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FAC U E o r CONNECTING � INNOVATING; MINNGSO"TAA SI; (A', 1913 01-1'1 LS RISK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION FIRE DEPARTMENT BYLAWS WHO'S IN CHARGE? The purpose of this memo is to discuss alternatives for handling items typically found in fire department bylaws and the appropriateness of fire department bylaws, generally. For purposes of this discussion, we'll focus on city fire departments —not independent joint powers or not -for- profit fire departments. It's important to note that the existence of bylaws does not establish a separate fire department agency. Only a joint powers agreement or articles of incorporation can accomplish this goal. Fire department bylaws have been around for as long as organized fire suppression in communities. For many fire departments, the bylaws represent not only a set of operating guidelines and rules about fire department activities, but also the spirit and camaraderie of firefighters. Typical provisions of fire department bylaws include things like how many members a fire department has, how far away from the fire hall a firefighter should live, when and how department meetings will be conducted, how new fire department members and officers will be selected, and how firefighter discipline will be handled. Fire department bylaws often address personnel matters and establish employment policies for firefighters. Regardless of a firefighter's status — whether full -time paid, paid -on -call, or volunteer — firefighters are considered city employees for most purposes, including things such as workers' compensation insurance and various employment laws. For the most part, firefighter personnel policies are better housed with the city's human resources (HR) practices and policies. While there may be certain policies that apply only to firefighters, this does not mean the fire department personnel policies should be kept separate from all other city personnel policies. Maintaining all HR practices and policies in one place will assure adequate policy updates, necessary training, and consistency among employees. Learn More Read more about important HR considerations in: HR Issues for Cities and Fire Departments This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES 14.5iNIVI *i11SIIeAVI. %V[S'J PIIONI.:t6511281 -1200 rtix 4.61)2RI -1298 1 N S U 1� A N E T�(J S'l sr. rsu... NAB; 55 103 2040 r;:n i rJu r.: (800) x)2..5.1 122 WE ;: