Section A Flashcards
Chain of Command
-Purpose
To establish clear lines of communications for conducting Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue & Emergency Services (here in after BSODFRES) business and activities.
Chain of Command
-The BSODFRES is a quasi-military organization structured around the chain-of- command concept. ____ shall be conducted through the chain-of-command.
Communications for department related activities
Chain of Command
Department activities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Clarification of policies and procedures.
- Work assignments.
- Requests for information within the organization.
- Requests of information outside the organization that may pertain to normal work duties.
Chain of Command
-Specifics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Requests for information pertaining to vacations, holidays, and sick leave.
- Requests for information pertaining to training activities.
- Requests for information pertaining to station assignments.
- Requests for information pertaining to payroll and workers compensation.
- Requests to meet with the Battalion Chief, District Chief, Division Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief or the Fire Chief.
Chain of Command
Procedure
A. The employee begins the communication process with requests or discussions with his/her immediate supervisor. If response from the supervisor is unsatisfactory or an issue must be taken to the next level, communication will be from the employee through the supervisor to the next level. If needed, the process of communications will continue from field supervisors to administrative supervisors.
B. Communications from the top of the organization will be accomplished opposite of the above. If in doubt about communication procedures, contact your immediate supervisor.
C. The Fire Chief has an “open door” policy for those employees desiring a conference regarding any personal matters. This request will be made through the proper chain-of-command.
Chain of Command
Emergency Operations
Communication at the scene of an emergency or other BSODFRES operation will be conducted as per the Incident Command System. Orders issued at a scene will be carried out without delay. If a member of this organization is given an order and encounters another officer prior to carrying out the original order, he or she will advise of the prior order. Any change in assignment will require direct notification from the 2nd officer to the officer who provided the initial order. Situations regarding specific safety issues will be brought to the attention of the Company Officer, Incident Commander or Safety Officer immediately.
Supervision of Personnel
Purpose
To describe the requirements necessary for supervising less experienced personnel at working incidents.
Supervision of Personnel
- New Personnel
- For the purpose of this guideline, a “less experienced” firefighter is defined as:
- Probationary firefighter.
- Any firefighter with less than two years total firefighting experience.
- A firefighter that through performance evaluations requires remediation in skills or function of job duties on or around emergency responses and/or incident scenes.
- It shall be noted that two years of firefighting experience does not necessarily qualify an individual as experienced. Certain job functions require direct supervision of all personnel regardless of years of experience. These job functions are duties that may pose an immediate danger to life safety.
Supervision of Personnel
-Supervision
A. The integral part of safe operations at an incident site is that the company functions as a team, supervised by the company officer.
B. The company officer is responsible for the supervision and welfare of all personnel in his/her company and other firefighters assigned to his/her supervision.
C. It is important to recognize that firefighters gain “experience” at different rates. Experience levels vary based on years of experience, number, type and intensity of past incidents, and the quality of supervision and training provided to the firefighter.
D. Inexperienced personnel caught in a hot, smoke-filled environment with zero visibility, or other hazardous or unfamiliar environment can easily take inappropriate action resulting in injury or death.
Supervision of Personnel
E. It will be the responsibility of the company officer to determine the experience level of all firefighters assigned to his/her company through the following methods:
- Interview – interview the firefighter to determine time assigned to firefighting duties, previous assignments, type and amount of prior experience. Interviews should be conducted when the employee first arrives to their assigned station
- Evaluate/Direct Observation – evaluate the firefighter’s knowledge and proficiency in hose lays, SCBA, ladders, evolution, and other core areas.
Determine the firefighter’s knowledge of firefighting and safety procedures. Interview previous company officers on the firefighter’s past performance. - Training – provide frequent and appropriate training to improve skill levels and maintain proficiency. Guide new employees in completing probationary training manual, and JPRs.
- Follow-up – provide follow-up evaluation and training. Evaluate the firefighter’s performance at each incident. Interview other firefighters who have worked with the firefighter.
Supervision of Personnel
Mentoring
A. With the arrival of a new or less experienced firefighter to the company, the company officer and all crew members assume responsibility for the new firefighter.
B. Each new firefighter should be assigned to various experienced firefighters to act as mentors to give the employee an optimum chance for success with the BSODFRES.
C. Regular meetings should be conducted with the supervisor, mentor and employee to assess the progress and assist the employee in setting new goals.
Supervision of Personnel
- Emergency Response Supervision
- Direct supervision will be required at the moment the firefighter enters an area that exposes the firefighter to potential injury or death. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Entering a building involved with smoke or fire.
- Approaching a potential collapse area.
- Potential explosion or flash fire.
- Approaching a hazardous materials incident.
- Entering an area where hazard line tape is present.
- Working on or near a street/roadway or area where traffic is present.
- Any other area that could cause injury or death to the firefighter.
Supervision of Personnel
* Emergency Response Supervision
A. Direct supervision will be required at the moment the firefighter enters an area that exposes the firefighter to potential injury or death.
B. The fact that a firefighter meets the time in assignment criteria to be an experienced firefighter does not relieve the supervisor of his/her responsibilities.
