BRISTOL FIRE DEPARTMENT CADET PROGRAM STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES The Bristol Fire Department (BFD) Cadet Program was established as a training program for young men and women, aged 15-18, interested in learning about the fire service. Cadets are eligible to take the VT Fire Service Training Council Firefighter I program prior to reaching their 18th Birthday; however, a Cadet is not eligible for certification until 18 years of age. When a Cadet achieves their Firefighter Level I certification in accordance with NFPA 1001: Standard for Professional Firefighter Qualifications, they shall be considered a Senior Cadet until such time all requirements are met for Bristol Fire Department Membership and there is a vacancy. A cadet is eligible for Bristol Fire Department Membership after the following requirements have been met:       

Have attained the age of eighteen (18) Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent Legal resident of the United States of America Be subject to being certified by a physician as being physically fit to perform the duties of a firefighter. Be a Town of Bristol Resident Be subject to a background check, to include criminal and employment Valid Vermont Driver’s License

As a Cadet you will serve in a support role for firefighters at actual emergencies as a supplement to a formal training program. Cadets attend monthly meetings and training drills with members of the department. A Bristol Fire Department officer serves as the Cadet Advisor, and he/she is the primary contact person for each Cadet. Those selected are expected to be responsible, act in a mature manner, and represent the BFD and their community in a positive manner. In both training sessions and actual emergency situations, the safety of the Cadet is of paramount concern to the department. Due to the inherent dangers of firefighting, all cadets are closely supervised by the officers. Cadets quickly become an integral part of the firefighting team during emergencies, serving in such important capacities as water supply support, supplying equipment for firefighters and other tasks deemed appropriate based on knowledge and experience. Cadets will not assist with any offensive fire suppression operations. At times cadets may operate exterior hose lines only when directed by the Incident Commander (IC). Cadets may assist with salvage and overhaul operations only after the area has been cleared of any product considered Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health (IDLH) and the IC has deemed this assignment appropriate. It should be understood, however, that despite the training and supervision provided, firefighting is a dangerous activity and serious injury is a possibility. The officers will make every effort to minimize the Cadets exposure to danger. It is also the responsibility of the Cadet to avoid known hazardous situations. Due to the inherent dangers of firefighting, strict rules of conduct and tight procedural standards have been established. In an actual emergency, it is essential that all firefighters and cadets act in a calm and efficient manner. Cadets are expected to attend training drills and be prepared for the many challenges presented in an emergency situation that may be assigned to them by the officer in charge or IC. Every Bristol Fire Department Member and Cadet is expected to read and understand these June 2014

1

procedures. The Cadet Advisor or his/her designee is available to discuss any questions you may have. Eligibility 1. Must be a resident of the Five Town area and 15-18 years of age. 2. The applicant must be in good academic standing at his/her school at the time of application and during time served in the cadet program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C”) must be maintained. A copy of the Cadets report card and course schedule shall be submitted to the Cadet Advisor on a quarterly basis. 3. The Cadet applicant must complete an application, including a medical authorization form. Included with the application is a parental consent that must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. The application must be approved by the BFD Chief and Cadet Advisor. BFD Cadet Classifications: Cadet – Any person between the ages of 15-18 years of age who have not met requirements for probationary membership and who have not completed Firefighter Level I certification. Senior Cadet – A cadet 18 years of age with a valid Firefighter-I certification, in accordance with NFPA 1001: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications, who has not yet met requirements for membership in the Bristol Fire Department. General Rules 1. Cadets shall be entitled to: a. Have a voice at all meetings b. Respond to emergency incidents within their scope of training 2. Cadets shall not: a. Have voting privileges b. Hold office c. Key to the fire station 3. All Cadets must complete a department orientation with the cadet advisor or his/her designee within two weeks of joining the program. Orientation includes but is not limited to a tour of the fire stations, riding assignment and familiarity with Bristol Fire Department Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG’s), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Department Policies and the role of a Cadet or Senior Cadet in the Incident Command System (ICS). 4. The general standard of conduct is to act in the manner of a professional. Cadets represent the Bristol Fire Department and are expected to be courteous and respectful to fellow firefighters and emergency service personnel and all citizens served. The department will not tolerate vulgar, offensive, discriminatory or threatening language or gestures at any time. Cadets may not wear any article of clothing that, in the opinion of a fire officer, would be offensive to the public served. Violations will result in disciplinary action, and may include suspension.

