SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Visitors
Purpose
To establish guidelines concerning visitors to the Fire Stations and Fire Department facilities.
Objective
A. To allow visitors in Fire Department facilities within established guidelines.
B. To insure that all visitors receive polite and professional treatment that presents the Cleveland Fire
Department in a positive manner.
C. To insure that visitors do not interfere in the day to day operations and activities of the Fire
Department nor encroach upon the privacy of fire department members during their tour of duty.
Scope
These guidelines apply to all Fire Department facilities at all times.
Responsibility
The Battalion Commander and Station Officer shall be responsible for the enforcement of this policy at all
times. It is the responsibility of each member to conduct themselves in a professional and businesslike
manner at all times and to insure that their visitors do not disturb Fire Department operations or other
firefighters.
Policy
A. Visitors shall be acknowledged in a courteous and professional manner. Visitors seeking
assistance shall be given help to the fullest extent of our ability and within our resources.
B. Visitors shall be accompanied by a member of the fire department at all times. Station or
Company Officers shall assign a company member the duty of escorting visitors about the
premises. The member shall use discretion in escorting the visitor in portions of the facilities that
contain dangerous conditions or may violate the privacy of on duty personnel.
C. Visitors must leave Fire Department facilities once their business is concluded. Unauthorized
loitering in and about Fire Stations and Fire Department facilities is prohibited.
D. Extended visits or overnight stays at any Fire Department facility must be approved in writing by
the Fire Chief in advance of the stay.
E. All visitors shall remain in the place designated by the Station or Company Officer and shall not
be involved in nor interrupt the activities of the men or women, including work assignments,
training, eating meals, sleeping or any other activity, except in emergencies. Members shall be
aware that failure to maintain acceptable standards or conduct shall subject them to disciplinary
action.
F. Visits shall be limited to one (1) hour unless approved by the Battalion Commander.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 249
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley