The fire department of the city shall consist of a fire chief who shall also be the city fire marshal, and not less than 15 nor more than 25 volunteer firemen.

(Code 1973, 6-101; Code 2018)

The fire chief shall be appointed by the city manager, and all other members of the volunteer fire department shall be appointed by the fire chief, subject to the approval of the city manager.

(Code 1973, 6-102)

The fire chief shall have general supervision over the city fire department and the members thereof, and all equipment belonging to the department and shall have full control and direction at all fires and over all firemen and any volunteers who may be assisting in attempting to put out any fire. The fire chief shall appoint one or more assistant fire chiefs who shall have and exercise all the powers, duties and authority of the fire chief in the absence or disability of the fire chief.

(Code 1973, 6-103)

The chief of the fire department shall be charged with the proper care and maintenance of all city property furnished the department and he or she shall from time to time as required by the city manager make reports and recommendations thereon. The chief shall keep and maintain an accurate list of all equipment and apparatus supplied to the department and under the direction of the city manager shall have complete control of the fire department firefighting equipment of the city.

(Code 1973, 6-104)

The fire chief shall have full control and direction at all fires and the firemen under his or her direction may form fire lines and take such other lawful steps as may be necessary to control all persons in attendance at any fire. He or she shall have power to call for assistance from any and all able-bodied citizens who may be present at the time of any fire to assist in the operation of the fire apparatus of the city or to remove and safeguard any property taken from any building. Any person or persons who shall refuse or neglect to follow the lawful directions or who shall disobey the proper orders of the chief or who shall obstruct or hinder any person in his or her efforts while working under the instructions of the chief shall upon conviction be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500.

(Code 1973, 6-105; Code 2018)

It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to use any fire apparatus or equipment for any private purposes or to remove or take away the same from its proper place without proper authority, or to keep or conceal any tool, apparatus, equipment or other article belonging to or in any way used by the Russell Fire Department. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall upon conviction thereof be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500.

(Code 1973, 6-106; Code 2018)

The chief of the fire department, its other officers and members shall be paid such salary and compensation for their services as may be fixed by the governing body. No fireman shall receive any compensation for attending any fire alarm or drill unless he or she reports to the chief of the department after the work or drill is done and before the fire truck leaves the scene of the fire or is excused at the time of the fire or drill by the chief. All compensation shall be approved by the chief who shall cause a report of the services rendered by all members of the fire department to be reported to the city clerk on such forms as may be required for the purpose.

(Code 1973, 6-107)