June 2014

2

5. The department maintains a “zero tolerance” policy with respect to drug and alcohol use and violation of public laws. Any possession or use of alcohol, tobacco products or illegal drugs, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco products or illegal drugs, on BFD premises or apparatus, emergency scene, training drill, official function, or while in BFD uniform will result in immediate and permanent suspension from the BFD Cadet Program. 6. Cadets may not use or display emergency identification on their personal vehicle (e.g., red lights and fire department license plates). Cadets may wear clothing identifying them as a BFD Cadet including assigned protective gear, uniforms or logo shirts/hats. 7. Cadets may not enter Bristol Station-1, Station-2, or Station-3 unless a member of the department is present, and then only for official business (emergency response, training drill, department meeting or work detail). Cadets will not be issued station keys. 8. The Cadet program is considered an internship which is a system of on-the-job training. The Cadet program will provide young men and women the opportunity to gain experience and determine if they have an interest in the field of firefighting. Cadets will not be compensated for services provided including response to emergencies. 9. Cadets may not borrow BFD equipment for personal use. 10. Cadets may not operate BFD vehicles. NO EXCEPTIONS 11. Power tools, hydraulic and pressurized air operated equipment, and cutting devices such as chain saws/vent saws, air bags and Extrication Tools are to be operated only under the direct supervision of a fire officer or his/her designee. Power tool use is for training purposes only. A Cadet may not operate any power tool, hydraulic or pressurized air operated equipment or cutting device at an emergency scene. Full protective gear, including gloves and eye protection, must be worn by the Cadet when operating any power tool, hydraulic or pressurized air operated equipment, or cutting device. Prohibited Activities for 15 year old Cadets: 1. ALL WORK requiring use of LADDERS, SCAFFOLDS, or there substitutes. 2. Work in connection with MAINTENANCE or REPAIR of the ESTABLISHMENT, MACHINES, or EQUIPMENT. 3. Motor vehicle driving and outside helper (backing apparatus spotter) 4. Power-driven circular saws 5. Roofing operations Prohibited Activities for Cadets 16-18 years of age.  Motor vehicle driving and outside helper (backing apparatus spotter)  Power-driven circular saws  Roofing operations 12. Cadet’s ages 16-18 years of age may climb BFD ground ladders for training purposes only. Any ladder use must be under the direct supervision of a BFD fire officer or his/her designee. A ladder belt or safety harness and full protective gear must be worn at all times. Ladders or aerial equipment of another fire department may not be used by the Cadet without the consent of a fire officer from the other department and a BFD fire officer.

June 2014

3

13. Cadets shall not respond to emergencies in which BFD is called during school hours or school scheduled activities. School hours are defined as 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. School activities are defined as any field trips, guidance meetings, sports dismissals, school sponsored travel, fine arts activities, etc. in which a Cadet is part of. Cadets who stay home from school due to illness shall not respond to emergencies. 14. Cadets will be assigned a BFD fire pager if one is available. Cadets are not permitted to bring BFD fire pagers to school. 15. Cadets must attend a minimum of 20 hours of training each year to maintain status as an active cadet. 16. Senior Cadets are required to attend a minimum of 30 hours of training each year with a minimum of 10 hours with the Bristol Fire Department. 17. Cadets are responsible for the care of all personal protective equipment issued to them, and are financially responsible for loss or damage from other than official use. a. Cadets will be issued an Orange Helmet and Orange on-scene Accountability Tag b. Senior cadets will be issued a Black Helmet with orange leather shield, orange Accountability Tag and Yellow Accountability Tag if SCBA certified. 18. Cadets may not fill SCBA air bottles, and are to remain clear of the filling area when air bottles are being filled. 19. Cadets may inspect SCBA units if they have received proper training and then only when supervised by a qualified firefighter. Only Senior Cadets may sign off on inspections in SCBA log. Cadets are not permitted to sign off on inspections. NO EXCEPTIONS! 20. All firefighters and cadets are to be seated in the truck cab when the apparatus is in motion with seatbelt securely fastened. Cadets shall not assist with backing of apparatus. 21. Report any injury to a Chief or Company officer immediately and if one is assigned, a Safety Officer. 22. Firefighters and Cadets may not accept monetary payment or gifts for services rendered as a firefighter or cadet. Any citizen offering payment of any kind should be advised that payment for services provided is not expected. Never accept contributions at an emergency scene. Those individuals seeking to make a contribution should be advised to consider a voluntary contribution to BFD. Emergency Response 1. Cadet Firefighters may respond to emergency alarms, except as outlined in (2) below. Cadet Firefighters will respond to the fire station with the flow of traffic obeying all traffic laws or as directed by the BFD Chief or Cadet Advisor via a standing assignment order. Cadets may respond on BFD apparatus if seats are available (All Cadets will relinquish seats to firefighters as needed). Cadets are under the command of BFD officers from the time of their arrival at the station or emergency scene until released from duty by the Incident Commander (IC). If no officer is aboard the apparatus, the Cadet will be under the command of the Apparatus Driver/Operator June 2014

