Title 31 · Chapter 31 - FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

Chapter 31 - FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

Section: 31

Sec. 30.803. - Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator. Chapter 32 - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Chapter 31 - FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT[1]

Footnotes: --- (1) ---

Editor's note— Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5, substantially amended the provisions of former Chapter 31, relative to the Public Safety Department, to read as herein set out. See the Ordinance Disposition Table for a specific disposition of these amendments.

Charter reference— Departments, art. 7; civil service, art. 17; collective bargaining for public employees, § 19.201 et seq.

Cross reference— Police and firefighters' pension plan, Ch. 121; fire prevention code, tit. XII; fire protection, Ch. 678.

State Law reference— Firemen, special provisions relative to disability, F.S. § 112.18; communicable diseases and firefighters, F.S. § 112.181; firemen, death benefits, F.S. § 112.191; State Emergency Management Act, F.S. Ch. 252; local disaster agencies, F.S. § 252.38; training standards for firefighters, F.S. § 633.30 et seq.

PART 1. - OFFICE OF DIRECTOR

Sec. 31.101. - Establishment; Director of Fire and Rescue.

There is established an executive department to be known as the Fire and Rescue Department, which shall be responsible, under the supervision of the Mayor, for the management, operation and control of fire and rescue services in the City. The head of the Department shall be the Director of Fire and Rescue, who shall also be known as the Fire Chief. The Director shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Director shall have a college degree from an accredited college or university, proven administrative ability and at least five years' administrative experience in the field of public safety, or commensurate training and experience. The Fire and Rescue Department shall include the Fire Operations, Fire Rescue, Fire Training, Fire Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Administrative Services Divisions.

(Ord. 73-1060-516, § 2; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 84-1296-683, § 2; Ord. 85-463-280, § 1; Ord. 85-1575-820, § 1; Ord. 88-273-169, § 22; Ord. 88-493-239, § 1; Ord. 89-48-43, § 1; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5; Ord. 2003-1058-E, § 14; Ord. 2005-1518-E, § 1; Ord. 2016-765-E, § 2)

Note— Former §§ 16.101, 16.102.

Sec. 31.102. - Deputy Fire Chief.

There shall be within the department a Deputy Fire Chief who shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Deputy Fire Chief shall perform such duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Mayor, the Director or by law. The Deputy Fire Chief shall act for and exercise the functions of the Director during the absence or inability of the Director or in the event that the office of the Director is vacant. The Deputy Fire Chief shall have at least five years' experience in the administration or management of firefighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, equipment and apparatus or other commensurate training and experience.

(Ord. 2024-175-E, § 11)

Sec. 31.103. - Administrative Services Chief.

There shall be within the department an Administrative Services Chief who shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Administrative Services Chief shall perform such duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Director or Deputy Fire Chief. The Administrative Services Chief shall have at least five years' experience in the administration or management of firefighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, equipment and apparatus or other commensurate training and experience.

(Ord. 2024-175-E, § 11)

PART 2. - FIRE OPERATIONS DIVISION

Sec. 31.201. - Created; function.

There is created the Fire Operations Division, which shall be responsible for providing fire protection for the General Services District, except where the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Urban Services Districts shall have established municipal fire departments. The Director of Fire and Rescue may authorize the Division to provide fire protection services within the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Urban Services Districts upon request of the appropriate authorities thereof. The Division shall also be responsible for the fire volunteer functions of the Department. The Director of Fire and Rescue may provide fire protection services to adjacent counties, and municipalities located therein, upon request and pursuant to an interlocal agreement approved by the Council.

(Ord. 81-104-37, §§ 2, 3; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 85-463-280, § 3; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5)

Editor's note— Section 2, Ord. 81-104-37, enacted March 10, 1981, abolished the Fire Protection Division. See Ord. 81-104-37, § 8 for transition provisions relating to accountability for the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, personnel, unexpended balances of appropriations and records of the former Fire Protection Division. See Ord. 85-463-280, § 11 for transition provisions relating to administration and management of the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, personnel and unexpended balances of appropriations and records pertaining to the Fire Prevention Bureau formerly within the Fire Operations Division which were transferred for administration and management to the Fire Prevention Division by this ordinance.

Note— Former § 16.201.

Sec. 31.202. - Division Chief.

The Chief, Fire Operations shall be the Division Chief of the Fire Operations Division, and he shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Chief, Fire Operations shall have at least five years' experience in the administration of firefighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, equipment and apparatus; or commensurate training and experience.

(Ord. 81-104-37, §§ 2, 3; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1)

Editor's note— Section 2, Ord. 81-104-37, enacted March 10, 1981, abolished the positions of Urban Fire Chief and General Services Fire Chief.

Note— Former § 16.202.

Sec. 31.203. - Oil pollution control responsibilities.

The Fire Operations Division shall be responsible, on behalf of the City, for local assistance in enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251—1376), including assistance in the preparation and carrying out of the national contingency plan for removal of oil discharged into navigable waters as provided by the Amendments.

(Ord. 70-633-278, § 1; Ord. 70-650-526; Ord. 71-397-181; Ord. 81-104-37, §§ 2, 3; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1)

Note— Former § 16.203.

