public it serves.  This supersedes all prior District Constitution and By-Laws.

We further recognize the right of each station to enact and have rules and regulations, so long as they do not conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fire District. 

Our sincere appreciation to those dedicated individuals who have helped in this endeavor, including those who, in the past, have worked toward this same goal.

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE   I.                        AUTHORITY, SCOPE, AND APPLICATION

1. This organization shall be known as the Red River Parishwide Fire Protection District, hereinafter referred to as Red River Parish Fire Protection District.

2. Its purpose shall be to preserve life and property in Red River Parish in case of fire, rescue, and/or other emergency; and to promote through fire safety education, the prevention of such fire and/or other emergency.

3. This Constitution, although not providing a solution to every question or problem that arises in an organization providing emergency services, are comprehensive enough to cover in a general and sometimes specific way, the responsibilities, obligations, and duties of the members of the Fire Department.

4. In matters of general conduct not covered herein, the actions of members shall be governed by the best instincts of law-abiding, self-respecting citizens, always regarding and upholding the good name of the service of which each member is an important part.

5. The provisions contained herein are not intended to limit any individual in the exercise of his/her judgment or initiative in taking the action a reasonable person would take in extraordinary situations.  By necessity, much is left to the loyalty, integrity, and discretion of the members.  When the individual member demonstrates possession of the qualities in a conscientious discharge of his/her duty, the Department will maintain the high standards required of the service.

6. All members of the Fire Department are to familiarize themselves with the Constitution, By-Laws, and Standard Operating Procedures.  Lack of knowledge of, or lack of familiarity with, these documents shall not be a valid reason for non-compliance.

7. The Constitution shall apply equally to every member of the Fire Department unless the context of such rules, regulations or orders contained therein shall clearly indicate otherwise.

8. In addition to complying with the Constitution, it is the duty of each member of the Fire Department to be guided by orders and instructions of his/her superior officers.  Strict compliance to the Constitution and to the orders and instructions of superior officers is essential for the proper conduct and discipline of the Department.

9. The Constitution is established, made and adopted for the regulation and discipline of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District in accordance with the By-Laws of the District Board of Commissioners and the statutes of the State of Louisiana.  Violation of any of the provisions of the Constitution shall be grounds for the suspension or removal of the violator or for such disciplinary action as may be deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief and the District Board of Commissioners.

10. A copy of the Constitution shall be available for members of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District at each fire station, which shall be charged with the responsibility of preservation and safekeeping of the same.  Each fire station shall keep amended, supplementary or additional pages which may be subsequently issued.

11. Every member of the Organization shall read the Constitution and By-Laws and shall certify by his/her signature that he/she has read and understands the Constitution and By-Laws within his/her ninety (90) day probationary period.

12. The District Board of Commissioners shall review changes in the Constitution and By-Laws and will meet as needed to adopt and distribute changes.  Any amendments or changes must be approved by the District Board of Commissioners before advertising.

ARTICLE   II.          MEMBERSHIP

1. The membership of this organization shall be composed of active, probationary, junior firemen, and honorary members.

2. Any elector of the primary coverage area of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District (including citizens of those fire districts with which the Red River Parish Fire Protection District has mutual aid agreements) who is of sound mind and body, who has attained the age of eighteen (18) years, and who is in good repute in the community shall be eligible for election to probationary membership in this organization.  Any person who has been convicted of a felony, or who is under the jurisdiction of the court system, may not be a member until they have been released from the court system and have been voted on by the District Board of Commissioners.  Any said person must be sponsored by their respective station, before the Board, for approval by the Board.

3. All applications for membership shall be in writing and on forms provided by the Board of Commissioners of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District.  The applications for membership will be referred to the membership committee of that station, whose duty it will be to investigate the character and standing of the applicant and report their findings at the station’s next regular meeting.  A copy of all applications that are accepted to membership at each station must be put on file in the District Files at Central Station.

4. Junior Firefighters

1. Must be selected by the Station Chief from applications.

2. Must be at least 15 years of age, but not more than 18 years of age.

3. Must train under the same requirements as active firefighters.  This, however, excludes any live-fire training.

4. May ride in firefighting apparatus during emergency calls, but under no circumstances can he/she drive or operate a vehicle.