4

or Senior Firefighter on board. Cadets are not to leave an emergency scene without the knowledge and consent of the IC (each Cadet is to speak with the IC directly, not via a third party). 2. Cadets may not respond to an emergency alarm relating to a hazardous material incident (excluding motor vehicle crashes in the Town of Bristol), biological or nuclear hazard, explosive device, terrorist incident, police jurisdiction/crime scene assistance or mass casualty (defined as one likely to involve four or more individuals seriously injured or killed-such as an incident involving a train, aircraft or bus accident). Cadets will not respond to any body recovery incident. 3. Under no circumstances is a Cadet to enter a burning structure, confined space or underground area, or area subject to a collapse hazard. Once a fire has been brought under control, and the building determined to be structurally sound and free of hazardous materials and toxic gas, the Cadet may enter the building if accompanied at all times by an experienced Firefighter. This must be with the consent of the Fire Chief or IC. Cadets may operate exterior hose lines under the direction of an experienced firefighter. This must be with the consent of the Fire Chief or IC. Cadets must remain well clear of a motor vehicle fire or other type of fire presenting exposure to flammable liquids or hazardous materials. At an emergency scene, a Cadet may not climb a ladder or operate from a roof or other elevated position. At an emergency scene, a Cadet may not operate any power tool, hydraulic or pressurized air operated equipment, or cutting device. 4. Upon arrival at an emergency scene, a Cadet is not to enter a private dwelling or other structure with firefighters for investigation or emergency action of any type, unless expressly instructed to do so by the Incident Commander. Cadets are to remain with the apparatus or in a designated Staging Area if one has been established, and await specific orders from the IC. If the Cadet receives orders from an officer (or request from a firefighter) of another fire department, it is the responsibility of the Cadet to advise that officer or firefighter of his/her status as a Cadet and the limitations placed upon him/her. 5. All orders received from the IC are to be obeyed and executed completely. If, due to safety concerns or for any other reason, the Cadet is unable to complete an assigned task, the officer issuing the order, or another officer in his/her absence, should be immediately notified by the Cadet who received the order. 6. Under no circumstances will a Cadet be assigned to traffic control. (EXCEPTION: 18 year old Senior Cadet with FF-I certification) 7. Cadets are not to make any public comments or make statements to the media at the time of an emergency incident, or following the incident, concerning conditions relating to the emergency scene. Examples of comments to avoid are the cause and origin of a fire, condition of fire victims, and condition of a home interior or firefighting technique. All public inquiries are to be referred to the Fire Chief or to the Incident Commander. It should be understood by the Cadet that fire inspectors or arson investigators and other governmental officials are required to inspect certain types of damage-their presence may in no way indicate suspicion of wrongdoing on the part of the property owner. Cadets must also understand that individuals whose property has been damaged or destroyed and/or family members injured or killed are extremely sensitive to the statements and actions of emergency personnel. BFD Cadets are expected to demonstrate the utmost of respect and compassion for these individuals in both their words and actions. 8. Valuables found at an emergency scene are to be immediately turned over to the IC or to the police. Theft by a Cadet will result in an immediate suspension from the Cadet Firefighter Program and the Police Department will be notified. June 2014 5

The following are guidelines to hours of operations by Cadets. Parent or guardian always supersede the hours listed below. HOURS OF OPERATIONS AGE 15 1. No activity while school is in session. NO EXCEPTIONS! 2. No activity between the hours of 10:00pm and 5:00am. HOURS OF OPERATIONS AGE 16 & 17 1. No activity while school is in session. NO EXCEPTIONS! 2. No activity between the hours of 12:00pm and 5:00am. HOURS OF OPERATIONS AGE 18 1. No activity while school is in session. NO EXCEPTIONS!

