Elsmere Fire District Organizational Statement

The Elsmere Fire District is located in the State of New York, County of Albany, Town of Bethlehem. The Fire District was organized in 1929, as a municipal fire district, for the purpose of providing fire protection. The authority for the organization and operation of the Elsmere Fire District is set forth in the Town Law in the State of New York.

The Elsmere Fire District is organized to: save lives, suppress and control fires, provide basic/support emergency medical services, fire prevention education, hazardous materials response, public assistance during natural emergencies and other activities as deemed to be in the best interest of the residents of the fire district.

Membership of the Fire District is comprised of the active membership of the Elsmere Fire Company A, Inc. The total active membership is set at a number determined by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elsmere Fire District.

It is the commitment of the Fire District, that while performing the organized tasks and prime functions of providing fire protection, fire suppression and other related firematic activities, it will provide to the best of its ability, a safe working environment, endeavor to prevent accidents, illness, fatalities, and comply with all applicable laws and regulations as set forth by the State of New York.

Training for the entire Fire District Active membership will be scheduled at least once each week. Specialized crews and teams will drill and train as required to maintain their proficiency.

A minimum of three (3) members will serve as the Safety Committee. It will consist of an officer of the Company or Fire District, and any other personnel deemed appropriate by the Chief. The Chief or his designee will serve as chairperson at Safety Committee meetings. The Safety Committee will serve in an advisory capacity to conduct research and develop recommendations regarding health and safety, and response issues. The Chief will review these issues and the Safety Committee may then recommend to enact or revoke policies. Issues pertaining to these guidelines will be reviewed by the Elsmere Fire District. Changes to these guidelines will be acted on by the Board of Fire Commissioners, at a regular Board meeting.

The Chief will appoint a Safety Officer. This appointment will be made annually. The Safety Officer will serve as a member of the Safety Committee. The qualifications and duties of the Safety Officer are outlined later in these guidelines.

The Chief or the Board of Fire Commissioners will establish and maintain a record keeping system for: injuries, deaths, exposure to toxic products, infectious disease, membership, personnel information, and inventories, as deemed necessary.

This Organizational Statement is hereby adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Elsmere Fire District. It shall remain in effect until revoked or revised by a majority vote of the Board of Fire Commissioners.