rules and regulations manual

Revised November 2020

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San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program

Rules and Regulations Manual


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Introduction

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program is a youth-oriented program focusing on a vocational study of a professional firefighting career. Eligible young men and women are given training in the various phases of fire protection. The members of the SDFD Cadet Program consist of high school and college aged men and women who share a common interest in pursuing a career in firefighting. SDFD Cadets participate in manipulative and didactic exercises taught by SDFD personnel. These classes are taught to current SDFD Basic Fire Academy Standards. Cadets, once certified, can participate in the ride-along program. The ride-alongs are designed to allow cadets to observe SDFD crews in a non-hazardous fashion. Cadets can interact with firefighters throughout a shift, respond to emergency incidents and participate in station life. The City of San Diego maintains a firm commitment to the principles and implementations of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). These practices are adhered to by the SDFD Cadet Program. The SDFD Cadet Program will help prepare the SDFD with future firefighters that will reflect the ethnic diversity of the greater San Diego Community.


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1.0 Membership Requirements

• 16 to 21 years of age • Members must be actively continuing their education. Enrollment in an

accredited high school, community college, university, or other acceptable continuing education course must be maintained throughout the member’s term as a cadet. All cadets must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above.

• All applicants may be subject to a background check. • The membership of the Cadet Program will be limited to 250 cadets. If the

program is at its limit, a prospective cadet will be placed on a waiting list. • The Cadet Program conducts a New Cadet Orientation once a quarter (4 times

annually), during which applicants can join the program. • Probationary Cadets are required to complete the Probationary Level within six

months of joining the Cadet Program. Failure to do so, without prior approval by the Cadet Coordinator, will result in termination.

• Cadets are required to be ride-a-long certified (Probationary and Class III Training Levels) within one year of joining the Cadet Program. Failure to do so, without prior approval by the Cadet Coordinator, will result in termination.

• Cadets who are terminated from the program, can re-join once, at the Cadet Coordinator’s discretion

• Cadets will be required to dedicate 12 to 16 hours per month to the Cadet Program.

• After a cadet turns 22 years old, they are required to resign from the program. 1.1

SCOPE Since the main thrust of the Program is actual exposure to daily fire service operations and procedures, it is desirable to allow Cadets to participate in all phases of fire department operations. Cadets are never to be placed in situations of overt hazardous nature. Cadets will be encouraged to participate in all training activities attended. However, proper supervision by SDFD personnel is required. Cadets are authorized to participate in the following activities. The Cadet Coordinator has the sole authority to approve/deny cadet participation in any activity, drill or event.

1. Operations a. Assist at major incidents (logistical support)

i. Wildland Fires ii. Greater Alarm Structure Fires

iii. Natural Disasters b. Large multi-company drills

c. Assist with rehab

2. Community Education a. Assist with public safety displays and events b. Fire Department & Charity fundraisers (eg. “Fill the Boot”) c. Assist with Fire Academy services and graduation


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3. Human Resources

a. Recruitment activities b. Promotion / graduation ceremonies c. Award Ceremonies

Recruitment

The Cadet program will be open to all individuals between the ages of 16 and 21, who are interested in a career in the fire service and meet the SDFD requirements. Recruitment efforts will be primarily directed at various schools and community organizations. In keeping with the principles of EEO, the intent of this program is to have the diversity of the community reflected in its membership. Individuals interested in the Cadet Program will be placed on a waiting list. New cadets will be invited to an orientation (typically in March, June, September and December) and required to complete a Cadet Program application. Once an applicant has completed the entrance process and attend an orientation, they will be classified as a Probationary Cadet. They will be placed into a crew and assigned a Cadet Captain.


