This article describes the general duties of each position in this department (Elected, Appointed and Regular).  Established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s) will address more specific duties and set procedures to be followed for normal operations and alarm responses.

The Fire Chief shall :

  • Be the administrator and commander of the department.
  • Be responsible for the overall operations of the Fire Department, including facilities, apparatus, personnel and equipment.
  • Appoint committees and officers, not otherwise provided for.
  • Assume full charge of all members, apparatus and equipment during department activities
  • Preside over meetings in the absence of the President.
  • Have the authority to sound a general alarm and call out any and all members and apparatus for any purpose incidental to this office.
  • Recommend the purchase of new equipment, as necessary.
  • Assume full responsibility for all fire equipment and see to its proper care and maintenance.
  • Acquaint himself/herself with new fire fighting technologies by attending schools, drills, conferences, etc.
  • See that proper discipline is maintained in the Department.
  • Have authority to suspend any member for violating this constitution, established policies or regulations or committing any unlawful act during meetings, drills, emergency or other official function of the Department.
  • Represent this Department to the public, civic organizations, and the business community and maintain effective public relations.
  • Have signature authority on all funds controlled by the Department.

The Assistant Fire Chiefs shall :

  • Report to the Fire Chief.
  • Assist the Chief with the administration of the Department.
  • Assume command of department activities and emergency scenes as warranted.
  • Be responsible for the supervision of all fire officers and firefighters under his/her command during emergency operations and department activities.
  • Be responsible for the management of assigned facilities and duties.
  • Represent the Fire Chief when requested by him/her.
  • Assume the duties of the Fire Chief during his/her absence
  • Have the authority to take all appropriate and necessary action in the event of fire or other emergency and enforce safety regulations.
  • Acquaint himself/herself with new fire fighting technologies by attending schools, drills, conferences, etc.
  • See that proper discipline is maintained in the Department.
  • Have authority to suspend any member for violating this constitution, established policies or regulations or committing any unlawful act during meetings, drills, emergency or other official function of the Department in the absence of the Fire Chief.
  • Assume other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

The Fire Marshal shall :

  • Report to the Fire Chief.
  • Assume the duties of chief in the absence of the Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs.
  • Assume command of emergency scenes as needed.
  • Be responsible for the investigation of fires, fire deaths and other emergencies under authority of governing entities; within the city limits as outlined by the City of Smithville Code of Ordinances and within the Department’s response district.
  • Have authorities as pursuant to Federal, State, Local laws and ordinances.
  • Have authority to secure any emergency scene and deny entry to the same.
  • May call any member to duty as warranted for the purpose of fire investigation.
  • Have authority to bypass the command chain and request outside assistance for investigative purposes.
  • Have authority to detain any member under the duties of the office to which he/she is charged.
  • Maintain record of all incidents to which the Department responds and see to their completeness and accuracy.
  • Oversee all Fire prevention and public education activities.
  • Represent the Fire Chief or Department as requested.
  • Recommend ordinances, codes and other regulations to governing entities.
  • Assume other duties as customary to the Office of Fire Marshal.
  • Assume other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

The Captain shall :

  • Assume duties as directed by the Fire Chief and assigned officer.
  • Be responsible for the supervision of all fire officers and firefighters under his/her
    command during emergency operations and department activities.
  • Be responsible for the management of assigned facilities and duties.
  • Assume command and direct other fire officers and firefighters during emergency operations.
  • Assume the duties of chief officer as assigned.
  • Show fair and impartial treatment of all subordinates and promptly deal with incompetence, misconduct, and neglect of duty.
  • Be responsible for scheduling and coordinating company work details to ensure the care and general maintenance of apparatus and equipment under his/her command.
  • Promptly report all vehicular accidents, injuries, illnesses, lost or damaged equipment, malfunctions and any other unusual conditions to the Chief.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of all equipment on assigned apparatus.
  • Be responsible for an ongoing program of training and instruction in procedures and techniques of driving and operating the apparatus and all equipment under his/her command.
  • Assume other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or assigned officer.

The Lieutenant shall :

  • Be under the command of the assigned Captain
  • Be a company level officer in charge of assigned firefighters and apparatus.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of all equipment on assigned apparatus.
  • Assume command and direct other fire officers and firefighters during emergency operations.
  • Assume the duties of Captain as assigned.
  • Show fair and impartial treatment of all subordinates and promptly deal with incompetence, misconduct, and neglect of duty.
  • Be responsible for scheduling and coordinating company work details to ensure the care and general maintenance of apparatus and equipment under his/her command.
  • Promptly report all vehicular accidents, injuries, illnesses, lost or damaged equipment, malfunctions and any other unusual conditions.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of all equipment on assigned apparatus.
  • Be responsible for an ongoing program of training and instruction in procedures and techniques of driving and operating the apparatus and all equipment under his/her command.
  • Assume other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief or assigned officer.

