Code of Conduct

Primary Responsibilities of a Firefighter

A firefighter acts as an official representative of government who is required and trusted to work within their duties and the law. During training proper decorum and conduct by all personnel, students and instructors alike, are expected at all times. Personnel are expected to present a neat, smart appearance, to be well groomed, and to conform to fire service traditions, customs, and courtesies. All are expected to deal professionally and responsibly with other fire agencies; local, state, and federal agencies; businesses, media, and the general public. Recruits are to learn and master fire traditions, customs, and courtesies as well as the attributes that follow.

Performance of Duties as a Firefighter

A firefighter shall perform all duties impartially, without favor or affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration. All citizens will be treated equally with courtesy, consideration, and dignity. Firefighters will never allow personal feelings, animosities or friendships to influence official conduct. They will conduct themselves in appearance and deportment in such a manner as to inspire confidence and respect for the position of public trust they hold.

Accountability

Recruits are accountable for their assignments, actions, and the equipment assigned to them. The importance of accountability cannot be overemphasized and recruits will come to realize the impact that the lack of accountability can have on life and property.

· Recruits will be trained in an environment that holds them accountable for their actions.

· Instructors and Company Officers will be held accountable for their actions in providing standardized training and maintaining an environment conducive to learning.

· All personnel will be responsible for their equipment and assignments.

· Corrective action will be taken when accountability is not achieved.

Communication

Communication is essential in the fire service, in every aspect of its operation, from the office to an emergency incident. The need to communicate clearly, briefly, concisely, coherently, and logically will be emphasized throughout the academy. One of the goals of the TFRTC Firefighter I Academy is to train recruits in the methods and discipline of communicating appropriately, through one’s speaking and writing abilities, within the fire service and when dealing with the public. Recruits are expected to:

· Listen attentively during classroom and skill sessions, speaking only when necessary and when acknowledged within the framework of the class.

· Address Academy staff, guests, and each other with respect; by their respective title or as Mr., Mrs, Miss, Sir, or Ma'am.

· Not interrupt while others are speaking, and will ensure they are seen and then wait for the appropriate recognition before speaking.

· Refrain from starting/spreading rumors and to stifle potential misinformation.

· Accept criticism graciously and give appropriate verbal responses when required.

· Listen attentively during skills sessions and to follow orders/direction as stated. If there is a lack of understanding, they will clearly and briefly request clarification.

Complaints

Complaints or questions about ethical conduct and/or a conflict of interest should be referred to the recruit’s Company Officer for resolution at the lowest possible level. If the issue/question cannot be resolved at the Company Officer level then it should be referred to the Course Coordinator for disposition.

Confidentiality

Members of the public have a right to security and privacy, and information obtained about them must not be improperly divulged.

Cooperation with other Agencies

Firefighters will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of their responsibilities. It is imperative that a firefighter assist colleagues fully and completely with respect and consideration at all times.

Courtesy

Courtesy is demonstrating a caring and polite attitude while working with others. It is the goal of the TFRTC Firefighter I Academy, in particular, to provide a learning environment where courtesy and consideration of others is instilled. Personnel will master courtesy while working in a close, team-oriented environment where consideration and courtesy are essential elements of the team concept.

Discretion

A firefighter will responsibly use the discretion vested in their position and exercise it within the law and without abuse. The principle of reasonableness should guide a firefighter’s determinations. Consistent and wise use of discretion, based on professional competence, will do much to preserve good relationships and retain the confidence of the public, especially when there is difficulty in choosing between conflicting courses of action.

Followership

One of the most important lessons to be learned during the academy is the ability to be disciplined in following directions and orders. Effective followership is the foundation to effective leadership. It is the goal of the TFRTC to train all firefighters to follow all legitimate directions and orders given by a supervising officer with respect and courtesy.

· Personnel will be taught to acknowledge a direction or order given by a supervising official by addressing them as "Sir" or "Ma'am."

· Students will be taught to follow all legitimate directions and orders given by their supervising officer, asking for clarification when a misunderstanding exists.

Honesty

Honesty is an essential element of a career in the fire service. It is the goal of the TFRTC to instill or increase a sense of honesty in all dealings with personnel.

· Personnel will not lie, cheat, or steal.

· Personnel will admit to making a mistake when a mistake is made.

· Personnel will not cover up a mistake or negligent act, but will bring it to the immediate attention of their Company Officer.

Integrity

A firefighter will not engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will an officer condone such acts by other firefighters. The public demands that the integrity of firefighters be above reproach. Firefighters must, therefore, avoid any conduct that might compromise integrity and thus undercut the public confidence. Firefighters will refuse to accept any gifts, presents, subscriptions, favors, or promises, which could be interpreted as gratuities, seeking to cause the firefighter to refrain from performing official responsibilities honestly and within the law. Respect from the public cannot be bought; it can only be earned and cultivated.