C. All personnel at an incident will be supervised by and accountable to a company or command officer.
D. The experienced firefighter, however, may be permitted, under appropriate and safe circumstances, to function at an incident without direct supervision of a company officer.
E. The company officer shall determine the firefighter’s competency level, and the circumstances in which he/she may work without direct supervision.
Supervision of Personnel
- Performance Evaluations
A. Performance evaluations help remind personnel what is expected of them in their specific roles.
B. Evaluations promote communication and provide useful feedback about job performance, facilitate enhanced working relationships, provide a historical record of the employee’s performance and guides the individual’s professional development.
C. When an employee’s evaluation is due, each employee will be sent a notification via Target Solutions. These notifications will be sent 30 and 14 days prior to the due date.
D. It shall be the responsibility of the employee to notify their immediate supervisor that they received the notification and that their evaluation needs to be completed.
E. The proper evaluation form will be utilized and can be located in the PowerDMS platform under the Forms section.
F. The evaluations must be completed, including the signatures of both the evaluator and the employee, before they are sent to Fire Administration via the chain of command (Battalion Chief and Division 201, with copy sent to the respective District Chief or Division Chief (TRT, Haz-Mat, Air Rescue)).
G. Once the completed evaluation (signed by both the employee, evaluator, Battalion Chief and Division 201) is received by Fire Administration, Target Solutions will be updated to indicate that the assignment is complete.
H. If the evaluation is not received prior to the due date, the employee as well as the appropriate administrator will be notified that the evaluation is overdue.
I. Overdue evaluations will be reviewed and a determination will be made if any disciplinary action is warranted based upon the circumstances surrounding the overdue submission.
Supervision of Personnel
Probationary employees will be evaluated as follows:
- All probationary personnel shall be formally evaluated every shift by their immediate supervisor throughout the duration of their probationary period.
- Performance evaluations will consist of a written evaluation signed by the probationary firefighter and the respective company officer.
- Evaluations shall outline areas that the employee excels in and areas that need improvement. Goals and timelines should be set to give the employee a directional tool for his/her progress.
- The performance evaluation will be forwarded to the Training Division for review, at the close of each shift.
- Performance evaluations serve as a valuable improvement tool for the probationary firefighter. Company officers shall include all pertinent information (i.e. incident evaluation, training performed, etc.).
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
-Purpose
A. To establish a common system by which the Department of Fire Rescue & Emergency Services (hereinafter BSODFRES) can develop, implement and revise standard operating guidelines.
B. To establish procedures to invite and consider ideas and suggestions for guideline development and review from all members of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
-General Information
A. Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are used as guidelines for personnel to perform common tasks in a preferred manner to promote continuity and reproduction of end results.
B. SOGs may contain mandatory compliance components; these components shall be clearly identified.
C. All Department personnel are encouraged to contribute to the development and implementation of SOGs.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
-Responsibilities
A. The BSODFRES shall establish and maintain a Standard Operating Guidelines Committee.
- The Fire Chief, or his/her designee, shall select and identify a Committee Chairperson.
- The Committee shall convene annually, at a minimum, at a designated location.
- All BSODFRES personnel are encouraged to participate and contribute to the development of SOGs.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
-Responsibilities
B. The Committee Chair is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the SOG program. This may include, but is not limited to the following:
- Identifying tasks that may require an SOG and ensuring that one is developed.
- Appointing personnel to develop an SOG.
- Reviewing the final draft of proposed SOGs for content.
- Submitting final drafts to Fire Rescue Command for final review and submission to the Fire Chief for approval.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
-Responsibilities
C. The Fire Chief is responsible for ____
the final approval of all SOGs.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
-Responsibilities
D. All personnel are responsible for:
- Developing and implementing SOGs as required.
- Advising the Committee Chair when SOGs need review and/or revision.
- Propose revisions for SOGs as needed.
- Reviewing SOGs and providing comments to the Committee in writing as needed.
- Abiding by approved and implemented SOGs.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
Procedures
A. Requests for SOG development, implementation and/or revision can be submitted to the Committee by any member at any time during annual reviews via Target Solutions. Suggested amendments to all SOGs will flow up to the SOG Committee for annual update.
B. Requests deemed to directly affect the safety of Department personnel can be developed, implemented or revised by the Department in lieu of a scheduled Committee meeting at the discretion of the Chief of Department or his/her designee.
C. Newly developed or revised SOGs necessitated by product changes, equipment changes, staffing changes, vendor changes, etc. may be implemented in lieu of a scheduled Committee meeting at the discretion of the Fire Chief or his/her designee.
D. The Committee shall review all submitted SOG development, implementation and revision requests.
E. All SOG requests approved by the Committee shall be developed into draft format by one or more Committee members designated by the Committee Chair.
F. All SOG draft documents approved by the Committee shall be submitted to Fire Rescue Command for consideration.
1. Fire Rescue Command with responsibility for SOG review will be comprised of selected Chief Officers at the Fire Chief’s discretion.
G. Fire Rescue Command will review proposed SOG documents, make any necessary changes and submit to the Fire Chief for approval.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
Procedures
H. All SOGs approved by the Fire Chief will be distributed to Department personnel.
- SOGs will be provided to all Department personnel via email. Additional platforms (i.e. Target Solutions, BSOInformant) may also be utilized.
