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HYATTSVILLE
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

DISCPLINARY ACTION

When handling personnel problems, station officers will utilize the following three-step procedure:

Step 1: Speak to the violator in private. Explain precisely how the individual does not measure up (ie: what action(s) have taken place to create a deficiency) and how you suggest he/she correct the deficiency. After the conference is over, place a handwritten note in your files listing the date and time and the basic context of the conference.

Step 2: Should the individual continue the bad habit, infractions, or a more serious violation has occurred, hold another private conference. Immediately after the discussion is concluded, give the individual a written notice as to deficiencies and how he/she is expected to improve. Place a copy of this notice in your files and let the violator know that you are doing so. It may prove beneficial to destroy the notice after six months if the person has improved and maintained satisfactory performance.

Step 3: If steps one and two fail to correct the problem, or an even more serious violation occurs, prepare written charges specifying the infraction and outlining previous efforts to correct the problem. Keep one copy, give one to the violator and forward one each to the Chief and President.

An officer may invoke a suspension or work assignment at his/her discretion, and at any level of disciplinary action. Suspensions are encouraged at the Step 3 level. Work assignments are encouraged at Step 2.

The President, Chief and all Station Officers (volunteer & career) have the authority to suspend any member for rule violations or improper conduct. Suspensions shall be limited initially to 72 hours until reviewed by the Chief or President.

After a member has been advised of being suspended, the member shall be given sufficient time (determined by the Station Officer) to remove any personal belongings and shall then leave the station. Any member on suspension shall not be permitted on department property or at Fire Department activities without permission of the Chief or President.

Any live-in member that does not have a local address, i.e. out-of-state student, will be handled on a case by case basis. Any such action will be determined first by the station officer, then followed up by the Chief or President. The member shall not be permitted on any apparatus in Prince George's County while on suspension and shall not participate in any department activity.

Officers may assign work projects as disciplinary action in lieu of suspension when deemed appropriate. Any such details shall be assigned a specified completion time.

Any member who receives three (3) suspensions within twelve (12) months may be subject to dismissal from the Hyattsville Vol. Fire Dept. At a minimum, the member will be required to attend a disciplinary hearing (trial board) at which, the actions of the member over the past twelve months will be reviewed. The trial board will be appointed by the President as defined in the By-Laws of the Department.

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