The President shall :

  • Preside over all meetings of the Department.
  • Serve as chairman of the Executive Council.
  • Have no fire ground authority.
  • Be in charge of fund raising activities and social events of the Department.
  • Appoint committees as needed.
  • Cast the deciding vote where there is a tie.
  • Have the authority to expel members from meetings for improper conduct.
  • Call meetings and work details as needed.
  • Report the affairs of the Department to the membership.
  • Represent the Department as requested.
  • See that a yearly operating budget is generated for the Department.
  • Have signature authority on all funds controlled by the Department.

The Secretary shall :

  • Report to the President.
  • Attend regular meetings of the Department.
  • Keep accurate minutes of the proceedings of the Department.
  • Read the minutes of the previous meetings, as requested.
  • Record attendance and absences at all meetings, issue notices, maintain record of applications, resignations and other proceedings and place copies in personnel files of affected members.
  • Assume other duties as customary to the office of Secretary.

The Treasurer shall :

  • Manage accounts held by the Department.
  • Record all funds generated by the Department.
  • Sign checks under authorization of the President or Chief.
  • Retain checkbooks and ledgers of the Department.
  • Submit all accounts for an audit at the close of the fiscal year.
  • Report to the Executive Council and membership, the status of all accounts and budget, as requested.

The Training Coordinator shall :

  • Report to the Fire Chief.
  • See that adequate training programs are conducted in the Department.
  • Recommend the purchase of suitable training manuals, textbooks, and other instructional materials.
  • Serve as Certification Coordinator and hold certificates and certifications as required by the State Fireman’s & Fire Marshal’s Association, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and the Texas Department of Health.
  • Maintain training records of all members and make reports as requested.
  • Submit all paperwork, as requested, to the State Fireman’s & Fire Marshal’s Association or other agencies.
  • Coordinate training activities and make recommendations to the Chief.
  • Assume other duties as assigned by the Fire Chief.

The Firefighter shall :

  • Report to assigned officer.
  • Respond to all alarms and other emergencies.
  • Extinguish and prevent fires and make inspection of fire risks as directed.
  • Assume duties assigned by the Captain or Lieutenant of assigned apparatus.
  • Participate in drills, fire prevention schools, and other Department training activities.
  • Keep assigned apparatus and equipment in good working condition.
  • Know the location of all tools and appliances on assigned apparatus.
  • Keep assigned apparatus and station neat and clean.
  • Have a thorough working knowledge of the company response territory, streets, street numbers, hydrants, pre-planned set-ups, standpipes, sprinkler systems, etc.
  • Maintain a courteous and cordial working relationship with all members of the Department and with the public.
  • Be proficient in the operation of the assigned apparatus, including but not limited to pumps, and pumping operations, ladders, hydraulic systems, foam and dry chemical equipment, tools, appliances and equipment that may be used and/or operated.
  • Be familiar with the operation and equipment of all other Department apparatus and equipment.
  • Report all equipment and vehicle problems to the Captain or Lieutenant of assigned apparatus.

The Probationary Firefighter shall :

  • Report to assigned officer.
  • Be considered an active member and may vote.
  • Respond to all alarms and other emergencies.
  • Operate or drive fire apparatus for training only, under supervision.
  • Extinguish and prevent fires under supervision only.
  • Participate in drills, fire prevention schools, and other Department training activities.
  • Keep assigned apparatus and equipment in good working condition.
  • Know the location of all tools and appliances on assigned apparatus.
  • Keep assigned apparatus and station neat and clean.
  • Be familiar with the operation and equipment of all other Department apparatus and equipment.
  • Report all equipment and vehicle problems to the Captain or Lieutenant of assigned apparatus.

Applicants and Recruits shall :

  • Have no privileges or rights of a member.
  • Not be covered by Department insurance.
  • Not respond to emergency incidents in fire apparatus.
  • Not be issued any personal protective equipment.
  • Not interfere with fire scene operations.

All Members shall :

  • Be financially responsible for all equipment issued to him/her by this Department upon ending membership in this Department.
  • Maintain a courteous and cordial working relationship with all members of the Department and with the public.
  • Maintain a professional attitude and appearance when representing the department.
  • Abide by the rules and policies of the department.
  • Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the Fire Station(s) as needed or requested.
  • Participate in drills, fire prevention schools, and other Department training activities
  • Have a thorough working knowledge of the response territory, streets, street numbers, hydrants, pre-planned set-ups, standpipes, sprinkler systems, etc.
  • Be proficient in the operation of the assigned apparatus, including but not limited to pumps, and pumping operations, ladders, hydraulic systems, foam and dry chemical equipment, tools, appliances and equipment that may be used and/or operated.
  • Be familiar with the operation and equipment of all other Department apparatus and equipment.
  • Report life safety and fire safety hazards to the Fire Marshal.