- Company and Chief Officers will review new and/or updated SOG documents with their personnel prior to the implementation date.
- Company Officers will document the SOG review with their personnel in FireRMS.
- Battalion Chiefs will ascertain retention of new and/or updated SOG information with personnel under his/her command. If personnel are deficient in retention, the Battalion Chief will review the appropriate SOGs with these personnel and the appropriate Company Officer. This review will be documented in FireRMS.
- SOGs will be implemented as scheduled.
Standard Operating Guideline Development, Implementation, and Revision
Format
A. The SOG template adopted by the Committee shall be utilized.
B. The final draft of an SOG shall be in outline format.
C. The SOG shall appropriately be numbered by the Committee.
D. The “Updated Date” of the SOG shall be no later than 30 days after its adoption.
E. The “Subject” of the SOG shall refer to what the document covers.
F. The “Rescinds” of the SOG shall refer to the SOG(s) or version date that the document replaces, rendering them void.
G. The body of an SOG shall always begin with the purpose, and include any disclaimer for deviation should any be allowed.
H. The remainder of the SOG body shall consist of sections as required. These sections may include, but are not limited to:
1. General Information – is specifics regarding the SOG.
2. Definitions – any definitions that need to be clarified.
3. Responsibilities – who is responsible for what.
4. Procedure(s) – how the SOG is to be carried out.
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
Purpose
A. To provide a means of objectively analyzing significant, complex, unusual, multi- jurisdictional, or large scale fire rescue operations in a post-emergency environment in an effort to enhance organizational performance. Emphasis must be on overall operational improvement and viewed as a learning experience. The Post Incident Analysis (PIA) process will not be punitive in nature.
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
General
A. A post incident analysis should be completed within a reasonable time from the date of incident, preferably the following shift. Personnel not on duty will be invited to attend.
B. A copy of the audiotape may be requested from Communications to assist with the post incident analysis.
C. Staff officers and/or designees of any department that have a relationship to the incident should be notified, attend, and participate in the post incident analysis.
D. Non-fire rescue agencies who were involved with the incident should be allowed to participate and describe their involvement when appropriate.
E. PIA’s shall be conducted after the following incidents:
1. Serious injury or death of a fire rescue employee.
2. Multiple civilian fire casualties or fatalities.
3. Any incident as determined by the Incident Commander, District Fire Chief, Division Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, or Fire Chief.
F. PIA’s shall be considered after the following incidents
1. Third alarm or greater response.
2. Major incident (noteworthy, unusual, large dollar loss, etc.).
3. Incidents that require long term commitment of resources.
4. Incidents involving three or more fire rescue agencies.
5. Level 3 M.C.I. or greater.
G. The District Chief in which the incident occurred, in conjunction with Division 201, will be responsible for assuring that the post incident analysis activities are completed. The Incident Commander will be responsible for moderating the PIA.
H. As certain incidents may also involve active law enforcement investigations, PIAs will not be crafted or conducted without the approval of the Assistant Chief of Operations.
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
-Guidelines
A. The post incident analysis consists of four moderated discussions conducted in sequential order.
All members involved in the incident are encouraged to participate in the PIA discussions and will be allow to speak. Discussions will be limited to our actions as companies, teams, and as an organization related to the incident. Personal attacks and personal criticisms will not be tolerated.
- Incident Overview- Participating personnel will objectively review fire rescue operations in chronological order by allowing the involved staff to recount and discuss their observations, assignments, and actions in the order of their arrival on scene.
- Positive Outcomes- Participating personnel will identify and list organizational strengths as they relate to the incident.
- Areas of Improvement- Participating personnel will identify and list organizational weaknesses as they relate to the incident.
- Recommendations- Based on the Positive Outcome and Areas of Improvement discussions, participating personnel will identify realistic and actionable items that can be used to re-enforce organizational strengths and enhance areas identified for improvement.
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
-Guidelines
B. The moderator shall facilitate discussions concerning the following operational areas during the PIA to ensure they were implemented and effectively utilized at the incident:
- Standardized accountability
- Communications effectiveness
- Safety
- Adherence to operational SOG’s, EMS protocols, policies, and procedures
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
-Guidelines
C. The Incident Commander, with cooperation from the responsible District Chief/Division 201, will complete an After Action Report (AAR) documenting the results of the post incident analysis within 60 days. The AAR will contain the following sections:
- Incident Overview
- Size Up Factors
- A Post Incident Analysis section that contains:
- a. The location and time of the PIA
- b. Positive Outcomes
- c. Areas of Improvement
- d. Recommendations - Summary
- Appendixes as necessary to include Action Plans, ICS forms, available photographs, and applicable maps, diagrams, and drawings
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
-Guidelines
D. The Training Division will be responsible for ____
publishing the After Action Report to all BSODFRES personnel via Target Solutions.