PART 3. - RESCUE DIVISION

Sec. 31.301. - Created; function.

There is created the Rescue Division, which shall be responsible for emergency medical and/or rescue services for the General Services District, as provided in Part 2, Chapter 158. The Division shall meet applicable emergency medical and rescue standards fixed by law or regulation.

(Ord. 81-104-37, § 4; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5)

Editor's note— Section 2, Ord. 81-104-37, enacted March 10, 1981, abolished the Fire Protection Division.

Note— Former § 16.301.

Sec. 31.302. - Division Chief.

The Chief, Rescue Division shall be the Division Chief of the Rescue Division, and he shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Chief shall have at least five years' experience in the administration or management of firefighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, equipment and apparatus.

(Ord. 81-104-37, § 4; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5)

Note— Former § 16.302.

Sec. 31.303. - Auxiliary.

The Director of Fire and Rescue is authorized to recognize the Jacksonville Emergency Medical Auxiliary for the Rescue Division. This auxiliary shall be a corporation not for profit organized under the laws of Florida and shall maintain a volunteer organization of certified EMS personnel to serve and assist the Fire and Rescue Department in promoting good emergency care to residents of and visitors to Duval County. The Director of Fire and Rescue shall make rules to implement this Section, authorize the expenditure of public funds and make use of personal services and public properties as may be necessary to provide support and assistance to the auxiliary. The members of the auxiliary shall be provided with public liability and malpractice insurance coverage while participating in City-sponsored events or in emergency situations, at the request of the Director of Fire and Rescue or his designee. Such insurance shall be subject to the limitations and provisions of F.S. § 768.28, both as provided by the Director of Finance and Administration under Chapter 128. Auxiliary members participating in City-sponsored events or in emergency situations shall be under the supervision of City rescue officers.

(Ord. 83-1341-725, § 1; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5; Ord. 2016-140-E, § 16)

Editor's note— Section 2, Ord. 81-104-37, enacted March 10, 1981, abolished the positions of Urban Fire Chief and General Services Fire Chief.

Editor's note— Ordinance 2007-839-E, § 18, authorized updated department/division names pursuant to reorganization.

PART 4. - FIRE TRAINING DIVISION

Sec. 31.401. - Created; function.

There is created the Fire Training Division. The Division shall be responsible for providing training, for the Fire Operations Division, the Fire Rescue Division, the Fire Prevention Division and the Fire Services Division. Primary duties performed will include needs assessment, program development, evaluation, instruction, scheduling and internal/external coordination, and general supervision for professional development activities for firefighters, including EEO/AA programs, career counseling, recruitment, community relations and leadership development. The Fire Training Academy shall be a component activity of the Fire Training Division.

(Ord. 84-1296-683, § 1; Ord. 85-463-280, § 5; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5)

Editor's note— See Ord. 84-1296-683, § 7 for transition provisions relating to accountability for the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, personnel and unexpended balances of appropriations and records pertaining to training and the Fire Training Academy formerly within the Fire Services Division which were transferred for administration and management to the Fire Support Division by this ordinance. See Ord. 85-463-280, § 10 for transition provisions relating to administration of the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, personnel, unexpended balances of appropriations and records of former Fire Support Division.

Sec. 31.402. - Division Chief.

The Chief, Fire Training shall be the Division Chief of the Fire Training Division. The Chief shall perform the duties of the officer in charge of the Fire Training Academy. The Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Chief shall have at least five years' experience in the administration, training or management of fire fighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, equipment and apparatus.

(Ord. 84-1296-683, § 1; Ord. 85-463-280, § 5; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5; Ord. 2005-1518-E, § 1)

PART 5. - FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION

Sec. 31.501. - Created; function.

There is created the Fire Prevention Division. The Division shall be responsible for arson investigation, fire code enforcement and fire inspection. The Division shall also be responsible for issuing special permits as mandated by the Ordinance Code and State Statutes.

(Ord. 85-463-280, § 6; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5)

Editor's note— See Ord. 85-463-280, § 11 for transition provisions relating to administration and management of the assets, liabilities, contracts, property, personnel and unexpended balances of appropriations and records pertaining to the Fire Prevention Bureau formerly within the Fire Operations Division which were transferred for administration and management to the Fire Prevention Division by this ordinance.

Sec. 31.502. - Division Chief.

The Chief, Fire Prevention, shall be the Division Chief of the Fire Prevention Division. The Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the Council, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Chief shall have at least five years' experience in the administration, training or management of fire fighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, fire code enforcement, equipment and apparatus.

(Ord. 85-463-280, § 6; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5; Ord. 2005-1518-E, § 1)

PART 6. - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DIVISION

Sec. 31.601. - Created; function.

There is created the Emergency Preparedness Division within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. The Division shall be responsible for emergency preparedness in accordance with and in support of the national and state emergency preparedness plans and programs and as provided in Chapter 674.

The Emergency Preparedness Division shall have an Emergency Preparedness Director and a Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness. The Emergency Preparedness Director and the Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness shall both report to the Director of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

(Ord. 73-1060-516, § 2; Ord. 81-104-37, § 2; Ord. 81-524-311, § 3; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 84-1296-683, § 5; Ord. 85-463-280, § 7; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5; Ord. 2020-411-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 16.701.

