3 - Rules and Regs

Question 1

100

Answer 1

General Responsibilities

Question 2

100.01

Answer 2

Knowledge of Regulations
Every employee is required to establish and maintain a working knowledge of all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Rules and Regulations, Operating Manuals, and General Orders of the department. In the event of improper action or breach of discipline, it will be presumed that the employee was familiar with the SOP, regulation, or order in question. Violation of any SOP, regulation, or order may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Question 3

100.02

Answer 3

County Personnel Regulations
Employees of the department shall be governed by the County Personnel Regulations
unless they are specifically exempted. Each employee of the department is required to
familiarize himself/herself with these rules.

Question 4

100.03

Answer 4

Obedience to the Laws and Regulations
All employees shall observe and obey all laws and ordinances, all rules and regulations of the department, and all General Orders and SOPs of the department

Question 5

100.04

Answer 5

Chain of Command
The unbroken line of authority extends from the County Executive, to the Fire Chief, and through a single subordinate at each level of command, down to the level of execution. The chain of command is the proper route for vertical communication among department members.

Question 6

100.05

Answer 6

Performance of Duty
All employees shall perform their duties as required or directed by law, SOP, departmental rule, Operating Manual, General Order, or by order of a superior officer. All lawful duties required by competent authority shall be performed promptly as directed, notwithstanding the general assignment of duties and responsibilities.

Question 7

100.06

Answer 7

Human Relations
Every employee is expected to perform his/her duties in an efficient, courteous, and orderly manner, employing patience and good judgment at all times. All employees shall refrain from harsh, profane, or insolent language or acts, and shall be courteous and civil in their dealings with others. Employees shall not use racial or ethnic slurs and innuendos. They shall use respectful, civil forms of address to all persons regardless of their life-style. Displays of bias toward any person on account of race, ethnicity, sex, religious preference or life-style shall be considered unbecoming conduct.

Question 8

100.07

Answer 8

Cooperation/Coordination
Employees shall coordinate their efforts with all other employees of the department and county agencies, with the objective of ensuring maximum achievement and continuity
of purpose through teamwork. All employees are charged with the responsibility of fostering and maintaining a high degree of cooperation both within the department and with all other agencies.

Question 9

100.08

Answer 9

Reporting Violation
Any employee who has knowledge of other employees, individually or collectively,
who are knowingly or unintentionally violating any laws or statutes, ordinances, Fairfax County Procedural Memorandums, SOPs, rules and regulations of the department, or who are disobeying orders, shall bring any and all facts pertaining to the matter to the attention of a superior officer. The superior officer contacted shall then take appropriate action. An employee may bypass the official chain of command and directly advise the Fire Chief in writing of the violation(s).

Question 10

100.09

Answer 10

Establishing Elements of Violation
The existence of facts confirming a violation of law, ordinance, SOP, rule or regulation, or order is all that is necessary to support any allegation for a charge under this section. It is not necessary that formal complaints be filed or sustained.

Question 11

200

Answer 11

Standards Of Conduct

Question 12

200.01

Answer 12

Accepting Gifts, Gratuities, Etc
Employees shall not solicit and shall not accept special favors, privileges, or discounts under circumstances that might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the
performance of official duties, unless previously approved by the Fire Chief, i.e., Fire Prevention code enforcement.

Question 13

200.02

Answer 13

Emergency Recall
Personnel are subject to emergency recall 24 hours a day. In the event of a general call back of off-duty personnel, no one shall be granted the option of declining to return to duty.

Question 14

200.03

Answer 14

Firearms
Firearms shall not be carried by on-duty personnel or on any Fire and Rescue Department equipment, except by those employees authorized by the Fire Chief. Personnel must submit a memo annually to the Fire Chief for approval to carry a firearm. Firearms shall not be stored in any Fire and Rescue Department facility unless approved by the Fire Chief.

Question 15

200.04

Answer 15

Free Admission and Passes
Employees shall not solicit or accept free admission to theaters and other places of amusement for themselves or others except in the line of duty.