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1.2 Cadet Staff and Responsibilities

• Cadet Coordinator o San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Captain o Responsible for the overall management of the program o Ensures adherence to the City of San Diego EEO and Threat

Management Policies o Maintains rosters, wait lists and records o Handles financial information and budget o Point of contact for cadet’s parents o Point of contact for San Diego Fire-Rescue Department o Administers discipline o Provides program updates to SDFD Training Chief

• Assistant Cadet Coordinators

o Responsible for drill schedule o Conducts recruitment and maintains contact with fire science

programs throughout San Diego County o Maintains and actively posts on social media accounts o Contacts cadets who become ride-along certified o Maintains records of cadet training objectives, including quarterly

ride-along exam

• Cadet Battalion Advisors o San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Firefighter o Conducts on-duty drills o Assists with recruitment on a quarterly basis o Conducts quarterly battalion level training o Facilitates quarterly ride-along exam o Hosts first ride-along(s) upon ride-along certification o Works directly with cadet battalion chief to ensure accountability of

assigned cadets

• Cadet Advisors o Conduct on-duty drills o Facilitate ride-alongs


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2.0

PROBATIONARY CADET LEVEL

Written quizzes will be given for items 1 through 5. Cadets must pass each exam with a score of 80% or greater. Item 6: Conduct through training with an advisor Item 7: Requires attendance of at least 2 community service / cadet volunteer events.

Probationary Requirements Test Score

Instructor Initials

1. Cadet Rules and Regulations

2. Fire Department / Cadet Chain of Command

3. Station Etiquette

4. Mobile Fire Apparatus / Identification

5. Station Locations

6. Hand Tool Identification/Use

7. Community Service Event (2)


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2.1 CLASS III TRAINING LEVEL

Item 1: Successful completion of a certified CPR course (ie. Red Cross) Items 6 through 11: Drills and spiels found in the SDFD Truck Company Procedures Manual, also known as “The Spiel Book.” Item 12: A didactic and manipulative exam, administered by a battalion advisor. The exam consists of three written exams and three manipulative exams. All subject matter is at the discretion of the administering battalion advisor. ***This level, and the probationary cadet training level, must be completed to be qualified to ride-along.

Class III Requirements Spiel Drill Instructor

Initials

1. C.P.R. Certification NA NA

2. Medical Aid Equipment / Use NA

3. Hose / Hose Operations (written test) NA

4. Apparatus Inventory Engine NA

5. Apparatus Inventory Truck NA

6. Drill #1 – SCBA

7. Drill #4 – Room Ventilation & Gas Ramfan

8. Drill #6 - 24-foot Ground Extension Ladder

9. Drill #7 - Chainsaw

10. Drill #15 – Ropes & Knots

11. Drill #8 – Rescue Saw

12. Final Ride-along Exam (Administered by Battalion Advisor)


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2.2 CLASS II TRAINING LEVEL

Class II Training Requirements Spiel Drill

Instructor Initials

1. Drill #5A– Search and Rescue

2. Drill #4 – Room Ventilation / Electric Ramfan

3. Drill #8 – Vehicle Rescue / Airbags

4. Drill #9 – Vehicle Rescue / Amkus & Holmatro

5. Drill #11 – Personal Escape System (PES)

6. Drill #9 – Recipro Saw

7. Drill #10A – Salvage Covers

8. Drill #10A – Water Vac

9. Extinguishers NA


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2.3

CLASS I TRAINING LEVEL

Class I Training Requirements Instructor

Initials

1. Fire Investigation

2. Fire Behavior & Chemistry

3. Emergency Medical Technician

4. Rescue Systems I & II

5. Incident Command System (ICS) 100

6. Hazardous Materials

7. Fire Protection Systems

8. Building Construction

9. Physical Fitness – Run 3 miles under 24 minutes


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2.4 Advanced Task Book

The Cadet Program Advanced Task Book is designed to be completed by ride-along certified cadets, to prepare for a fire academy. All San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Basic Fire Academy curriculum is included in the task book. Successful completion of the material gives a cadet a strong didactic and manipulative knowledge base of the basic fire academy performance measures.


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3.0 Expectations

The Cadet Program is committed and dedicated to the facilitation of the training and education of all Cadets. Therefore, it is expected that all Cadets will strive to accomplish all training prescribed with a maximum degree of proficiency. SDFD Cadets are expected to demonstrate a high commitment level, enforced by self-motivation, towards successfully meeting the academic and manipulative requirements listed in Section 2.0. Throughout a Cadets involvement in the Program, Cadets will be expected to display demeanor that encompasses pride, professionalism, maturity, and self-discipline. 3.1

Performance Anchors and Cadet Evaluation Each Cadet’s performance will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. The evaluation will include, but not be limited to: academic performance, skills performance, attendance, and attitude.

