HomeMy WebLinkAbout501.002 - Trainee Academy Rules Dept Rules and RegulationsEffective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/30/2023 Section 501.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/30/2025 Page 1 of 6
500 Firefighter Trainee Manual
SECTION 501.002 TRAINEE ACADEMY RULES:
DEPARTMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS
PURPOSE
The Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or Department) Administrative Manual, Section
109 Series, Rules, and Regulations (Rules and Regulations) are necessary for an
efficient, safe academy learning environment. The Rules and Regulations are to be
followed during a firefighter trainee’s assignment to the Training Division. All members
are expected to abide by the Department’s Rules and Regulations from the date of
hire and throughout the member’s career.
APPLICATION
This policy is to be used by firefighter trainees while assigned to the Training Division.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
1. Academy Rules:
Firefighter trainees accept and respond to orders given by the academy
instructors, even when it is directed in an assertive manner. Violation of any
written or verbal order, issued by an academy instructor or found in
City/Department publications, may result in penalties ranging from oral
reprimands up to a recommendation for termination. Disrespect,
insubordination, or any conduct unbecoming of a member of FFD is
unacceptable. Firefighter trainees are expected to demonstrate courtesy and
respect to all officers, co-workers, and citizens. Chief officers, captains, and
staff are to be addressed by rank and last name or by rank only if last name is
unknown. Civilians are to be addressed as “Ma’am” and “Sir”.
Fresno City Fire Department
Effective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/30/2023 Section 501.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/30/2025 Page 2 of 6
2. Work Schedule:
A typical academy schedule consists of 8–10-hour days, Monday
through Friday, with one-hour lunch periods, excluding recognized
holidays. Hours of instruction may vary depending on the needs of the
Department and academy. There will be days and weeks where the
work schedule may be modified due to special circumstances. For
instance, firefighter trainees may be required to complete a 24-hour shift
during the academy. In such case, firefighter trainees are to be provided
advanced notice. Overtime/compensatory time should be provided in
accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with I.A.F.F. Local
202, when applicable.
3. Lunch Period/Breaks:
The time and length of lunch periods is designated by the academy
instructors. Firefighter trainees are permitted to bring lunch and eat at
the training facility; refrigeration is not provided. There are also fast-food
restaurants nearby. Firefighter trainees are expected to clean up their
area.
Break privileges are to be granted at appropriate times. Coffee and
snacks are allowed during these breaks.
4. Punctuality:
Punctuality is required in the performance of all duties of Department
members. Tardiness is to be reported immediately and will be
considered cause for disciplinary action. If a firefighter trainee is unable
to report for duty at the time required, immediately notify the Training
Division. If unable to contact the Training Division, contact one of the
academy instructors directly via cell phone.
5. Telephones:
Cell phones and other personal electronic devices should never be a
distraction to the learning process, whether in the classroom or on drill
grounds. These items should be left in your personal vehicle or an
approved storage area on the training grounds and may be accessed
during assigned breaks. Telephones in the Training Division are used
for Department business and are not to be used for personal business,
except in the case of an emergency. Firefighter trainees will be provided
with a phone contact list which will identify emergency contact numbers
in the event of a family emergency.
Effective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/30/2023 Section 501.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/30/2025 Page 3 of 6
6. Classroom/Training Offices:
Firefighter trainees are expected to be in the classroom at the
designated time and in the assigned seat. Absolute attention is required.
Notes should be taken on the subject under discussion; notebooks may
be reviewed periodically by the instructors.
At no time will a firefighter trainee be allowed in any of the training
offices, unless specifically directed and/or accompanied by a member of
the training staff. When a closed door is encountered, firefighter trainees
must knock before entering.
7. Equipment/Materials:
Firefighter trainees will be held responsible for loss, damage, or theft of
all training equipment and materials issued by the Training Division.
Training equipment and materials should not be marked, underlined, or
altered in any manner unless instructed to do so by an academy
instructor.
8. Physical Fitness:
A physical fitness program is necessary to assure a physically fit work
force, capable of performing rigorous and physically demanding
firefighting duties. Firefighting often involves rapidly changing situations
which call for sudden, unpredictable stress and arduous physical
exertion. To maintain optimal readiness for meeting these situations,
mandatory physical fitness training is assigned early in the academy.