5. Must don all protective gear while at an emergency scene.

6. Shall assist with overhaul and cleanup operations.

7. Must maintain at least a 2.5 gpa.  The Station Chief will review upon receipt of report card.  If the gpa is below 2.5, he/she will be on probation until the next report card is issued.  If the gpa is below 2.5 two times consecutively, the junior firefighter will be placed on non-active status until the required gpa is attained.

8. High school students who drop out or are expelled will be dropped from active roll until age 18 or until they return to school.

9. Will perform such other duties as may be requested by their Station Chief.

10. May respond to emergencies in personal vehicles at posted speed limits and in accordance with all state laws.

11. May operate the pump on a firefighting apparatus if he/she has been properly trained to do so.

12. Shall not engage in fighting a fire of any type.

13. Must have on file in the District Files at Central Station a “Hold Harmless/Indemnification Form” signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).  This form, along with the standard application for membership, will be provided by the District.

ARTICLE   III.         OFFICERS

1. The officers of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District shall consist of a Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, Secretary, eight (8) Board Members: two (2) from Central Station and one (1) each from Stations 2 – 7, a District Chief and two (2) Assistant District Chiefs.    (See HLS 89-504, Section B, Para.  1496.15)

2. Any officer may be expelled from office for cause, by 2/3 majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting.  Prior to that meeting, he/she must have been notified in writing, signed by the Chairman, Vice Chairman, or Secretary, that his/her office is in question.

3. The Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, and District Chief shall be elected every two (2) years by a majority vote of the Board.  The election of said members shall be held in regular meeting in November of that year.  They may be eligible for reelection.  The Assistant District Chiefs shall be appointed by the elected District Chief in each term.  The Chairman of that Board and the Vice Chairman of the Board must be members of the Board of Commissioners.

ARTICLE   IV.         DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

1. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the Board.  He/she shall preserve order and shall conduct meetings in conformity with this Constitution and By-Laws.  The Chairman of the Board will vote only in the event of a tie or, in the absence of a member, to cause a tie.  He shall gather and obtain all bills needed for approval at board meetings, unless he designated otherwise.  He shall appoint all committees and perform all duties commonly belonging to the office.

2. The Vice Chairman shall assist the Chairman.  In the absence of the Chairman, he/she shall perform the duties of the Chairman.  If the Office of the Chairman is declared vacant, he/she shall become the Chairman for the remainder of the term of office or until his successor is elected.  It shall be the duty of the Vice Chairman to see that all meetings and other Board business is conducted in conformity with the Constitution and By-Laws.

3. The Secretary shall keep a true and accurate account of the proceedings of every meeting in a book provided for that purpose.  Said book should be open for inspection by every member of the Board.  He/she shall, in case he/she cannot attend a meeting, send the Minute Book in time for said meeting.  He/she shall deliver to his/her successor in office all books. Papers, and all other property in his/her possession pertaining to his/her office.  He/she shall call the roll at meetings and notify members of special meetings.  He/she shall attend to all correspondence, which shall be subject to inspection at any time by any member of the Board.  Unless the Secretary is a duly appointed member of the Board, he/she shall have no vote.

4. The District Fire Chief shall not be a member of the Board of Commissioners.  He/she has the responsibility and authority for the following:

A.    For all reports submitted to the State.

B.     For getting training for members of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District.

C.     For all insurance related matters, with the approval of the Board.

D.    He/she shall get copies of each and every incident report from each Station Chief every month at the time and place designated by the District Chief. 

E.     For getting grants or alternative ways of getting monies or equipment for the District.

F.      He shall be the Public Relations Officer.

G.    For working with the water superintendent from each respective water system to cause to be inspected the fire hydrants and other sources of water supply at least once per year.

H.    For maintaining a file at Central Station of each member of each Department of the District.

I.       For seeing that all equipment is serviced, maintained, and inspected as needed.

J.       As needed, he/she or his/her representative at a major incident involving several or multiple stations will be in charge of coordination, safety access control, and the command center.

K.    Shall see that each fire is carefully investigated by the personnel in charge to determine its cause.  If there is any suspicion of incendiary, proper authorities should be notified.

L.     To work with the proper authorities to institute any burn bans.

M.   The District Fire Chief shall not be the fiscal administrator of the Red River Parish Fire Protection District.  The District Board of Commissioners holds all authority regarding financial matters.  The District Fire Chief shall not make any purchases of enter into any contractual agreements (financial or otherwise) on behalf of the Fire District without the approval of the Board of Commissioners.

