Hey folks, we are looking at writing/rewriting a member in good standing policy. And we are looking for SOP/SOG's from other volunteer Fire/EMS services for ideas and directions in which we want to take ours. If you would like to send a copy that would be great you can send it to Rahn at Abbott dot net.
If you don't want to send it or don't feel comfortable with sending me your SOP/SOG's that fine you can just post the gist of what's in it here.
In addition to that we are rewriting all our SOP/SOG's so if you would like to send me all your SOP/SOG's that pertain to day to day operations. I am not interested in your medical/trauma protocols because here that is a collective document that is written by us and the medical director. But if you wanted to send me those too they would be welcome.
Well this is what we have at our Vollie station. This had to be OKed through our city commission for our pension for our Volunteers. I turn in monthly pension reports and a yearly final report. To be in good standing:
The member pays the $5 to the association for the year.
Participate in 50% of the drills for the year ( we have them at an average of 3 Mondays a Month)
Attending 8 of the 12 Business meetings ( that is the 1st Monday of the month)
Respond to a minimum of 10% of the paged calls ( OR ) 4 twelve hour shifts or signups at the station to equal 48 for the year to cover the run percentages.
These standards are a MUST to be met along with our points system in 6 other categories to get a years worth of credit toward a pension in the service. If a member does not meet these standards then they are considered not in good standing and have no vote or say in what goes on in the firemens association.
Our Chief has his own set of standards for them that he requires from them for the station duties.
It seems like alot of work, but all it takes is alittle effort on their part.
i\m in agreement also. we have hall policy on these issues. no sog's. its up to each hall. in ours you must attend 1 of 3 practices (and have a good reason for missed practice ie work, family- cause the game was on is not an acceptable excuse.)and at least a call a month. there is no requirements on meetings, but that is your chance for your say... if you miss out, too bad! you dont get to bitch about changes/amendments. the other "extras" are also at the discretion of the members.
Is this a city or county run department, or I should say whos insurance are you under. If you fall under the city or counties insurance you can use their leave of absence policy as a starting point and go from there. Our good standing policy is directly related to our retirement benifits so if you are not in good standing at the end of the year you do not get retirement for that year. We have no requirements on number of calls but we do have requirements on training you must make 50% of all the meetings which would be 12 per year since we have 2 per month.
Rahn,
Here are a couple of departments that I know have great Vol programs
1. Moscow Rural Fire District in Moscow, Idaho. Chief Ed Button 208-882-2831
2. Chief Jon Bugher at Clallam County FD #2 in Port Angeles, Wa. 360-452-7725
Go luck and I look forward to sharing and learning from you. BTW, where are you now located?
Roger