Leadership

Leadership has been described as the ability to get people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it. It goes beyond that and encompasses the respect and admiration of followers. It involves much more than words or personal charisma. It is comprised mostly of actions; setting and reaching goals and objectives. It is the goal of the TFRTC Firefighter I Academy to train firefighters to be effective leaders, relevant to the level of their authority.

Manipulative Skills

Manipulative skills are the hands-on proficiencies required by a firefighter to safely and effectively carry out the various aspects of their job. Personal mastery of these skills is essential for the firefighter's own safety as well as those on their team and the general public. It is the goal of the TFRTC, and the Firefighter I Academy in particular, to meet and promote the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Standards for Firefighter I. Therefore, students will be taught from the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) curriculum and lesson plans, that meet the NFPA 1001 standards for Firefighter I, are accepted by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, and comply with the Washington Administrative Code 296-305.

Positive Attitude

The TFRTC, through its training program, hopes to instill and develop in the firefighter an attitude of confidence in their abilities, leadership and management, and decision-making processes.

· The staff and instructors will lead my example with confidence and positive attitudes.

· Personnel will train in an environment that creates the highest probability that successful task completion will be achieved.

· Individual responsibilities will be evaluated regularly. If properly completed, they will be given positive reinforcement. If improperly completed, appropriate direction will be given so that positive reinforcement can follow.

· The general goal of the Academy is to ensure that firefighters will have had a positive experience upon completion of the program.

Professionalism

Professionalism is the development of pride in the affiliation of oneself, and the grasping of fundamental actions and appearance which one is striving for. One of the goals of the TFRTC FF1 Academy is to develop a sense of professionalism and pride in it's staff and graduates and to provide a structured environment which emphasizes discipline, technique, appearance, and personal skills.

Punctuality

Firefighters need to exercise punctuality at all times. In this line of work, it could mean the difference between life and death. In each TFRTC sponsored curricula the concept of punctuality is instilled and enforced.

· Personnel will be required to be punctual to all activities.

· Personnel having a problem with punctuality will be counseled and, if necessary, disciplinary steps will be taken to ensure punctuality.

Personal and Professional Capabilities

Firefighters will be responsible for their own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve their level of knowledge and competence. Through study and experience, a firefighter can acquire the high level of knowledge and competence that is essential for the efficient and effective performance of duty. The acquisition of knowledge is a never-ending process of personal and professional development that should be pursued constantly.

Private Life

Firefighters will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to their agencies or themselves. A firefighter’s character and conduct while off duty must always be exemplary, thus maintaining a position of respect in the community, in which he/she lives and serves. The firefighter’s behavior must be beyond reproach.

Reliability

Reliability is essential in the fire service. A firefighter must be counted upon in both emergency and non-emergency circumstances. Another goal of the TFRTC and its Firefighter I Academy, in particular, is to train students to be reliable and dependable.

· Personnel will be trained to carry out orders and assignments thoroughly.

· Personnel shall be required to demonstrate they are capable of carrying out routine jobs and tasks with little or no supervision.

· Personnel shall be prompt and demonstrate they are able to follow a schedule.

Respect

Respect is an essential core value in the fire service. Firefighters spend a large portion of their life in close quarters with other members of the fire department. Firefighters must respect authority, peers, and the public. It is the goal of the TFRTC Firefighter I Academy to train firefighters to show respect to all members of the fire department and the public.

· Personnel will show honor and esteem to Academy staff members and the public.

· Personnel will use proper communications when addressing Academy staff and the public.

· Personnel will demonstrate respect to their peers at all times.

· Personnel will respect the property of the Academy, the public, and their peers.

Safety

It is the goal of the TFRTC to develop an attitude that fosters the condition of being safe from receiving or causing pain, injury, or loss while performing tasks not only during training but also throughout their fire service career.

· Academy staff and instructors shall provide a good example by following all safety rules.

· Safety practices and rules shall be taught and understood by all firefighters.

· Prior to the start of the academy, all personnel shall be in excellent physical condition, prepared to handle the extreme demands of firefighting and the academy.

· The use of tools and equipment will be such that the safety of the user is the first priority.

Teamwork

The TFRTC strives to instill and develop an attitude in its firefighters which understands and willingly accepts the concept that he/she has individual responsibilities or tasks which, when completed, contribute to the success of the whole team endeavor.

Thurston Fire Rescue Training Consortium

Firefighter 1 Recruit Academy