I. Definitions

A. Apparatus: Apparatus vehicles are those vehicles designed mainly to be utilized by field personnel to accomplish the primary tactical missions of the district. Examples of apparatus are engines, squads, ladder trucks, ambulances and water tenders.

B. Civilian: For this policy, any person not considered to be an employee as defined below.

C. Employee: Any person employed and paid by the Diamond Springs - El Dorado Fire Protection District, any active Volunteer Firefighter of the Diamond Springs - El Dorado Fire Protection District, or any member of the Board of Directors of the Diamond Springs - El Dorado Fire Protection District.

D. Staff Vehicle: Staff vehicles are those vehicles owned and operated by the district which are assigned to specific individuals or used mainly for support functions. Examples of staff vehicles are chief officer vehicles, repair vehicles and utility vehicles.

II. As a general rule, the use of district owned vehicles shall be restricted to official district business. Examples of exceptions would be personal use of staff vehicles by chief officers who are expected to respond to incidents, or use of district owned vehicles for personal transportation for employees who are out of town on district business or training.

III. Drivers of district vehicles shall have a current California Driver License valid for the type of vehicle they are operating.

IV. Transporting Civilians in District Vehicles

A. Only district employees (as defined in this policy) shall drive or operate district vehicles except in emergency situations without the approval of a chief officer.

B. Civilians shall not normally be transported in district apparatus other than ambulances except as outlined in Standard Operating Procedure #706, Civilian Ride-Alongs.

1. Situations may occur where the transport of civilians on district apparatus can be justified by an urgent situation in existence at the time. Captains, acting company officers and chief officers have the authority make such decisions on a case by case basis. Such incidents shall be documented.

2. Chief officers may authorize civilians to ride on district apparatus for special events such as parades.

C. Citizens may be transported in district owned staff vehicles when it is in the district's best interest, or with the approval of a chief officer.

[ home ] [ index ] [ return to top ]