ARTICLE   V.          MEETINGS

1.      The Red River Parish Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners shall meet regularly on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.  A simple majority of the current board membership at the time and place of the regular meeting or special called meeting shall constitute a quorum, and in all transactions not otherwise provided for, a majority of votes cast.

2.      Any Special Meeting may be called by the authority of the Chairman or the Vice Chairman of the Board to meet at a specific time and place.  Notice of the meeting shall be 24 hours in advance, with written notice being posted at Central Station and with each member receiving notice of the meeting.

3.      The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board Members present at any regular meeting or special called meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing at preceding regular meeting and posted at Central Station to make the membership aware of the proposed changes.

ARTICLE   VI.         INVESTIGATIONS AND INTERVIEWS

1. No personnel shall discuss rescue and fire operations or patients with insurance investigators, attorneys, media, or anyone without prior approval of the District Chief through proper channels.  All inquiries shall be referred to the District Chief.

2. In the event of any Red River Parish Fire Protection District personnel being served papers or being notified or anticipated legal action regarding the Fire Department or criminal activity, the Station Chief will be notified immediately.  The Station Chief will notify the Fire District Board.

ARTICLE   VII.       MAINTENANCE

1. No equipment will be loaned out unless by an officer to another public agency.

2. All equipment will be inspected and serviced as necessary and after each incident.  A copy of the maintenance reports and all other reports must be submitted to the District Chief monthly.

3. All vehicles will be completely serviced in accordance with the current maintenance schedule.

4. NO fire department equipment may be used for the filling of private swimming pools, washing of private parking lots or buildings, etc., as provided by State law.

ARTICLE   VIII.      PRE-FIRE PLANNING

1. Pre-fire planning is to be done on buildings such as schools, churches, restaurants, grocery stores, garages, compressor stations, etc. by members and officers of the Fire District annually.

2. All inspections will be done under supervision of the District Chief or his/her appointees to conduct inspections.

3. All members should strive to demonstrate an ability to recognize the need for and develop fire safety, rules and regulations of the Fire District, and safety equipment.

ARTICLE   IX.         MEMBERS

1. The term “members” shall include all active volunteers.

2. All members when applicable, shall:

A.    At all times show respect for the flag of the United States of America.  When in uniform, come to attention, face the flag, and with the right hand, salute.  The same procedure should be followed when the National Anthem is played.  If not in uniform, the right hand should be placed over the heart and, if worn, hat removed.

B.     Conduct themselves in such a manner as is expected of law-abiding, self-respecting citizens.

C.     Refrain from committing any act that might bring discredit upon the Fire District or its members.

D.    Refrain from gambling, indulging in boisterous conduct or using profane language while wearing any article of clothing representing the District or while on District premises or an emergency scene.

E.     Refrain from possessing any adult material on District premises, in District vehicles, or on an emergency scene.

F.      Show courtesy and respect to the public at all times.

G.    Obey and show courtesy to officers and acting officers on duty or in the line of duty.

H.    Not be permitted to use or have in their possession while on duty any intoxicant or controlled substance as defined in RS 40:963, etc. unless said controlled substances were obtained directly or pursuant to a valid prescription or orders from a licensed medical physician.  Said prescription must be approved by the District Chief.

I.       Report for duty fit and able to perform their duties.

J.       Neither sell, give away, trade, nor appropriate to their own use, any public property; nor pilfer or be guilty of theft at fires or elsewhere.

K.    Be properly attired at all times when representing the Fire District.

L.     Refrain from exceeding their authority in giving orders to subordinate members.  The wrongful or injurious exercise of authority by any member is prohibited.  A member acting in obedience to an improper order shall be protected against penalty within the confines of the Constitution.

M.   Upon receipt of an order that is in conflict with a previous order, inform the officer who issued the conflicting order and be governed by his instructions.

N.    Maintain the greatest degree of silence compatible with an efficient discharge of duty when operating at a fire or in other emergency situations.

O.    Attend all fire or emergencies to which they may be dispatched or detailed, and exert their greatest effort to perform to the best of their ability under all circumstances.  Neglectful inefficiency or indifference of members is sufficient cause for disciplinary action.

P.      Familiarize themselves with and obey the Constitution and other procedures and practices of the District.

Q.    Exercise good judgment and take precautionary measures to avoid injury to themselves and other members while on duty.  Avoid unnecessary damages to, or loss of, district property, and be responsible for the proper care and safekeeping of all property in their care.