Question 16

200.05

Answer 16

Gambling

Employees shall not indulge in any gambling while on duty or on county property or while wearing the department uniform

Question 17

200.06

Answer 17

Identification as a Fire and Rescue Department Employee
Except when impractical or not feasible, or where identity is obvious, employees shall identify themselves by displaying the official badge and/or identification card before taking action. Upon request by a citizen, employees shall willingly supply name and duty assignment in a courteous manner. On-duty personnel must carry their issued picture identification at all times.

Question 18

200.07

Answer 18

Immoral Conduct
Employees shall maintain a level of moral conduct in their personal and business
affairs, which is in keeping with the highest standards of the Fire and Rescue profession. Employees shall not participate in any incident involving moral turpitude, which impairs their ability to perform their duties or causes the department to be brought into disrepute

Question 19

200.08

Answer 19

Intoxicants on Departmental Premises
Employees shall not bring onto or keep any intoxicants on departmental premises, except when authorized in the performance of duty. Intoxicants shall not be transported in any Fire and Rescue Department vehicle (county or volunteer) except as necessary in accordance with official responsibilities on duty or off duty.

Question 20

200.09

Answer 20

Intoxicants - Purchase and Consumption
Employees shall not consume intoxicants while off-duty to the extent that evidence of such consumption is apparent when reporting for duty or to the extent that the ability to perform on duty is impaired. In addition, wearing the department uniform, or parts thereof, while consuming or purchasing intoxicants is prohibited.

Question 21

200.10

Answer 21

Intoxication

Employees shall not report for duty under the influence of any intoxicant or consume any intoxicant while on duty.

Question 22

200.11

Answer 22

Malingering
An employee shall be absent from duty because of sickness only when suffering from an illness or injury which would prevent the proper performance of duty, or as otherwise provided for in the county’s sick leave policy. He/she shall not feign sickness or disability, or attempt to deceive a supervisor concerning his/her physical or medical condition. Notification of the use of sick leave will be made to the employee’s supervisor prior to his/her scheduled reporting time as required in department SOP(s).

Question 23

200.12

Answer 23

Membership in Organizations
Except for Armed Forces Reserve and National Guard components, employees shall not become affiliated with any organization which in any way exacts prior consideration, or which would prevent its members from rendering proper and efficient service to the department.

Question 24

200.13

Answer 24

Obligation to Duty
Uniformed employees of the department are always subject to duty, although
periodically relieved from its routine performance. They shall at all times respond to the lawful orders of superior officers and other proper citizens. Proper action must be taken whenever required. Uniformed employees assigned to special duties are not relieved from taking proper action outside the scope of their specialized assignment when necessary.

Question 25

200.14

Answer 25

Personal Preference
Employees shall not seek the influence or intervention of any person outside the department for the purpose of personal preference, advantage, transfer, advancement, favoritism, or preferential treatment of any kind.

Question 26

200.15

Answer 26

Reporting to Duty
Employees shall report for duty at the time and place required by assignment or orders
and shall be properly uniformed, equipped, and prepared to assume duty. They shall give their undivided attention to orders, instructions, and any other information that may be disseminated.

Question 27

200.16

Answer 27

Smoking On or Off Duty
Uniformed employees hired on or after March 12, 1984, shall not smoke at any time on or off duty. Uniformed employees hired on or after June 8, 1998, shall not use nicotine products at any time on or off duty.

Question 28

200.17

Answer 28

Telephone Requirements
All employees are required to maintain a number by which they may be contacted, i.e., telephone, pager, etc., at their residence. Personnel who work part-time jobs shall have the number of their place of outside employment at their assigned work location. Changes in telephone numbers shall be reported as outlined in department SOP(s).

Question 29

200.18

Answer 29

Truthfulness
All employees shall supply complete and truthful information when questioned by any authority in the chain of command. The questioning shall be relevant to the performance of the employee’s official duty and/or fitness to perform such duty.