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
-Guidelines
E. Executive staff will be responsible for ____
reviewing the After Action Report’s recommendations and determining implementation plans as necessary
Post Incident Analysis (PIA) Procedures
-Guidelines
F. Upon completion of an organization’s post incident analysis, if applicable, the After Action Report should be presented to the Fire Chief’s Association of Broward County’s Mutual Aid and Communications Committee. This report should be presented orally at the next regular meeting subsequent to publishing the AAR. At a minimum, the presenter should provide the committee with the following:
- Date of incident.
- Jurisdiction of incident.
- Date of the post incident analysis.
- Description of the incident.
- Key operational and tactical issues relating to mutual aid and communications.
- Recommendations pertaining to mutual aid operations and communications.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Purpose
To provide a mechanism that ensures proper and thorough dissemination of pertinent information to all on-duty personnel.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Scope
A. This guideline is applicable to all operations personnel.
B. Daily morning briefings will be conducted at all fire stations within each of the Fire Rescue commands. These briefings will be conducted in the fire station between 0800 and 0930 unless prohibited by emergency responses or other pre- scheduled events.
C. All on-duty personnel shall attend the daily morning briefing.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Responsibility
A. It shall be the responsibility of all company and chief officers to ensure that this guideline is followed.
B. The fire station Captain (or ranking officer) will be designated as the Station Briefing Officer and will be responsible for leading the daily situational awareness meeting with personnel.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Guidelines
-The Station Briefing Officer shall conduct a meeting with all on-duty personnel to disseminate the following information:
- Work Day Plan and Daily Assignments
a. Hydrant maintenance to be performed.
b. Pre-fire plans to be conducted.
c. Scheduled company suppression and/or EMS training.
d. Probationary employee/supervisor training objectives and daily performance evaluation completion.
e. Fire station daily duty assignments.
f. Specific specialty training/familiarization that is to occur. - All General Orders, Operations Orders and/or Internal Memorandums issued within the last duty shift.
- All Unsafe Structure Notifications, road closure notices, out of service hydrant information, and special event assignments for unit participation and associated uniform dress code.
- Any other pertinent information (Operations Calendar, etc.).
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Guidelines
-The Station Briefing officer will review the status of unit-specific information that was transferred between off-going and on-coming unit supervisors. This information shall include the serviceability of all SCBA units and PPE, along with following as appropriate:
- Any reports of trouble with the apparatus/equipment and repairs made and/or needed.
- Status of any reserve apparatus and/or movement into or out of the fire station.
- Confirmation of controlled medication sign-off.
- Unit keys and Knox-Box keys.
- All radios and pagers are present and functional.
- All Scott SCBA wireless communication system components are present and functional (face piece mounted radio interface and two-way radio console/microphone).
- Assigned unit helmet shields are transferred and in place.
- Any missing equipment or supplies have been noted.
- Any student riders meet appropriate attire, waivers, etc.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Guidelines
-The Station Briefing officer will also conduct an inspection of all on-coming personnel which shall include the following:
- Daily Inspections:
a. Information related to any service or non-service related injuries.
b. Personal appearance and proper grooming, including appropriate coverage of body markings as per policy.
c. Uniforms/Attire: Uniforms and attire must be in good repair, clean, and proper.
d. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serviceability for all personnel, including bunker gear, SCBA masks, gloves, hoods, and PAR tags.
e. Facility condition.
f. Apparatus and equipment condition. - Monthly Inspections (to be conducted the first three days of every month):
a. Driver License: Personnel will have their Florida Driver License checked for expiration. Personnel with expired licenses will not be permitted to operate vehicles.
b. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) cards: All dual and single certified paramedics will have their American Heart Association ACLS cards checked for expiration.
c. Healthcare Provider/CPR cards: Personnel will have their American Heart Association CPR cards checked for expiration.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Guidelines
-Any discrepancies shall be ____
appropriately documented by the Station Briefing Officer. Supervisors will ensure noted deficiencies are remedied in a timely manner. This may include a re-inspection of those deficiencies to ensure suitable corrective action was taken.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Guidelines
-Inspections denoting serious deficiencies of employees, facilities, and/or equipment noted above will be ____
documented in a written report to the next higher command level. This report will include a plan of action and target date for corrective action.
Daily Fire Station Briefing
Guidelines
Supervisors receiving a written report will ____
take needed steps to ensure corrective action was taken. If corrective action cannot be taken at this level, the report will continue, via the chain of command, until an appropriate level is reached. Each chain of command level will document and attach to the report any action taken.
Department Mail Delivery System
Purpose:
To provide Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (hereinafter referred to as BSODFRES) personnel with guidance to ensure timely delivery of interoffice mail.
Department Mail Delivery System
-Mail couriers will deliver mail to the following locations daily, unless otherwise indicated:
- Fire Station 17: Mail for all Battalion 17 units will be delivered to Logistics. Mail for Battalion 17 should be separated by rubber band and labeled Fire Station 17.
- Fire Station 81 (Weston).
- Fire Station 37 (Lauderdale Lakes).
- Fire Station 102 (Deerfield): Drop off and pick up will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Fire Station 10 (Airport): Continuation of service drop off and pick up at DLE District 3 office.
- Fire Station 6 (Seaport): Continuation of existing service.
- Fire Station 7 (Hallandale) Continuation of existing service.