R.     Participate in training activities and drills of the District as directed, be thoroughly familiar with all equipment that they may be required to use in the full performance of their duties and perform related work as required.

S.      Accept responsibility for the performance of duties of a higher rank when assigned to act in such a position.

T.      Report any change in residential telephone number or address to his/her superior officer.

U.    Refrain from being a party to any malicious gossip, rumor, report, or activity that would tend to disrupt the District or any member; and from making derogatory statements or adversely criticizing the governing entity’s policies, activities, or officers of the District or any other personnel of the governing entity, except by written report to the District Chief submitted through the proper channels.

V.    Acquaint themselves with the physical conditions, street names, block numbers, locations, fire hydrants, and other matters affecting response to their first alarm territory.

W.   Report for medical examination or treatment in connection with on-the-job injuries or exposure after contacting the District Chief or officer in charge.

X.    Upon resignation or termination, immediately turn in to his/her immediate supervisor all manuals, equipment, keys, identification papers, and any other items belonging to the District.

Y.    Members of the District shall not engage in any type of sexual conduct while on duty, nor shall they solicit such conduct while on duty.

Z.     Abide by federal and state laws pertaining to sexual and minority harassment.

ARTICLE   X.          GENERAL RULES

1.      Statement of General Rules

A.    The general rules are as follows:

1.      No one shall be allowed to ride on the outside of any apparatus at any time.

2.      Articles belonging to victims found at fires and other emergencies shall be given immediately to the officer in command.  If the articles are not claimed by the owners, they will be forwarded to the Chief.  No items shall be removed from one’s person or property if it does not pose an immediate threat to safety.

3.      No equipment belonging to the Fire District shall be loaned out to any member or non-member.  Such action shall result in disciplinary action which may include discharge.

4.      Should any individual or district loss occur at a fire station or at the scene of a fire or other emergency, members shall notify the law enforcement agency responsible for that jurisdiction and make a report through channels to the District Chief.

5.      All District business shall be carried on through regular channels, except as directed otherwise.  All communications, written request, etc. for supplies, materials for stations and grounds, equipment, or in connection with any business pertaining to Fire District operation shall be made through the immediate commanding officer of members and such request shall proceed through regular channels.

6.      All equipment and materials, regardless of how obtained by the stations, shall become the property of the District.  Any changes in equipment or operations shall be communicated so that proper adjustments can be made by all concerned.

7.      All rolling equipment shall be used for District Board approved purposes and shall not be used for personal use.  Any rolling equipment may be used by any active member of the district for purposes prescribed above.

8.      All members of the District are required to respond courteously to questions at all times and all circumstances, whether under oath or not.  If forbidden by the Constitution to divulge the requested information, members shall not divulge such information, but shall refer the question to the proper authority.

9.      No information is to be given to any news media without the authority of the District Chief.

10.  All occupants of a fire vehicle must fasten seatbelts, if equipped.  Headlights will remain on at all times.

11.  All personnel will respond promptly when they are dispatched.

12.  Hair, sideburns, mustaches, and beards should be kept in neat appearance and of responsible length, as to not jeopardize the safety of the firefighter.

2.       Sexual Harassment

A.    Sexual Harassment is unacceptable conduct in the workplace and will not be condoned.

B.     Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guidelines on Sex Discrimination.  Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment.

ARTICLE   XI.         DRIVING OF FIRE VEHICLES

1. All personnel driving fire department vehicles shall hold a valid Louisiana driver’s license, at least Class E (RS 32-402), and be at least 18 years of age and have received proper training.  If, for any reason, your license becomes expired or suspended, you must notify the District Chief AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

2. Re

3. You will not operate any equipment, drive any vehicles, or participate in any emergency situation while under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, any CDS (controlled dangerous substance) or illegal narcotic.

4. Accidents of Emergency Vehicles.

A.    All accidents with emergency vehicles will be reported to supervisor immediately.

1.      Do not move vehicle from the accident scene.

2.      Local or State Police will work the accident.

3.      Written statements will be given of drivers and passengers.

4.      Breath, blood, or urine tests may be ordered by police officials or by request of a Station Chief or the District Chief.  If such requests are made for said test, the operators are REQUIRED to take the test at the expense of the FIRE DISTRICT.

