Rules and Regulations

Question 1

Absence Without Leave (AW)

Answer 1

Absence or tardiness without proper notification and permission shall be considered as absence without leave (AW).Absence without leave could result in loss of compensation during the absence and may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including indefinite suspension

Question 2

Acting

Answer 2

Serving temporarily in a position to which the member is not ordinarily assigned, usually in a position of higher rank.

Question 3

Appeal

Answer 3

The right of a member under the law to apply for review from any order of dismissal or suspension by the Fire Chief.

Question 4

Chain Of Command

Answer 4

The unbroken line of authority extending from the Chief of the Fire Department through a single subordinate at each level of command down to the level of execution.

Question 5

City Business

Answer 5

Duties, which require that a member be excused from the performance of regular duties to perform other city related duties.

Question 6

City Limits

Answer 6

The physical area inside the corporate city limits. For Fire Department purposes this shall include any area protected by the Houston Fire Department.

Question 7

Classified Positions

Answer 7

All positions and their classifications, which are covered under Chapter 143 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Question 8

Company

Answer 8

A unit composed of an officer, who may be a Senior Captain or Captain, an Engineer/Operator and as many Firefighters as may be deemed necessary.

Question 9

County

Answer 9

For Fire Department purposes, the area outside any incorporated limits.

Question 10

Demotion

Answer 10

Any violation of Rules and Regulations, Guidelines, or by request of a member causing a reduction in the classification of an employee.

Question 11

Dismissal

Answer 11

The act of terminating the service of a member.

Question 12

General Orders

Answer 12

Obedience to the orders of a superior in rank must be faithfully observed, and any member offending in this regard shall be considered as insubordinate and held strictly accountable.

Question 13

Immediately

Answer 13

The term “Immediately” means “as soon as possible and practicable”.

Question 14

Immoderate Language

Answer 14

Exceeding reasonable or appropriate language.

Question 15

Incompetence

Answer 15

Incapable of the satisfactory performance of duties.

Question 16

Inspection

Answer 16

The regular or periodic examination of personnel and station as to appearance, uniforms, equipment, duties, and operations.

Question 17

Insubordination

Answer 17

The failure or deliberate refusal of any member to obey any lawful order given by any superior officer shall be deemed insubordination.

Question 18

Length Of Service

Answer 18

The period of time starting from the date, which the oath of office was last administered. The length of time that a member has been engaged in the actual performance of duty. Previous service may be added.

Question 19

May and Should

Answer 19

“May” is permissive. “Should” is advisory. Where used it is intended that, while the guideline is not mandatory, it should be followed in the interest of the department.

Question 20

Neglect Of Duty

Answer 20

Failure to give proper attention to the performance of duty.

Question 21

Order

Answer 21

An instruction or directive, written or oral, issued by a superior officer to a subordinate or group of subordinates in the course of duty.

Question 22

Outside City Limits

Answer 22

For Fire Department purposes the area outside any incorporated limits not protected by the Houston Fire Department.

Question 23

Relieved Of Duty

Answer 23

Action taken in denying a member the privilege of performing their duties in consequence of dereliction of duty, breach of discipline, misconduct, or violation of Guidelines. Relieved of Duty may be with pay (RD) or without pay (AW).

Question 24

Resignation

Answer 24

A member voluntarily terminating service with the department. A resignation must be accepted by the Fire Chief to be effective. Non-classified employees will be considered as having resigned his/her position with the department when absent from work for three (3) consecutive workdays without good cause and proper notification.

Question 25

Superior Officer

Answer 25

Any member having supervisory responsibilities, either temporarily or permanently, over members of lower rank.

Question 26

Through Official Channels

Answer 26

Through the hands of each immediate superior officer.

Question 27

Tour Of Duty

Answer 27

Work period composed of two (2) 24 hour shifts of duty during an eight (8) day cycle (i.e. Emergency Response, OEC).

Question 28

Relieved of Duty: Action taken in denying a member the privilege of performing their duties in consequence of ______, _______, _______.

Answer 28

dereliction of duty, breach of discipline, misconduct, or violation of Guidelines.