Department Mail Delivery System Each location (with the exception of Fire Station 6 and 10) will identify one drop off and pick up location within the fire station and ensure \_\_\_\_
that all personnel are aware of the location.
Department Mail Delivery System
-All outgoing mail will need to be placed ____
in the designated pick up location in the morning for outgoing pick up by the mail couriers.
Department Mail Delivery System
-The mail slots in the Public Safety Building / Fire Rescue Headquarters mail room for each fire station will be dismantled and all mail to be delivered to field units/personnel will be placed ____
in the currently existing “outgoing mail” slot.
Department Mail Delivery System
- Mail Identification/Labeling
- Mail shall be labeled in a clear manner as follows:
- Labeled by one of the drop off locations above.
- Labeled by fire station.
- Labeled by employee name/rank.
- Labeled by shift.
Department Mail Delivery System
- VI. Alternative Delivery Options
- In an effort to reduce the amount of mail that is sent through the system, the following methods should be employed:
- All BSODFRES fire stations have the capability to scan and send documents. Any document that can be scanned and sent via email should be transmitted in that manner. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- a. Unsigned evaluations can be emailed to the individual, printed, signed, scanned, and sent back to the appropriate supervisor via email.
- b. Overtime slips can be scanned and emailed to the appropriate Battalion Chief, printed, signed, and sent via interoffice mail.
Department Mail Delivery System
- VI. Alternative Delivery Options
B. Implementation of this model requires that all personnel ____
check their email at least one time per shift.
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
Purpose:
To provide Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (hereinafter referred to as BSODFRES) personnel with guidance to accurately capture quantitative data regarding fire loss as well as property saved values.
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
- Requirements
- When completing FRMS reports for structural fires (inclusive of vehicle, boat and ship fires), the report must capture ____
the estimated dollar amount of property lost as well as the dollar amount of property saved. This information will be entered by the BSODFRES personnel completing the report; either the company officer if the determination is handled by field personnel, or the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) if the investigation and determination is managed by the FPB.
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
- Requirements
- Information regarding ____ shall be included in every FRMS report for a structural type fire.
both property lost and property saved
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
- Obtaining Current Value
- The dollar value of the property (structure only not including land value) can be obtained from ____
the Property Appraiser’s web site, then entering the form fillable property address. The Broward County Property Appraiser’s website link is: http://www.bcpa.net/recmenu.asp.
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
- Once the dollar value of the property is acquired, personnel will ____
simply subtract the value of loss from the total structural value to determine the property saved value. This data will always be entered along with the property lost value.
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
- When a boat or ship fire occurs, the responsibility will reside with ____ for data entry into the FRMS report as they will contact the property owner and/or the insurance carrier for the ____
- the FPB
* valuation of the property.
Property Valuation for Structural Fires
- Data Tracking
- The information entered into the FRMS report will be utilized as ____
part of the monthly District Chief report.
Uniform Guidelines
Purpose
The physical appearance of our employees is one of the first and lasting impressions our customers have of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Conservative grooming projects the image of an alert, professional and responsive agency that takes pride in its work. These guidelines, in addition to the Sheriff’s Policy Manual, establishes standards for personal appearance and dress while on duty or while officially representing the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (hereinafter referred to as BSODFRES) and promotes consistency of appearance throughout the department.
Uniform Guidelines
Responsibility
A. All uniformed personnel are individually responsible for wearing the uniform in a manner consistent with this guideline and ensuring that all uniform articles are in good condition and appearance.
B. All Company Officers and Battalion Chiefs will ensure compliance and enforcement with this uniform guideline and ensure that worn or damaged articles are surveyed and replaced in a timely manner. Worn or damaged articles must be turned in to receive a replacement, along with a completed BSO FR 01 Form signed by the appropriate Company Officer and Battalion Chief; for staff personnel, this form must be signed by the immediate supervisor.
Uniform Guidelines
Parade Dress Uniform (if issued)
-A. This uniform shall only be worn at ____
the direction of the Fire Chief.
Uniform Guidelines
Parade Dress Uniform (if issued)
-B. This uniform shall consist of the following:
- Department issued bell crown cap with appropriate hat insignia.
- Department issued dress coat with department issued badge and lapel pins.
a. Award pins will be worn at the discretion of the Fire Chief dependent upon the event. - Department issued uniform dress pant (navy blue polyester pant).
- Department issued white long sleeve uniform shirt with department approved shoulder patch, collar brass, badge, name plate, American Flag pin and approved ribbons/bars.
- Department issued black tie.
- Department approved tie tack/pin.
- Department issued black patent leather belt.
- Department issued black patent leather uniform shoes.
Uniform Guidelines
Parade Dress Uniform (if issued)
If an undershirt is worn with the Parade Dress uniform, it will be ____
a white short sleeve undershirt with no markings. Marked or department logo t-shirts will not be worn under the Parade Dress uniform.
Uniform Guidelines
- Class A Uniform (All Uniformed Staff)
- This uniform shall consist of the following:
- Department issued white long sleeve uniform shirt with department approved shoulder patch, collar brass, badge, name plate, American Flag pin and approved ribbons/bars.
- Department issued navy blue polyester pant.
- Department issued black tie.
- Department approved tie tack/pin.
