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Question for anybody who knows
I am on a vol. FD in Iowa I was considering also joining another vol. FD in the same county That we run mutual aid with. I was told by a former chief that Iowa has laws against belonging to more than one FD at the same time. doese any body know if this is true or where I can find out. I heard of people belonging to two FD's in other states why would it be any different here?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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Joe Stoltz's description regarding living in one jurisdiction and working in another, in conjunction with a written agreement / contract defines how someone can work for more than one department. In your case, working for one jurisdiction is no different than working for the other. Mutual aid agreements appear to be in place and you have done your homework ahead of time, factoring in how to provide the best customer service. South Carolina sounds like they have it together. Very cool. TCSS, Mike
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Hey Billy, One of the key factors here is accountability, liability and insurance. I suppose the easiest way to deal with it is having restrictions on only allowing FF's that live in the service area, but how about if they work outside of the service area as mentioned above. Could they then have a day time FD and a once you are on your way and at home FD... I suppose if I was a volunteer firefighter, I would want to get as much nozzle time as possible... it's in the blood you know... TCSS, SB Mike
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Hey Nick, The key factor here is remembering the different SOG's, SOP's and just how things are done. Every department is different and it requires either standardization between mutual aid departments or someone with one hell of a memory, at least better than mine...
Start to factor in anything having to do with Risk Management, and the disability issues, well... it would suck to not be covered in the event of an injury because there was "mutual risk" between the two or more jurisdictions. It may be cool to run more calls but in the event that you become injured and possibly disabled, getting caught up in the myriad of legal questions because you muddied the waters, working for more than one jurisdiction. I don't think it's clean and leaves you wide open for assuming a lot of the issues involved with a workers compensation injury.
For what it's worth, if you are in a situation where there are very few calls, you don't do interior attacks, and you get by on a thought and a prayer then God Bless you for taking on the risks associated with protecting those you live and work with. If you are busy, working lots of calls, then my assumption is that you have a greater risk toward personal injury. I have had four various surgeries in my 35 years... I just have to bring up the reality side of the life of a firefighter. It's just part of the job...
Whether volunteer or career, we all take the same risks and it bears warning others to make sure that they have an escape route, a backup plan, and a well thought out what if scenario before committing your mental and physical being to more than one department... I share this with nothing but concern for you and all of our brothers and sisters who can call themselves firefighters. TCSS, SB Mike
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