Question 29

3.47 Resignation: A member voluntarily terminating service with the department. A resignation must be accepted by the _________ to be effective

Answer 29

Fire Chief

Question 30

5.3 All Officers shall be held strictly responsible for the ____, _____, ______, and ______ of all subordinates under their command and shall enforce the rules and regulations and guidelines of this department.

Answer 30

conduct, action, morale, and efficiency

Question 31

Members shall abide by the laws of the :

Answer 31

United States, the State of Texas, the ordinances of the City of Houston, the rules of the City of Houston Civil Service Commission, the general orders, bulletins and the rules of conduct of the Houston Fire Department

Question 32

Unlawful Orders Prohibited: No commanding, supervisory or acting officer shall knowingly or willfully issue an order which is in violation of any:

Answer 32

law, ordinance or departmental rule, order, bulletin or directive.

Question 33

5.14 Performance in a Higher Position: Members shall, through______ and _______, qualify for the next higher position, so they may assume such duties and responsibilities.

Answer 33

training and observations

Question 34

5.16 Relieve From Duty: Under circumstances of emergency such as______, ______, or ________, the officer in command shall have the authority to relieve with pay a member from duty immediately pending investigation and referral to the Fire Chief of written charges.

Answer 34

intoxication, willful refusal to obey orders, or such behavior that the interest of the department would suffer by their remaining on duty

Question 35

Any member who believes he/she has been subjected to or observed conduct in violation of this policy, is encouraged to report the conduct at the earliest possible stage to:

Answer 35

a supervisor, Staff Services, Office of the Inspector General (OIG), or the Designated Department Representatives (DDRs) assigned to the
Department.

Question 36

Notice of Arrest: Employees that are the subject of an arrest action shall immediately notify their

Answer 36

supervisor of their location and the charge.

Question 37

Notice of Arrest: Employees shall notify the Fire Chief of the charge in_____, ______, or ________, through the chain of command.

Answer 37

writing via email, certified mail, or personal delivery, within 24 hours of their release from custody

Question 38

Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited:
Supervisors or managers receiving a complaint of conduct which violates this policy or observes the same shall report the conduct to:

Answer 38

the DDRs assigned to the Department.

Question 39

Maintain Discipline: Officers shall be _____, ______, and ____ in their relations with subordinates, being careful at all times to abstain from violent, abusive or immoderate language in giving orders, directions or in conversation. They must cause all rules and orders to be obeyed and promptly report, by well-sustained charges, any violations of Laws, Ordinances, Rules, and Orders.

Answer 39

just, dignified, and firm

Question 40

Neglect of Duty: _____, _______, and ______ at an incident is forbidden and members found guilty of this offense will be immediately relieved from duty.

Answer 40

Insolence, indifference, and evading duty

Question 41

Removal of Records: Members shall not remove, or allow the removal of official records, reports, or journals (electronic or otherwise) from department premises without permission from _______.

Answer 41

the Fire Chief

Question 42

No members other than the ______, ______, _____ and _____, shall release factual information, give an interview relating to a fire, public safety, or other emergency, without obtaining clearance from the Public Information Office, the Incident Commander, or Arson Investigator.

Answer 42

Incident Commander, OEC, Arson Investigator or Public Information Officer

Question 43

Information released concerning fires or incidents under investigation shall be limited to the following:

Answer 43

1. Date of incident
2. Time of incident
3. Location of incident
4. Brief description of the extent of damage
5. Number of injuries or fatalities
6. Safety precautions

Question 44

7.15 Media Interviews: Requests for additional information shall be referred to the _____, ______, or _______.

Answer 44

Chief Arson Investigator’s Office, HFD Public Information Office, or designee

Question 45

Un-Official Activities (i.e. Career Day, informal visits): Members shall not represent the Fire Department, in or out of uniform, at any social or public gathering without the permission of the _____ or ______.

Answer 45

Chief of the Department or Assistant Chief of HFD Public Affairs.

Question 46

The valid State Driver’s License must be a Texas Class A or B (exempted with a current CDL Supplement Form) or its equivalent, if the vehicle the member will operate has a GVWR of over _______.

Answer 46

26,000 lbs

Question 47

Use of Spotters: HFD vehicles will not be backed up without the aid of a spotter utilizing ________, whenever a spotter is available.

Answer 47

a portable radio