Laserfiche WebLink
There are a few types of personnel policies in typical fire department bylaws that bear additional <br />discussion: <br />Age Requirements <br />Bylaws often establish a minimum and maximum age for firefighters. A minimum age standard <br />can be established. In fact, state law generally prohibits hiring someone under age 18 to be a <br />firefighter, due to the hazardous nature of firefighting duties. Some minors may participate in <br />firefighting activities as part of certain training programs authorized by state law. <br />Establishing a maximum age for firefighters is more questionable. Federal law allows mandatory <br />retirement for public safety officials, including firefighters, at age 55 or after. Minnesota laws are <br />ambiguous regarding a mandatory retirement age for firefighters. A city interested in establishing <br />a mandatory retirement age for firefighters should seek legal advice prior to implementing such a <br />policy. <br />Note that a city may lawfully establish a maximum age for entry into employment as a firefighter. <br />And it's important to distinguish between minimum and maximum age limits allowed in <br />conjunction with employment practices vs. those that may be allowed by Minnesota statutes <br />governing relief association benefits and eligibility. <br />Response Distance <br />Bylaws sometimes establish a radius within which firefighters are expected to live. Cities are <br />prohibited from requiring residency as a condition of employment. This includes and applies to <br />volunteer firefighters. Cities can impose a reasonable response time, but it should be based on <br />minutes rather than miles. <br />Remember that Minnesota law requires firefighters responding to an emergency to follow all <br />traffic laws, including posted speeds. Policies related to response time should be based on normal <br />driving behavior. <br />Minimum Run Standards <br />Fire department bylaws might include a minimum number of runs firefighters need to attend in <br />order to remain "eligible." The key question here is: Eligible for what? <br />If this provision means eligibility for continued employment, this provision belongs with the city's <br />other HR policies. If this means eligibility for relief association benefits, the policy should be part <br />of relief association documentation rather than fire department bylaws. <br />Selection Criteria and Election Practices <br />Some departments still elect new firefighters and /or officers. The election process may require <br />that certain minimum criteria be met before an election takes place among qualified candidates. <br />2 <br />