Fire Chief

Summary of Job

The Fire Chief assumes responsibility for the administration, supervision, and management of the Elkhorn Area Fire Department. The Fire Chief coordinates emergency fire and medical service operations, oversees fire prevention, education, safety, and inspections, and ensures effective emergency government coordination. Additionally, the Fire Chief collaborates with other departments, manages budgets, and represents the Fire Department in various forums. The Chief serves as the face of the City during emergency scenes and works closely with other agencies.

Pursuant to Section 62.13(3), Wis. Stats., the Police and Fire Commission shall appoint the Chief of the Fire Department.

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and regulations governing all aspects of departmental operations. Ensures alignment with local, state, and federal guidelines. Rules, regulations, and standard operating guidelines promulgated by the Fire Chief shall be approved by the Commission before becoming effective. This shall include operational procedures, policies, and job descriptions for all personnel. The City Administrator, before submission to the City Council, shall review all such documents.
  
  All members of the Department shall be provided with access to all such rules, regulations and Standard Operating Guidelines once they become effective.
• Enforces Wisconsin Statues, the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Department Operating Guidelines and the City Code in matters relating to fire prevention, code enforcement, public education and fire suppression within the city and towns served.
• Formulates, executes, and evaluates both short-term and long-range goals and objectives for the Fire Department. Drives continuous improvement by assessing performance metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Organizes, leads, and facilitates the functioning of the Fire Department. Ensures efficient deployment of resources during emergency scene operations and effective incident management.
• Prepares and reviews bid specifications and coordinates the purchase of department vehicles and equipment.
• Except where properly delegated to a subordinate, the Fire Chief shall be the custodian of all official records of the Fire Department. Such records shall include, at a minimum, those required by the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, City ordinances, and the statutes of the State of Wisconsin.
• Manages payment requests and departmental budget. Reviews and approves departmental purchases while maintaining high standards of quality and cost-effectiveness. Page 1 of 6
• Participates in the selection and promotion of department employees. Advises and directs subordinates in the performance of their duties.
• The Chief shall have the power to suspend, demote or terminate any officer or member of the Department for just cause.
• Ensures the department fosters a respectful and supportive atmosphere for all personnel, promoting effective communication and teamwork.
• Ensures state-mandated training and educational requirements are met by department personnel. Prepares and reviews performance evaluations.
• Directs and actively participates in firefighting and emergency rescue activities.
• In accordance with the standard operating guidelines of the Department, the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee shall attend all fires in the City, towns served and elsewhere when the Department has responded to render mutual aid to another department. If the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee is unavailable, the highest-ranking officer of the Department in attendance shall have the same powers and duties as the Chief.
• In accordance with the standard operating guidelines of the Department, the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee shall attend rescue calls to which the Fire Department is called. In the absence of the Fire Chief or the Chief's designee, the highest-ranking officer in attendance shall have the same powers and duties as the Chief.
• The Chief shall submit such written reports to the Mayor, City Administrator, City Council, and Fire Advisory Board on a monthly and quarterly basis. An annual report for the calendar year…