9. Uniform/Grooming:
The personal appearance and hygiene of firefighter trainees is very
important. Keep uniforms clean, professional looking, and always
maintain personal hygiene at a socially acceptable standard.
Uniforms are governed by the Training Division staff in accordance with
the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Sections
205.001-205.009 Uniforms, with the following exceptions:
• While assigned to the Training Division, uniforms may be worn
to and from work.
• Uniform caps are to be worn when outdoors. Any time a cap is
worn, it will be done with the bill facing forward. Caps are to be
kept out of the way when not in use and are to be marked with
the owner’s name to avoid confusion or loss.
Effective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/30/2023 Section 501.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/30/2025 Page 4 of 6
Grooming is governed by the Training Division staff in accordance
with the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures Manual,
Section 205.010, Grooming.
10. Sickness/Injury:
Every member is required to immediately report any sickness or
injury incurred while on duty, no matter how minor, to their superior
officer. It is important to you, personally, (and required by the
Department) that complete injury reports are submitted, and
procedures followed in accordance with the Department’s
Administrative Manual, Section 106.015, FC-06 Supervisor’s Report
of Injury, Section 106.018, FC-11 Medical Service Order (MSO)
Occupational Health Provides List, and Section 106.020, FC-17
Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
A doctor’s release is mandatory prior to returning to duty after being
absent from work for any extended length of time due to sickness or
injury.
Sick leave is accrued from the date of hire but may not be used until
completing six months of employment, (City of Fresno
Administrative Order 2-19, Leaves of Absence, Fresno Municipal
Code, 3-107).
11. Smoking:
All employees hired after December 1, 1990, will be required, as a
condition of continued employment, to refrain from using any
tobacco products while on duty.
All employees covered by this agreement will receive a signed
statement notifying them of this requirement, and a copy to be
placed in their personnel file, in accordance with the Department’s
Standard Operations Procedures Manual, Section 203.007c, No
Tobacco Use Policy.
12. Fraternization/Visitors:
Firefighter trainees are not allowed to fraternize with members or
allowed to visit stations during off-duty hours without prior
authorization from training staff. During training, especially during
training events, firefighter trainees should not engage in
conversations with other members of the Department regarding any
training subject related to the academy to prevent unintentional
interference of training.
Effective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/30/2023 Section 501.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/30/2025 Page 5 of 6
Firefighter trainees are allowed to answer questions or redirect them
to training staff, when appropriate.
Visitors at the Training Division facilities are not permitted. In the
event of extenuating circumstances, exception to this rule may be
permitted when a request is made in advance to the Training Chief.
13. Safety:
A firefighter's profession is one of the most hazardous of all
occupations. Firefighter trainees are trained to function in a safe
and competent manner consistent with the aggressive firefighting
nature of the Department. Carelessness and/or incompetence in
any work routine, drill, or simulated emergency can result in serious
injury or death. Repeated failures to comply with Department safety
policies, practices, procedures, and/or negligent acts will result in a
recommendation for termination.
Safe practice is not solely represented by a particular program or a
specific procedure. Safety is integrated within the Department’s
organizational culture. A firefighter trainee must be assertive and
an advocate for safe practices and will be held accountable for
communicating unsafe behaviors and conditions. Over- confidence,
resignation, or impulsive behaviors are sure to cause task failure or
harm.
To promote safety-related habits and attitudes, the appropriate
personal protective equipment is to be always worn during training
events.
Firefighter trainees are to remain task focused while always
maintaining safety and situational awareness. Although the
inspiration and intent may be harmless, horseplay and practical
jokes can escalate to a level that causes physical and/or emotional
harm and therefore will not be sanctioned.
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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Effective Date: April 2015 Manuel Graves, Civilian Training Officer
Current Revision Date: 11/30/2023 Section 501.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/30/2025 Page 6 of 6
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
Administration Manual
Section 109, Rules, and Regulations
Section 106.015, FC-06 Supervisor’s Report of Injury
Section 106.018, FC-11 Medical Service Order (MSO) Occupational Health
Provides List
Section 106.020, FC-17 Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation
Benefits.
Fresno Municipal Code, 3-107
City of Fresno Administrative Order 2-19, Leaves of Absence
Standard Operations Procedures Manual
Section 203.007c, No Tobacco Use Policy
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 203.011a, Physical Fitness Program
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Sections 205.001-205.009, Uniforms
Section 205.010, Grooming