Code of conduct

1. No member shall commit any act which in any way will bring discredit to AVFD. By signing this document, you are certifying you have not been convicted of any crime. You are not involved in any criminal investigation, or involved with any accusations that place the department in any jeopardy, discredit or liable. Any such involvement shall compel you to come forward of such actions immediately.  

2. No member shall use any indecent, profane, uncivil or boisterous language in the presence of the public or department membership at the scene of an incident, at the fire station, or while acting in any official capacity for the department.

3. No member shall be under the influence of any alcoholic beverages or to include prescription or over the counter medications which may cause the member to be altered while in uniform or when on duty. This includes responding to calls or conducting any department business, while in department apparatus or private vehicles. No member shall have any detectable indication of alcohol consumption, or substances while responding to or working on an incident.

4. Only members and personnel authorized by a Chief Officer may ride on any department fire apparatus or other vehicle, unless specifically approved by the Chief or Assistant Chief.

5. All members, while acting in an official capacity for the department, shall do so in a professional manner at all times.

6. Gambling, liquor, drugs and firearms are not permitted in any fire station or on the grounds, nor are they permitted in any department vehicle or at the location of any department incident. There is a specific exception for firearms as approved on a case-by-case basis. 

7. NO member shall use the name of the department, equipment, fire station, badge, ID card, etc., in any commercial or private enterprise for personal gain.

8. No member shall accept any reward, fee, or gift from any source for service rendered in the performance of duty unless authorized by the Chief. From time to time, the public may stop to provide drinks, food or items of necessity for incident activity. These items intended for all members are considered acceptable. Financial donations to the department will often be made. These donations should be directed to the highest- ranking department official for acceptance and submission to the department treasurer. 

9. No member shall be discourteous nor disrespectful to any other member, the public, or to anyone from a cooperating agency

10. Tobacco use of any kind is prohibited while engaged any activity that represents the AVFD.

11. No member shall change, alter, add to, remove any equipment from the station or apparatus without first receiving proper authorization from the Chief or his designee. 

12. Every member shall exercise proper precautionary safety measures to avoid injury to himself/herself and others while he/she is engaged in any emergency response, by attending a min of 2 training meetings per month.

13. Each member shall comply with all department policy, rules and regulations, and all County Ordinances and State laws. Failure to do so may result in termination from membership.

14. Sexual Harassment/Discrimination: Each member will respect other members, paid employees and private citizens' right to be treated with respect and dignity. Actions, remarks or innuendos of a sexual or discriminatory nature will not be tolerated. 

15. By signing this document, you understand any member may be terminated at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all. 

Procedures:

1. Auberry Fire will maintain a current file of the Code of Conduct in which all members have read and signed. This policy should be reviewed and signed annually by all members.

2. Any violation of policy 5.3 will be addressed immediately. The responsible Captain or Company Officer will immediately relieve the offending member of responsibilities. If the member appears to be legally incapable of driving, he/she will not be allowed to leave the scene in his/her vehicle if he/she is the driver. If they elect to drive, law enforcement will be notified.

Any and All violations of Code of Conduct will immediately be forwarded to the Chief or Assistant Chief.  Depending on the severity, the action could range from suspension, and/or dismissal.