5. When responding to emergency calls of any nature, drivers shall drive safely, keeping their respective apparatus under control at all times.  The responsibility of determining what constitutes a safe speed under different circumstances or traffic conditions belongs to the driver or member in charge of the apparatus.  The driver or member in charge of any apparatus is hereby charged with the responsibility of exercising control over his/her actions, particularly in the governing of the speed with which he/she operates his/her apparatus at all times, including responding to a report of a fire or other emergency.  Any/all passing will be done to the left, as in accordance with Louisiana laws.

6. School, Church, and Hospital Zones:  When approaching school or church zones during times when they are in use, the apparatus shall be slowed to a speed consistent with safety.  All fire apparatus shall stop for a school bus discharging children.  No fire apparatus shall pass a school bus for any reason unless the school bus driver yields the right of way to the fire apparatus by pulling over to the right side of the road and coming to a complete stop. 

7. Railroad Crossings:  When approaching a railroad crossing, the driver of a fire apparatus shall turn on the emergency/hazard flashers and come to a complete stop at the railroad crossing, regardless if he/she is responding to an emergency.  Once the apparatus has fully cleared the railroad crossing, the driver should turn off the emergency/hazard flashers.

8. Passing other fire apparatus:  No driver of any fire apparatus shall pass any other fire apparatus when in response to an emergency, except with the permission (given over the radio) from the driver of the apparatus which is to be passed. 

9. When responding to an emergency and a funeral procession is encountered, the driver of the apparatus will proceed as discreetly as possible to the emergency.

10. Racing prohibited:  Racing to or from emergencies is strictly forbidden.  If two or more companies proceed along the same street, they shall do so in an orderly manner, keeping the distance between vehicles consistent with safety.  This includes privately owned vehicles which are identifiable as being used by fire department personnel.

11. Vehicles shall not be driven on or across sidewalks or private property, except in extreme emergencies.

12. No fire department vehicle will be used to escort another private vehicle in an emergency.

13. Personnel in their private vehicles responding to emergencies shall follow all of the above rules as applicable.

14. Warning Devices:

1. Sirens and Air Horns:  The siren and/or air horn shall be used when emergency lights are on to clear the right-of-way when responding to an alarm or other emergency.  Sirens and/or air horns shall not be sounded within 200 feet of hospitals, schools, and churches unless absolutely necessary.

2. Headlights and all emergency lights shall be turned on before responding to any emergency run, day or night.  All lights shall burn at the emergency scene as needed.

3. Spotlights should be extinguished if vehicle is properly and safely parked, and not needed, especially if the motor is not running or is running at idling speed.

4. Spotlights shall not be used to clear traffic when responding to emergencies.

14. Parking of Apparatus:

    1. At the scene of a fire:  Engines not being used at a fire should be moved from directly in front of the fire and properly parked some distance away.  All parking at fire scenes should be in such a manner, whenever possible, as not to block another vehicle.  All private vehicles should be parked far enough away from the scene and in such a manner as to not obstruct the entrance of the emergency vehicles.

    2. At the stations:  All apparatus when parked, or on a station driveway, shall be safely parked headed outward with the emergency brake set.

    3. In order to prevent accidents when backing, parking, or at any other time when needed, at least one shall act as a spotter and assist the driver in performing his/her job.  The air horn shall be sounded prior to any backing.

    4. After a fire has been put out, all station officers whose apparatus has been put back in service at the fire shall see that their apparatus is in position to answer another emergency call without delay.

     

15. Movement of Back-up Companies:

    1. All back-up companies shall respond immediately and do so in accordance with all traffic laws, unless instructed otherwise by dispatchers.

    2. All companies moving on back-up assignments shall operate on an emergency schedule, as if responding to an emergency.

     

16. Non-Emergency Driving:

    1. Drivers of any fire department apparatus shall obey all traffic laws when on any non-emergency run.  Headlights shall be on and seatbelts shall be worn at all times.

    2. When not answering an emergency call, drivers of fire department vehicles shall observe and practice all rules of courteous driving and shall yield right-of-way to pedestrians and to other drivers when due.

    3. Whenever possible, when on routine non-emergency assignments or returning from a fire or other emergency, the officer or other member in charge of an apparatus shall permit all personnel of his/her company to drive the apparatus so that they might become more familiar with its operation.