DRIVING OF PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES (POV) 1. Only Cadets that are at least 16 years old and have a valid Vermont driver’s license may drive privately owned vehicles to the fire station or to the scene. 2. BFD requests that all Cadets report to the fire station for calls but do understand this is not always possible. 3. If a Cadet responds directly to the scene and arrives prior to apparatus and personnel they must stage their POV away from the incident so not to interfere with incoming resources. Following arrival of resources cadets shall report to the staging area. If a staging area has not been established, report to the front bumper of the engine and wait for an assignment. 4. At no time is a Cadet permitted to use colored lights, sirens, hazard lights, honk horn, display a fire plate, or use any other warning devices on their POV. 5. All speed limits and traffic laws are to be strictly followed while responding. 6. The Bristol Fire Department is in no way responsible or liable for any moving violations or accidents while en-route to or from the station, incident or training. 7. Failure to abide by these rules will result in a suspension of at least 30 days and possible expulsion from the Cadet Program. RESPONDING TO CALLS ON APPARATUS 1. Cadet members must be in good standing with the department. 2. Don full protective PPE before boarding any piece of fire apparatus that is responding to the incident. All BFD personnel shall wear PPE at ALL emergencies unless otherwise instructed by the officer in charge. 3. All Cadets shall give up their seat to any senior firefighter upon request. NO questions or arguing. 4. When riding any piece of apparatus, cadets shall position themselves in a seat with a seat belt in place and securely fastened. Under no circumstances will a cadet stand up on an apparatus while it is in motion. 5. On arrival at the scene cadets shall report to the staging area and wait for an assignment. If no staging area has been established, report to front bumper of the engine. Under no circumstances shall a cadet perform any action without directive from the officer in charge. June 2014 6

6. All instructions of the officer or firefighter in charge must be followed. If you are not sure what you are doing or have been assigned something you are not permitted to do or comfortable with, say so right away so your task can be clarified or re-assigned. 7. At no time shall a cadet start or attempt to start or move any fire department vehicle. NO EXCEPTIONS! 8. Upon returning to the station, assist in clean up, store your gear for the next call, sign out and ask officer in charge to be excused. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES BY LAW and/or BFD for ALL Cadets BFD and/or state law specifically prohibits cadet members under the age of 18 of an emergency service organization from participating in the following activities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Operating any BFD apparatus. Operating a radio on an incident (exception emergency communication) Establishing command on any call. Being present at scenes involving serious injury or death. Using insulated electric gloves, insulated wire cutters, life nets or acetylene cutting torches. Operations of pumps of any fire department vehicle at an emergency incident. Operate any aerial device (cranes or hoists), air bags for lifting or winches. Perform operations in tunnels, shafts or trenches. Participate in emergencies at, explosives or fireworks plants, retailers or in support of public safety for a public display (e.g. fireworks). 10. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incidents. 11. Wrecking or demolition including use of acetylene torches, cutting or crushing equipment or respond to structural collapse incidents. 12. Vehicle Extrication (exception training exercises) Prohibited Activities for Cadets 15 years of age: 1. All work requiring use of Ladders, Scaffolds, or there substitutes. 2. Roof top ventilation or any work on top of a roof. 3. Work in connection with maintenance or repair of the establishment, machines, circular saws, hydraulic equipment, etc. 4. Motor vehicle driving and outside helper (backing apparatus spotter) 5. Traffic Control Duties 6. Power-driven circular saws 7. Entering a burning structure or any situation Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health (IDLH) 8. Participate in operations involving hazardous materials. 9. Roofing operations. 10. Operating high-pressure hose lines (water, air or hydraulic) except during training. 11. Body Recovery Operations Prohibited Activities for Cadets 16 & 17 years of age: 1. Motor vehicle driving and outside helper (backing apparatus spotter) 2. Roof top ventilation or any work on top of a roof. 3. Traffic Control Duties 4. Power-driven circular saws 5. Entering a burning structure or any situation Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health (IDLH). 6. Body Recovery Operations

June 2014

7

Permitted Activities for Cadets 15-18 years of age: 1. Participate in organized training activities in which an adult member of the organization is present and supervising the cadet member. 2. All aspects of fire suppression training except interior live fire extinguishment. 3. Rescue training 4. Hazardous material awareness training 5. Safety training 6. Wildland firefighting training and wilderness search and rescue training. 7. Provide canteen services 8. Participate in support capacity for searches, rescues, wild fires and water supply operations while under direct supervision of a senior member. Permitted Activities for Senior Cadets: 1. Senior Cadets are Firefighter-I certified in accordance with NFPA 1001: Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications; therefore can perform tasks and assignments within their scope of training but must be under the direct supervision and control of an experienced Chief Officer, Company Officer, or Senior Firefighter. Direct supervision means that the chief officer, company officer, or senior firefighter must be within sight, sound or touch of the cadet member. 2. All assignments will be given by the officer in charge or his/her designee.

June 2014

8