§ 34-33. Duties of fire chief.

The fire chief shall be answerable to the city manager provided that at any time there is a vacancy in the position of city manager, the fire chief shall be answerable to the city council. In addition to such other duties as provided from time to time by the city manager or city council, the fire chief shall:

(1)

Regularly attend meetings of the city council and any other meeting as directed by the city council;

(2)

Execute all orders and directions of the city manager, or when the position of city manager is vacant, of the city council;

(3)

Under the direction of the city manager, or when the position of city manager is vacant, of the city council, be in charge of the fire department and have their powers, duties and authority and in hiring, discharging or suspending any members;

(4)

Keep an accurate record of the performance of each firefighter, including the number of fires attended by him;

(5)

Keep an accurate record of the condition of all fire equipment;

(6)

Maintain perfect mechanical condition of fire department equipment;

(7)

Maintain such number of full-time firefighters as required by the city council;

(8)

Make such reports as the city council requires;

(9)

At any time there appears a deficiency in manpower necessary to fulfill the duties required under this section or to maintain the safety of the general public, the fire chief shall inform the city manager or if the position of city manager is vacant, then he shall notify the city council of the necessity for additional manpower.

(Code 1976, § 15½-86)