ARTICLE   XII.       CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS,

APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT

1.      CARE AND MAINTENANCE

A.    It shall be the responsibility of the Station Chief to assure that all apparatus is in proper operating condition:  that the tires are properly inflated (checked by tire air gauge), that the radiator, battery (checked by specific gravity), fuel tank, crankcase, booster tank, primer oil reservoir, and all other fluid levels are filled to recommended levels; and that the engine is performing as it should.  They must make a thorough, routine examination and inspection of the apparatus and equipment and a general inspection after each run.  They shall notify the District Board of any needed repairs.

B.     It is the responsibility of the Station Chief to keep the apparatus clean and lubricated.  This includes pedals, door hinges, etc.  The pump packing shall be tightened after every job where applicable.

C.     It shall be the duty of the Station Chief to see that the items, as listed in paragraph A, are checked and to notify the Board of any needed repairs.

ARTICLE   XIII.      RADIO OPERATION

1.  UNIFORM PROCEDURE

            A.  A uniform procedure for all units and operators will avoid confusion and increase the amount of radio traffic that can be handled in a given amount of time.  It must be remembered that the communications office and many mobile units besides your own will be utilizing their radios.  Do not hesitate to use the radio for any necessary Fire District business, but, at the same time, do not “tie up the line” with unnecessary conversation.  Proper adherence to uniform procedure and efficient operation will permit you and all other users of the equipment to gain maximum benefits of rapid and direct communication offered by two-way radio.  All radios shall be off when vehicles are in the stations.

2.  Call Signs

            A.        The District Chief shall have call signs FD 1 through 10.

            B.        Station 1 (Central Station) shall have call signs FD 101 through 199.

                              1.  No member shall have the call sign FD 100.  It is permanently retired in memory of Station 1 Chief, H. M. Fowler, III.

            C.        Station 2 (Hall Summit Station) shall have call signs FD 200 through 299.

            D.        Station 3 (Crossroads Station) shall have call signs FD 300 through 399.

            E.         Station 4 (Hickory Grove Station) shall have call signs FD 400 through 499.

            F.         Station 5 (Martin Station) will have call signs FD 500 through 599.

            G.        Station 6 (Jordan Ferry Station) shall have call signs FD 600 through 699.

            H.        Station 7 (Westdale Station) shall have call signs FD 700 though 799.

            I.          Station 8 (Harmon Station shall have call signs FD 800 through 899.

            J.          Each Chief shall have the first number of their respective designations.  It is possible that a person may have more than one call designation.

ARTICLE   XIV.      REPORTS AND BOOKS

1. GENERAL

   1. All reports and official communications shall be in ink or typewritten.

   2. All reports shall be completed on the designated day by personnel whose duty it is to complete them and shall be submitted and forwarded through proper channels to the proper authority.

   3. Reports and official communications shall be submitted in the following manner:

                                                              i.      Louisiana Fire Incident Reports shall be submitted within a reasonable period of time. 

                                                            ii.      Training activity reports shall be submitted on the first day of each month on the prescribed form.

                                                          iii.      A report in detail must be completed when any personnel is injured on duty.  This form must be completed within 24 hours of the occurrence.

                                                          iv.      Supply requisitions shall be submitted to the District Chief at the Chief’s meeting.

                                                            v.      Lost or damaged equipment reports shall be filled out and turned in immediately.

ARTICLE   XV.       UNIFORMS

    1.  The District Chief will prescribe the uniform and firefighting equipment to be worn by members of the department.

    2.      All clothing and equipment issued by the department shall be worn as issued.

ARTICLE   XVI.      PROTECTIVE GEAR

1.      Full protective clothing and gear will be worn, when applicable, by all personnel who are on the fire scene for any reason.  Full protective clothing and gear is considered to be helmet, turnout coat, turnout pants, fire boots, gloves, and self-contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.)

2.      Self-contained breathing apparatus will be used by all fire department personnel operating:

                                                                                                                                                                          i.      In a contaminated atmosphere.

                                                                                                                                                                        ii.      In an atmosphere which may suddenly become contaminated.

                                                                                                                                                                      iii.      In an atmosphere which is oxygen deficient.

                                                                                                                                                                      iv.      In an atmosphere which is suspected of being contaminated or oxygen deficient – such as overhaul, car fires, trash fires, grass fires, and all structure fires, etc.

ARTICLE   XVII.    STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

All members of the Red River Parishwide Fire Protection District shall be familiar with and follow the RED RIVER PARISHWIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (RRPFPD 10/1/89) and any amendments thereto.