Sec. 31.602. - Emergency Preparedness Director.

The Emergency Preparedness Director shall lead the Emergency Preparedness Division on a day to day basis. The Director shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Director shall have had at least five years' administrative or executive experience. The Emergency Preparedness Director shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the Emergency Preparedness Division, including oversight of the Division's budget.

(Ord. 73-1060-516, § 2; Ord. 81-104-37, § 2; Ord. 81-524-311, § 3; Ord. 83-591-400, § 1; Ord. 84-1296-683, § 5; Ord. 85-463-280, § 7; Ord. 91-1024-418, § 5; Ord. 95-1272-768, § 1; Ord. 2005-1518-E, § 1; Ord. 2020-411-E, § 1)

Note— Former § 16.701.

Sec. 31.603. - Emergency Preparedness Director as Duval County Emergency Planning Director.

In addition to all other duties prescribed by law, the Emergency Preparedness Director shall also perform the duties and hold the office of the Duval County Emergency Planning Director.

Note— Former § 16.702.

Sec. 31.604. - Emergency Preparedness Director as Special Advisor to the Mayor for Emergency Preparedness.

The City Council finds and determines that effective emergency management and preparedness for such emergency management is critical to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City. Effective emergency management and preparedness demands that the Emergency Preparedness Director have immediate, direct and unrestricted access to the Mayor to advise and receive direction on matters involving emergency management and preparedness. Such access, with respect to emergency management and preparedness, should supersede any and all normal reporting requirements through existing chains of command. Therefore, in addition to all other duties prescribed by law, the Emergency Preparedness Director shall also be designated as Special Advisor to the Mayor for Emergency Preparedness. The procedures, duties and responsibilities of the Special Advisor shall include but shall not be limited to the following:

(a)

The Special Advisor shall have immediate, direct and unrestricted access to the Mayor on all matters concerning the City's management of and preparedness for emergencies.

(b)

The Special Advisor shall be responsible for presenting to the Mayor a semi-annual emergency preparedness report. This report, to be presented both orally and in writing, shall ensure that the Mayor is kept continually up to date on the ability of the City to prepare for, respond to and manage emergencies under F.S. Ch. 252 and Chapter 674 of the Ordinance Code.

(Ord. 94-1272-768, § 2; Ord. 2020-411-E, § 1)

Sec. 31.605. - Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness.

The Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness shall be the division chief of the Emergency Preparedness Division. The Chief shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council, and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. The Chief shall have at least five years' experience in the administration, training or management of firefighting, emergency medical or rescue personnel, equipment and apparatus.

The Chief is responsible for the organization, administration, and operation of the Emergency Preparedness Division, subject to the direction of the Director of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department or the Emergency Preparedness Director. The Chief shall coordinate the activities, services, and programs for emergency management and disaster response within Duval County and shall be the point of contact with other emergency management organizations. The Chief shall prepare a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and program for the emergency management of Duval County pursuant to Chapter 252, Florida Statutes. The Plan shall include, but not be limited to, elements addressing mitigation activities, preparedness, responses to disasters and emergencies, and recovery operations and [the Chief shall] submit the Plan and program to the Director of the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management for review, certification, and consistency with the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

The Chief shall monitor and advise the Director of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the Emergency Preparedness Director of any and all threats, emergencies, or disasters that pose a risk to the lives and safety of the residents of Duval County, proposing solutions for their decision on how best to protect people and property from imminent danger, or from further damage. The Chief shall procure supplies and equipment, institute training programs, public preparedness information and education programs, and manage and coordinate disaster drills and exercises in accordance with the Plan.

The Chief shall, in consultation with all municipalities, concerned agencies, public utilities and state offices, develop an evacuation plan for Duval County. This plan should be utilized for any or all types of emergencies or disasters. It should coordinate the efforts of all local entities allowing for rapid execution in the face of a sudden disaster.

(Ord. 2020-411-E, § 1)

Sec. 31.606. - Cost Recovery Responsibilities.

The Division Chief of Emergency Preparedness shall be primarily responsible for the following duties, in addition to other duties specifically assigned by the Director of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department or Emergency Preparedness Director:

(a)

Ensure all required applications, documentation, forms (214's), etc. are properly completed and submitted during times of declared or other emergencies that could result in the recovery of Federal or State funding.

(b)

Work with the appropriate City, State, or Federal partners to ensure all cost recovery occurs as timely as possible.

(Ord. 2020-411-E, § 1)

PART 7. - JACKSONVILLE FIRE MUSEUM

Sec. 31.701. - Museum established; purpose.

There is hereby established a free public museum to be known as the Jacksonville Fire Museum (hereinafter referred to as the Fire Museum), which shall be under the control and direction of its Executive Director, who shall be advised by the Jacksonville Fire Museum Advisory Board. The purpose of the Fire Museum is to gather, collect, restore, arrange, classify, display and exhibit in suitable surroundings documents, records, machinery, equipment, and other items from and representing the development and growth of fire fighting in the City.