Question 30

200.19

Answer 30

Unbecoming Conduct
Employees shall conduct themselves at all times, both on and off duty, in such a manner as to reflect most favorably on the department. Conduct unbecoming an employee shall include that which brings the department into disrepute or reflects discredit upon the employee as a member of the department or that which impairs the operation or efficiency of the department or employee.

Question 31

300

Answer 31

Disciplinary Actions

Question 32

300.01

Answer 32

General Guidelines
The purpose of discipline is to address and to correct identified job performance, conduct, and attendance problems. When appropriate, disciplinary actions shall be progressive in nature and shall be consistent with the seriousness of the infraction. However, severe disciplinary action, including dismissal, may be appropriate for some offenses and may be taken without following the steps of progressive discipline. In any event, each case must be handled on its own merit with as much consistency as possible. If appropriate, a supervisory referral to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) should be considered as an adjunct to progressive discipline and should be administered according to department Standing Operating Procedures (SOP), and Fairfax County Personnel Regulation(s)..

Question 33

300.02

Answer 33

First Offense
Normally, progressive discipline starts as an oral reprimand with a supervisor making a brief notation of the date and circumstances. Oral reprimands shall be administered as outlined in the Fairfax County Personnel Regulations and appropriate SOP(s). The oral reprimand form recommended by the Department of Human Resources shall be administered as outlined in the Fairfax County Personnel Regulations. An informal referral to the EAP may be appropriate at this time, as outlined in department SOP(s).

Question 34

300.03

Answer 34

Second Offense
A written reprimand is appropriate for the second violation of the same or similar nature. Written reprimands are considered very strong disciplinary action. Written reprimands shall be administered as outlined in the Fairfax County Personnel Regulations and appropriate SOP(s). A formal supervisory referral to the EAP should be considered at this time. If a supervisor referral is implemented, it shall be administered as outlined in department SOP(s), including a preliminary call to the EAP advising them of the supervisor referral.

Question 35

300.04

Answer 35

Third Offense
FLSA Eligible, Pay grades S1 through S20 and F1 through F22: The third offense
of the same or similar nature will warrant a suspension.
FLSA Exempt, Pay grades S21 and higher and F24 and higher: The third offense of the same or similar nature will warrant a suspension of at least two 24-hour workdays and one 12-hour workday (60 hours of a continuous work period) or five 8- hour workdays.
No call back or voluntary overtime can be earned during pay period of discipline

Question 36

300.05

Answer 36

Fourth Offense

The fourth offense of the same or similar nature may result in dismissal

Question 37

300.06

Answer 37

Oral Counseling and Written Reprimand

Any supervisor may conduct oral counseling and may issue written reprimands

Question 38

300.07

Answer 38

Suspensions, Demotions, and Dismissals
Proposals for significant disciplinary actions must be reviewed with the respective supervisor’s chain of command and the department’s Human Resources Manager. These recommendations for suspensions, demotions, and dismissals must be conveyed to the Fire Chief via a copy of the advance-notice letter to the recipient. Only the Fire Chief has the authority to suspend, to demote, to dismiss an employee, or to grant an employee an EAP Disciplinary Diversion (as provided in and explained in department SOP(s)).

Question 39

400

Answer 39

Administrative Activities

Question 40

400.01

Answer 40

Submitting Reports
Employees shall promptly submit any reports required as a part of the performance of their duties or by competent authority.

Question 41

400.02

Answer 41

Falsifying Reports
Employee’s shall not knowingly falsify any official report, (including oral or radio report) or enter, or cause to be entered, any inaccurate, false or improper information in official records of the department.

Question 42

400.03

Answer 42

Altering Reports
Employees shall not alter or request any other person to alter or withdraw any report, letter, request, or other written or electronic communication that is or has been conducted through official channels. This restriction shall not preclude the correction of grammatical errors. No other employee shall advise, counsel, order, or otherwise dissuade any other employee from submitting any lawful report.