- Department issued black patent leather belt.
- Department issued black patent leather shoes.
At no time shall the white long sleeve uniform shirt be worn ____
without a tie or be worn with BDU type pants.
Command staff shall wear the Class A uniform attire when
attending command staff meetings, any public event and any event or meeting where the Sheriff is in attendance. Exceptions must be approved by the Fire Chief. The Class C uniform attire may be worn as the uniform of the day when planned activities do not require the Class A uniform.
If an undershirt is worn with the Class A uniform, it will be ____
a white short sleeve undershirt with no markings. Marked or department logo t-shirts will not be worn under the Class A uniform.
Uniform Guidelines
- Class B Uniform (All Uniformed Staff)
- Long sleeve uniform shirts shall be issued for those requiring ____
arm covering under the Sheriff’s Policy Manual Section 3.1.
Uniform Guidelines
- Class B Uniform
- Field Operations
- When assigned to light duty or attending civic and public education events unless authorized by their respective Battalion Chief.
- This uniform shall consist of the following:
a. Department issued blue (white for officers) short sleeve uniform shirt with department approved shoulder patch, collar brass, badge, name plate, American Flag pin and approved ribbon/bars.
b. Department issued black belt (tactical with BDU pant only).
c. Department issued navy blue BDU pant (for field personnel only).
d. Department issued footwear.
Uniform Guidelines
- Class B Uniform
- Command Staff
- This is the standard daily uniform unless otherwise directed or required by policy.
- This uniform shall consist of the following:
a. Department issued white short sleeve uniform shirt with department approved shoulder patch, collar brass, badge, name plate, American Flag pin and approved ribbon/bars.
b. Department issued navy blue polyester pant.
c. Department issued black patent leather belt.
d. Department issued black patent leather shoes.
Uniform Guidelines
-Class B Uniform
Fire Prevention Bureau
- This is the standard daily uniform unless otherwise directed or required by policy.
- This uniform shall consist of the following:
a. Department issued Polo shirt.
b. Department issued BDU or navy blue pant.
c. Department issued belt.
d. Department issued black patent leather shoes or station shoes/boots.
If an undershirt is worn with the Class B uniform, it will be a ____
white short sleeve undershirt with no markings. Marked or department logo t-shirts will not be worn under the Class B uniform.
Class C Uniform
Long sleeve t-shirts will not be worn ____
under short sleeve Class C uniform shirts.
Class C Uniform
Field Operations
This is the standard daily uniform for shift operations unless otherwise directed or required by policy.
Class C Uniform
This uniform shall consist of the following:
a. Department authorized Polo shirt.
b. Department issued black belt (tactical with BDU pant only).
c. Department issued navy BDU pant (for field personnel) only.
d. Department issued footwear.
Class C Uniform
Command Staff
-This command staff uniform is approved at the discretion of the Fire Chief or designee for specific duties or occasions (i.e. ____).
community events, ride- alongs with field units, work assignments outside of other routine assigned duties or other circumstances approved by the Fire Chief
Class C Uniform
Command Staff
-This uniform shall consist of the following:
a. Department issued Polo shirt; department issued six button shirt with department issued BDU navy blue pant for ride alongs only.
b. Department issued navy blue polyester pant; department issued BDU pant for training and special events only.
c. Department issued black patent leather belt or tactical belt (with BDU pant only).
d. Department issued black patent leather shoes with polyester pant or other department issued footwear with BDU pant.
e. Department authorized red short or long sleeve t-shirt for Training Officers as determined by the Division Chief of Training with the Fire Chief’s approval.
f. BSO identification readily visible and displayed at all times.
Class C Uniform
Command Staff
- From May 1 through November 30 (hurricane season) the Command Staff uniform is approved, exception: whenever a staff member has a meeting or event outside PSB, the class A uniform shall be worn.
- The May 1 through November 30 uniform shall consist of:
a. Department issue Polo shirt.
b. Department issue navy blue polyester pant
c. Department issue black patent leather belt
d. Department issue black patent leather shoes
e. BSO ID badge readily visible and displayed at all times.
Command staff shall be identified as ____
all exempt employees limited to Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chiefs, Division Chiefs, District Chiefs and Assistant District Chiefs.
Class D Uniform (jumpsuit)
The jumpsuit shall be approved for regular use only after 2000 hours. It may be used prior to 2000 hours only when a member is actively involved in department approved training or exercise activity and not wearing the uniform of the day. It is the intent of this guideline that the jumpsuit may be donned to facilitate an expedited response to emergency calls received while actively involved in those training/exercise activities. Members are to return to the prescribed uniform of the day as soon as practical after the response and training/exercise activity is completed. In lieu of the jumpsuit, members may wear the department issued t- shirt with department issued BDU pants and footwear as outlined within this section.
Class D Uniform (jumpsuit) This uniform shall consist of the following:
- Department issued jumpsuit (short or long sleeve).
- Department issued footwear.
- Crew members will be dressed alike outside of the fire station.
Class E Uniform (Exercise)
A. For use after 2100 hours within the fire station and for exercising, training and service testing only. This uniform is not to be worn during responses.
