Support Membership
Rules and Regulations

Purpose:  The purpose of this policy is to create and maintain a mechanism in which individuals from the community who do not wish to or are unable to be active firefighters may continue to support East Wood VFD during emergency and non-emergency activities.  This policy addresses present members, former members and individuals with no prior affiliation. 

Strict adherence to this policy will allow individuals to participate on emergency scenes and protect them from injury or liability.

This policy is in accordance with WV State Fire Commission Guidelines, article 4.02 section E, support personnel.

 

  • Support members will not function or be in an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Atmosphere; examples include fire or explosive environments.  IDLH atmospheres will be determined by the Officer in Command (OIC).

  • Support members will not utilize pressurized hoses or ancillary equipment.

  • Support members will not utilize or wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

  • Support members may operate department emergency vehicles if member meets EWVFD driver/operator training and competency requirements.

  • Support members may ride in department vehicles if no other firefighters are present. 

  • Support members may function on an emergency scene performing duties within their scope of abilities and meet EWVFD training and competency requirements for that specific duty.

  • Support members may retain voting privileges during business meetings if member meets “active” status for the previous month, the required 12 hours per month must be documented by department policy.

  • Support members may have access to EWVFD buildings within reasonable limits and hours and with the approval of the Chief, Board of Directors and the body.

  • Member must apply for membership through the department membership committee.

  • Firefighters requesting transfer from active status to support member status may be acted upon by the body and general membership.

  • Support members requesting transfer from Support to active firefighter status may be acted upon by the body and general membership; the body may address the need for a probationary period.

  • Non-affiliated applicants with no previous EWVFD affiliation may be subjected to a background check.

  • Applicant may be required to complete a probationary period at the request of the general body and membership.

  • Support members will be placed into a company assignment and will report to the officer of that company during non-emergency activities.

  • Support member will complete an orientation program as part of the interview process.

  • Support members may obtain training through EWVFD affiliation but will be responsible for costs and fees of any training obtained from an outside organization.

  • Support members must be a minimum of 18 years old.

  • Support members will not possess or operate emergency vehicle equipment on personal vehicles.

  • Support members may be issued department owned personal protective equipment for specific purposes if approved by the Chief, Board of Directors and the General membership.

  • Support members may be issued EWVFD owned communications equipment that is retired or unused if approved by the Chief, Board of Directors and the General membership.

  • Support members will not hold any elected office or appointed position.

  • Support members will obey and follow all department By-Laws and Standard Operating Guidelines.

  • Support members are required to attend a minimum of one regularly scheduled Tuesday evening meeting per quarter.

  • Support members may not function as an Incident Commander (OIC) or assume a position of command or authority.

  • Support members must document activities and participation hours in accordance with East Wood VFD policies. 

  • Support members may be removed from a perceived danger at the discretion of the OIC.  (Example:  Need for additional PPE, escalating hazardous environment.)

  • Support members are suggested to have hand and eye protection, sturdy footwear, long pants and long sleeves at their own expense.  Reflective vests will be available on EWVFD engines.

  • All Support memberships will be evaluated semi-annually.  Memberships and support status may be revoked at any time the action is necessary and by majority vote of the body.

  • During emergency operations, support members will report and answer to the OIC of an emergency scene and will follow all orders given.

 

Last Update:  03/18/2007