Question 43

400.04

Answer 43

Security of Official Records
Employees shall not reveal Fire and Rescue Department information except as required by law or competent authority. Specifically, information contained in department records, other official correspondence, and other information ordinarily accessible only to employees is considered confidential in nature. Indiscriminate and unauthorized disclosure of this and similar information reflects gross misconduct. The information contained in the station logbooks is the sole exception to this section.

Question 44

500

Answer 44

Court Actions Involving Employees

Question 45

500.01

Answer 45

Security of Official Records
Employees shall not reveal Fire and Rescue Department information except as required by law or competent authority. Specifically, information contained in department records, other official correspondence, and other information ordinarily accessible only to employees is considered confidential in nature. Indiscriminate and unauthorized disclosure of this and similar information reflects gross misconduct. The information contained in the station logbooks is the sole exception to this section.

Question 46

500.02

Answer 46

Civil or Court Actions, Court Appearances, Reporting of Process
An employee shall not testify in his/her capacity as a Fire and Rescue Department employee in cases involving civil or criminal actions unless he/she is served with a legal subpoena. This shall not apply to cases where the employee is the plaintiff or where the employee is related to the defendant by blood or marriage. Employees shall not enter into any financial agreement regarding appearances as representatives of the Fire and Rescue Department in any civil action except as authorized by the Fire Chief. Any employee named as a defendant who is served with civil process and any employee who is served with a subpoena to testify in his/her capacity as an employee of the Fire and Rescue Department as a witness in a civil action or in a civil action where another employee is named as the defendant shall immediately notify his/her Division Deputy Chief/Section Supervisor in the following manner. He/she shall forward a brief memorandum indicating the fact that a civil process or subpoena was served and stating the method of service, and the date of service. A copy of the process or subpoena shall be attached to the memorandum. Any employee who is served with a subpoena deuces tecum, which requests the
compilation of official department documents shall immediately forward a copy of the subpoena to the Information Technology Section. The subpoena shall be either handcarried or transmitted via a FAX machine

Question 47

500.03

Answer 47

Civil Depositions and Affidavits
An employee shall confer with the deputy chief of his/her division before filing a deposition or affidavit in a civil case resulting from performance of duty. The deputy chief shall contact the office of the Assistant Chief of the Personnel Services Bureau and the Professional Standards Officer prior to the employee giving the deposition or affidavit.

Question 48

500.04

Answer 48

Accepting Compensation for Damages
Employees shall not seek, file suit against, or solicit, nor accept from any person or agency any money or other compensation for damages or expenses incurred in the line of duty or which the employee has received sick or injury leave pay, without previously notifying the Fire Chief in writing of his/her intended course of action. Such notification also shall occur upon the final disposition of any suit in which an employee is awarded compensation for damages or expenses incurred in the line of duty

Question 49

600

Answer 49

Official Representation

Question 50

600.01

Answer 50

Commercial Testimonials
Employees shall not permit their names or photographs to be used in endorsing any product that is service-connected with the Fire and Rescue Department without the permission of the Fire Chief, and shall not allow their names or photographs to be used in any commercial testimonial, which alludes to their positions or employment with the department.

Question 51

600.02

Answer 51

Personal Publicity
Employees shall not use their positions within the department to enhance or to promote any private enterprise, or to seek personal publicity.

Question 52

600.03

Answer 52

Public Appearance Requests
Requests for public speeches, presentations, and the like shall be routed to the affected division for approval and processing. Employees directly approached with requests of this nature shall refer the party to their division supervisors. Supervisors may coordinate with the Public Information Officer on the appropriateness of the public appearance request.

Question 53

600.04

Answer 53

Publishing Articles
Employees, as authors or co-authors of any articles representing their positions in the department or the policies of the Fire and Rescue Department, shall submit the article to the Fire Chief and the Public Information and Life Safety Education Section for review prior to submission of the article for publication.