B. This uniform shall consist of the following:
1. Department approved t-shirt.
2. Department issued navy blue exercise short.
Specialty Uniforms
Specialty uniform items are authorized for use only by assigned members when actively working on the specialty unit and shall not be worn when working at other station assignments or as the uniform of the day for regular daily activities.
Specialty Uniforms
Air Rescue
- This uniform shall consist of the following:
a. Department issued Special Operations flight suit and helmet.
b. Department issued footwear.
Specialty Uniforms
Airboat and Fire Boat Units
- All members shall conform to the Class C uniform, unless otherwise directed by policy; however, members will also be authorized for the following items:
a. Department issued wide brim hat.
b. Department issued Columbia style shirt with appropriate embroidery.
c. Department issued tactical belt.
d. Department issued BDU pant.
e. Department issued footwear.
Specialty Uniforms
Hazardous Materials Unit
All members shall conform to the Class C uniform, unless otherwise directed by policy; however, members will also be authorized for the following items:
a. Department issued Special Operations jumpsuit for training purposes or as directed by the Battalion Chief based upon the nature of the operation.
Specialty Uniforms
Technical Rescue Team (TRT) Unit
All members shall conform to the Class C uniform, unless otherwise directed by policy; however, members will also be authorized for the following items:
a. Department issued extrication jumpsuit for training purposes, confined space rescue or as directed by the Battalion Chief based upon the nature of the operation.
b. Department issued steel toe/steel shank boot.
Specialty Uniforms
Motor Medic Unit
a. Department issued motor medic helmet with approved color and markings (only).
b. Department issued motor medic white long sleeve uniform shirt with department approved shoulder patch, collar brass, badge, name plate (color will be commensurate with current rank), American Flag pin and approved ribbon/bars.
c. Department issued motor medic pant.
d. Department issued motor medic boot.
Specialty Uniforms
Honor Guard
a. Department issued/approved Honor Guard attire.
Specialty Uniforms
Pipe and Drum Corps
a. Department issued/approved Pipe and Drum attire.
Specialty Uniforms
Tactical Medics
a. Department issued uniform items as required by the collective bargaining unit agreement, to be worn as directed by the SWAT Team Leader.
Specialty Uniforms
Headquarters (Non-Command) Staff Uniforms
- It is the intent of the Fire Chief that all personnel assigned to headquarters shall wear the approved Class A or Class B headquarters staff uniform daily.
- Headquarters staff shall wear the Class A uniform attire when attending meetings outside of the confines of the Public Safety Building which include external customers in attendance or when planned internal meetings are scheduled at the Public Safety Building with external customers/visitors in attendance.
- The Class B uniform attire may be worn as the uniform of the day when planned activities do not include customers external to BSO.
Specialty Uniforms
Civilian Uniforms
The Fire Chief shall determine which civilian BSODFRES employees are authorized to wear a civilian uniform and shall set the standards of said uniform.
Specialty Uniforms
Optional Items
A. All non-department issued but approved optional items obtained through Local 4321 shall be standardized to a specific brand and model and listed on an agency Internal Memorandum (IM) or other equivalent official means of documentation and have prior approval of the Fire Chief by November 1st of each year for the following year. Local 4321 shall provide the Fire Chief with a list of pictures of all the items requesting approval. Changes in brand or model will be updated on the IM to be included as a policy compliant uniform item. Any items with the IAFF logo or L4321 lettering shall not be authorized to be worn on duty at any time.
B. Local 4321 shall be the only recognized vendor of Fire Chief authorized official/optional uniform attire items. All other uniform issue items shall be provided by Logistics (not to include undershirts and other undergarments).
C. Department issued/authorized baseball type caps, wide brim hats and golf visors for female employees are not authorized with Parade, Class A or Class B uniforms as well as for command staff. If worn, caps will be worn facing forward.
D. Department approved “job” shirt with insignia authorized by the Fire Chief.
E. Department issued cold weather jacket.
F. Department issued tactical short for Bike Team, training and service testing only (not to be worn during responses).
Uniform Guidelines
Procedures
A. All personnel assigned to a specific unit shall be in the same class of uniform.
B. The Fire Chief will make the final determination for the approved uniform attire for all special events not specifically addressed by this guideline. Any variation from this guideline or uniform use shall require prior written permission from the Fire Chief or his designee. Variation requests and approvals shall be placed in the employee’s personnel file.
C. Any BSODFRES uniform or any part of any uniform shall not be worn off duty except for BSODFRES issued baseball caps. It will be permissible to wear the uniform or parts of the uniform going to or returning from work and going to breakfast after work or other de minimus errands. All other instances shall be pre- approved by a staff officer.
D. The Sheriff’s Policy Manual, particularly Section 3.1, and the IAFF Local 4321 Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement Article 25 remain in effect.
