By Roger H. Aylworth
The Oroville Mercury Register
OROVILLE, Calif. — A new book of policies and procedures establishes three different levels of Butte County volunteer firefighters.
In a presentation last week to the Board of Supervisors, Cal Fire-Butte County Fire Chief George Morris said the 180 volunteer firefighters make his department stronger than it would have been as an all-volunteer or all-professional fire agency.
He said collectively in the last year the volunteers have responded to 6,500 emergencies and attended 3,000 drills.
The document Morris presented to the supervisors for their approval the “Butte County Volunteer Firefighter Standard Operating Procedures” replaces a volume that was originally adopted in 2002.
One of the key elements in the manual is the creation of differing levels of volunteers.
The three tiers are support responder, emergency medical service responder and full responder.
The support responder does not drive fire engines, or run into a flaming building.
According to the document, this level of responder does fire prevention and education programs, fundraising activities, company administrative assignments, station maintenance, assists with structure fire rehab, structure fire incident accountability, and traffic control.
This is a position for an individual who, due to age, health or inclination, can’t or doesn’t want to endure the physical demands or the physical training necessary to become a full responder firefighter.
Morris described the support volunteer role as “very important.” The support volunteer has to go to 32 hours of training.
The emergency medical services volunteer does that same training plus another 32 hours of training mostly related to first aid and health issues.
The full responder goes through all of the training, including a physical fitness test, necessary to become a full-time firefighter.
Morris said the training requirements are dictated by federal and state regulations.
The other significant change in the manual is a detailed conduct and discipline policy.
He explained volunteers do not have civil service rights when it comes to disciplinary situations, but the new policy establishes procedures for review of concerns. Punishments can range from an instructional interview with the appropriate supervisor all the way to dismissal.
Chief Morris said he is the final judge if there is an appeal.
Oroville Supervisor Bill Connelly urged Morris to do what he can to spread the word about the new volunteer levels.
Butte County has 16 volunteer fire companies.
The supervisors unanimously approved the new manual.
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