Question 54

700

Answer 54

Orders

Question 55

700.01

Answer 55

Insubordination

Except as otherwise stated herein, defiance of lawful authority or disobedience to orders constitutes insubordination.

Question 56

700.02

Answer 56

Unlawful Orders
Employees shall not knowingly issue any order that is in violation of laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, or standard operating procedures.

Question 57

700.03

Answer 57

Manner of Issuing Orders
Orders shall be issued in a clear and civil tone, in an understandable manner, and in the interest of department business.

Question 58

700.04

Answer 58

Disobedience to Unlawful Orders
No employee is expected to or shall obey any order that he/she knows to be contrary to federal or state law or county ordinance. At the time the unlawful order is issued, the employee shall advise the issuing authority of its illegality. Should that authority persist in demanding compliance, an employee of superior rank or status to all parties involved should be summoned to decide the controversy. Responsibility for refusal to obey rests with the employee, and he/she shall be required to justify his/her actions.

Question 59

700.05

Answer 59

Obedience to Improper Orders
Employees who receive orders that they feel are unjust or contrary to department SOPs, GOs, or Rules and Regulations are required to obey the order, but may then proceed to appeal that order at the earliest opportunity.

Question 60

700.06

Answer 60

Reports and Appeals – Unlawful or Improper Orders
An employee receiving an unlawful, unjust or improper order shall, at the first opportunity and prior to the conclusion of the tour of duty in which the order was given, report the facts in writing to the deputy fire chief through official channels. This report shall contain the facts of the incident and the action taken. Appeals for the release from such orders may be made at the same time.

Question 61

700.07

Answer 61

Conflicting Orders
Upon receipt of an order that is in conflict with any previous order or instruction, the affected employee shall respectfully advise the person issuing the superseding order of the conflict. Responsibility for countermanding the original instruction then rests with the individual issuing the superseding order. If the superseding command is held in force, it shall be obeyed, thereby, rendering all previous orders ineffective. Orders will be countermanded only when in the best interests of the department. Employees shall not indulge in any gambling while on duty or on county property or while wearing the department uniform

Question 62

800

Answer 62

County Property and Equipment

Question 63

800.01

Answer 63

Accountability
Title to all uniforms and equipment purchased for and issued to employees of the department shall be vested in the County of Fairfax. Employees shall be held strictly accountable for the proper care, security, use, and maintenance of all articles, uniforms, and official equipment provided. If property is lost or damaged, the responsible employee may be subjected to reimbursement charges and/or disciplinary action. Uniforms and official equipment shall be worn or used only in accordance with departmental regulations.

Question 64

800.02

Answer 64

Care of Buildings
Employees shall not mar, mark, deface, or destroy any surface on any departmental building unless it is in the proper execution of duty with the consent of competent authority.

Question 65

800.03

Answer 65

Damage or Inoperative Property or Equipment
Employees shall immediately report to their supervisors any loss of, or damage to, departmental property assigned to or used by them. Moreover, the superior shall be notified of any defect or hazardous conditions found in any departmental equipment or property.

Question 66

800.04

Answer 66

Defacing Notices
Employees shall not mark, alter, or deface any posted notice of the department unless ordered by competent authority. No inflammatory, discrediting, or derogatory notices shall be posted at any time.

Question 67

900

Answer 67

Uniforms and Grooming

Question 68

900.01

Answer 68

General
All employees shall maintain regulation uniforms in neat order and good repair. The uniform shall be worn in conformance with department policy as described in department SOP(s).

Question 69

900.02

Answer 69

Manner of Dress on DutNormally, employees will be required to wear the issued duty uniform and equipment; however, deputy fire chiefs may prescribe other clothing and equipment as necessitated by the nature of the duty to which a particular employee is assigned.

Question 70

900.03

Answer 70

Civilian Attire
Civilian clothing worn by employees during a tour of duty shall conform to standards normally found in private business. Deputy fire chiefs may prescribe other types of clothing as deemed necessary.