E. The following documents are superseded by this guideline:
1. IM 07-09
2. IM 11-08
3. IM 05-13
4. IM 06-78
5. IM 07-86
6. IM 08-07
7. IM 09-37
8. IM 10-20 (Exception-form is still available on the BSO Informant Forms Library).
F. See attached for approved uniform item use and location.
Award Pins
Department Issued Award Pins and CFAI pin may be worn above the pocket on the same side as the name tag – maximum 4 pins
Name Tag
Name tag 1⁄4 in below the pocket. “Serving Since” placard may be worn
CAAS accreditation, and Paramedic pin
A CAAS accreditation pin and Paramedic pin may be worn as displayed. On the pocket, below and on either side of the Name Tag
Flag Pin
Flag Pin should be placed 1⁄4 inch below the pocket on the same side as the badge.
Tie tack
If a tie tack is worn, it should be the BSO logo and this depicts the proper placement, in the center of the tie, at the height of the pocket buttons.
Rank Insignia
All rank insignia will be issued by BSO. Rank insignia will not be worn on the Class B uniform.
Collar insignia will be worn 2 inches from the collar point, on the center-line splitting the angle inscribed by the edges of the collar.
Officer’s Lapel Rank Insignia will be worn only on lapels of Dress Uniform Jackets of Lieutenants and above.
Collar Insignia and Officer’s Lapel Rank Insignia has been changed for the ranks of Lieutenant through Fire Chief. All uniformed employees in the classes listed in this document will wear the type of collar brass as indicated below for that designation. The new insignia is available through the Regional Logistics Warehouse.
It is the employees’ responsibility to properly place insignia on their uniform; however, ____
in an effort to facilitate this process and create uniformity, Battalion Chiefs have been provided with the appropriate clothing pliers and collar templates to properly affix the collar insignia. All personnel requiring a collar insignia change must present their long sleeved dress shirt to their Battalion Chief to be readied for the new collar insignia.
Workplace Lactation Accommodations for Shift Personnel
-Purpose
To provide the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue & Emergency Services (hereinafter BSODFRES) applicable personnel with guidelines for on-duty lactation accommodations
Workplace Lactation Accommodations for Shift Personnel
Background
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“PPACA”), amending Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207) (“FLSA”), requires employers to provide reasonable break time for nursing mothers to express breast milk as needed after the birth of her child for a period of one year from the time of birth.
Workplace Lactation Accommodations for Shift Personnel
Guidelines
A. In compliance with Federal labor standards law, for a period of one year after the birth of a child, employers are required to provide break time for employees to pump breast milk whenever necessary.
B. While assigned to shift operations, these “break times” will be considered to be occurring on the job, subject to call, and as such do not require usage of leave accruals as is the case with other non-exempt employees under the general Sheriff’s Policy Manual, Section 4.6
C. If and when requested, fire station supervisors shall provide accommodations for a consistent access to a private lactation area, in a sanitary place, other than a bathroom.
D. While assigned to an emergency response apparatus, the regulatory compliance for the provision of breast-pumping break times will not place a unit in a non- available status, and the employee engaged in the active process of breast- pumping will cease such activity for the response to a dispatched emergency.
E. The fire station supervisor shall ensure the provision of adequate refrigerated space to store pumped breast milk.
1. The lactating employee shall utilize a self-contained storage container for the purposes of storing pumped breast milk within a common use fire station refrigerator while on duty.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the lactating employee to provide this container(s).
Apparatus Intercom Headset Usage
Purpose
To provide guidelines for the utilization of apparatus intercom headsets.
Apparatus Intercom Headset Usage
Background
A. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health, as well as NFPA 1582 Standard on Occupational Medical Programs, recommends that fire departments establish hearing conservation programs that reduce or eliminate harmful sources of noise and requires the use of hearing protection.
B. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends engineering controls to limit firefighters overall exposure to noise, including the use of electronic devices designed specifically for the firefighter that provide enhanced communication capabilities and block harmful noise.
Apparatus Intercom Headset Usage
Guidelines
A. In the interest of our members’ health and safety, and in accordance with NFPA and NIOSH recommendations, all new Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services apparatus are supplied with headsets that provide hearing protection, as well as radio communications interface. Additionally, many current Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services apparatus provide these capabilities.
B. The use of this important safety equipment is mandatory in any Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services vehicle equipped with this option whenever the vehicle is in operation.
C. Company officers will notify the appropriate chain of command when apparatus that are equipped with this option lack any necessary components. Chief Officers will take the necessary steps to acquire the components for such apparatus.
Customer Satisfaction Surveys
Purpose
A. To provide an objective means of assessing the customer satisfaction rate with select services provided by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (hereinafter referred to as BSODFRES) and identify areas of improvement.
B. It is the policy of BSODFRES to encourage ALL external customers to participate in an electronic customer service survey available via the internet following the receipt of EMS, fire suppression, technical rescue, hazardous materials, and public education services
Customer Satisfaction Surveys
General Information
-Customer Satisfaction review process
A. A customer satisfaction review process has been developed, utilizing the Baldridge Group to provide an interactive telephone consult with customers who have used the BSODFRES EMS services:
- The Baldridge Group is provided with a monthly list of customers, who have utilized the BSODFRES EMS services.
- The Baldridge Group representative randomly contacts customers by telephone, asking five questions:
a) How was the paramedics’ response to your emergency?
b) Did paramedics listen and explain what they were doing?
c) Did paramedics display a caring and concerned attitude?
d) Did paramedics manage your pain or condition?
e) Were paramedics professional?
