Kent County Chiefs Association

Standard Operating Guidelines &

Standard Operating Procedures

Subject: Fire and EMS Code of Ethics Policy

SOP # 1-24

Approved

August 2024

Approved by: President James L. Price, Jr.

Revised

Fire & EMS Code of Ethics

I understand that as a member of a Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue Company or Department in Kent County, I have the responsibility to conduct myself in a manner that reflects proper ethical behavior and integrity.   In so doing, I will help foster a continuing positive public perception of the Fire/EMS/Rescue service.  I understand that failing to abide by the Kent Volunteer Fire and EMS Code of Conduct may result in sanctions placed on myself and the Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue Company or Department that I am a member of.  As a member of a Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue Company in Kent County, I pledge the following:

• I will conduct myself, while on duty, in a manner that reflects positively on me, my department, and the Fire & EMS service in general, and avoid behaviors that damage or could damage the good reputation of the Kent Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue services or damage, the morale or efficient operations of the Kent County Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue Services.

• I will be truthful and honest in all of my dealings with and on the behalf of the Kent Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue service that compromise the integrity of the Fire/EMS/Rescue service.  There is an expectation that Volunteer members will not tolerate dishonest acts.

• Recognizing that I serve in a position of public trust that requires stewardship in the honest and efficient use of publicly owned resources, I will never misuse or misappropriate public funds, resources, or property.

• Recognizing that my position requires professionalism, competence, respect and loyalty in the performance of my duties and use of information, confidential or otherwise, gained by virtue of my position, I will use such information only to benefit those I am entrusted to serve.

• I will not engage in activities involving alcohol or substance abuse that impair the performance of my duties as an Officer, Firefighter or EMS Clinician and compromise the safety of others.

• I will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, martial status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition or handicap.

• I will be courteous, considerate and civil to all people during the performance of my duties.  Kent County Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue members shall be tactful in the performance of their duties and are expected to exercise the utmost patience and discretion even under the most trying of circumstances.  I will not harass, intimidate, bully, or threaten fellow members of the Fire/EMS/Rescue service or the public and their expectation that Kent County Chiefs’ Association will not tolerate such behaviors by others.

• It being essential for the Kent County Volunteer Fire/EMS/Rescue Company’s or Departments, including its individual members, to be held in the highest regard for honesty, character and integrity, I shall refrain from any violent or criminal behavior, crimes of moral turpitude, and shall refrain from publicly associating with known criminals.

• Responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or their media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor or embarrass my organization, the fire service and the public.  I also understand that failure to resolve or report inappropriate use of this media equated to condoning this behavior.

Betterton Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief Renny Grapes

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief John Darling

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Community Volunteer Fire Company of Millington, Inc.

Chief Charles Boyles

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Galena Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief Albert (Bert) Piasecki, Jr.

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Kennedyville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Chief James L. Price, Jr.

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Kent & Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad, Inc.

Chief Jason Lobley

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Chief Troy White

YES      NO      NOT PRESENT

Kent County Emergency Service Board

Chair Lynn Sutton

Submitted for Emergency Service Board Approval on _September 16th, 2024_

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