• A cadet must complete the performance anchors in the timeframes listed. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

o Probationary requirements---six months from joining the program o Class III requirements---one year from joining the program

3.2

Quarterly Ride-along Exam Once ride-along certified, cadets are required to complete a quarterly ride-along exam with their battalion advisor. The exam’s purpose is to demonstrate continued proficiency in didactic information and manipulative skills. The exam consists of three random Class III or Probationary manipulative drills and written exams. Battalion advisors have sole discretion regarding the administration of the exam. Failure to complete the exam for one quarter will result in the removal of ride-along privileges until remediated. Failure to complete the exam for two consecutive quarters will result in the demotion to probationary level until remediated. Failure to complete the exam for three consecutive quarters will result in dismissal from the Cadet Program.


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4.0 General Rules and Regulations

City of San Diego, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Cadet Program communications are to be considered as rules, regulations, and orders. Official information displayed at fire stations, cadet facilities and during cadet events is the responsibility of the cadet to adhere to and observe. Proper use of equipment and facilities is mandatory. Except for absolute emergencies, cadets are not allowed to use cell phones during cadet events. Cadets will not grant interviews to members of the media without proper approval of the Cadet Coordinator. Cadets shall not consume alcoholic beverages while attending classes, on breaks, or on lunch while assigned to a cadet function. Cadets shall not appear at any scheduled cadet training site while under the influence of intoxicants or illegal substances to any degree or with an odor of intoxicants on their breath. Any cadet using a legal substance must be under a physician’s direction. Cadets shall report to the Cadet Coordinator the type of medication and possible side effects. Cadets, while off duty, shall refrain from illegal, obnoxious, or offensive behavior. A file will be kept on each member of the program containing basic information submitted at time of acceptance. Members may inspect their personal file with approval of the Cadet Coordinator. Profanity is unprofessional and will not be tolerated. Failure to adhere to City of San Diego, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and Local 145 regulations will result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary action may include suspension from ride-along program, demotion, or dismissal from the program. Cadets shall treat others with dignity and respect. Cadets shall not discriminate against anyone based on sex, race, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. Cadets shall not sexually harass others and adhere to the City of San Diego’s Sexual Harassment Policy. When eye contact is made, cadets will greet department members with a courteous greeting such as “good morning sir/ma’am.” The greeting should only be audible enough for the department member to hear. Cadets will not greet department members who are engaged in conversation with other individuals.


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4.1 Badge and Identification Card

Upon ride-along certification, a cadet is issued a City of San Diego badge and official identification card. Cadets shall not use their official position, badge, or identification card for:

• Personal or financial gain • Obtaining privileges not otherwise available to them • Avoiding consequences for illegal acts

The cadet coordinator has the authority to confiscate a cadet’s badge and/or identification card. 4.2

Classroom Demeanor

Instructors will be addressed by rank and last name, or by sir/ma’am. Unless an instructor specifies class conduct differently, cadets will raise their hands and wait until recognized before speaking. Any action deemed disruptive by instructors or fellow cadets will not be tolerated. Smoking, eating, and gum chewing is prohibited while in class. Cadets will be excused from class only with approval of the instructor. 4.3

Personal appearance and grooming

The SDFD Cadet Program has adopted the same grooming standards set forth in the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Administration Manual. Failure to comply with these grooming standards will result in disciplinary actions. At the beginning of each cadet function, every cadet will be neat and clean. Prior to uniform inspection, each cadet captain should have inspected his/her crew. Guidelines for Male Cadets

• Hair shall be neatly combed or brushed. • Long hair must be restrained and not look unprofessional. • Unrestrained hair may not extend past bottom of shirt collar. • Extreme hair styles or coloring are prohibited. • Facial shall not touch any portion of the SCBA face piece. • Tattoos must be in good taste and not violate City of San Diego’s EEO policy.

o The Cadet Coordinator has discretion to require a cadet to cover his or her tattoo(s) at cadet functions.


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• Rings are limited to one per hand. • The wearing of visible jewelry, tongue rings/bars, visible necklaces, except for

rings, is prohibited. Guidelines for Female Cadets

• Hair shall be neatly combed or brushed. • Long hair must be restrained and not look unprofessional. • Extreme hair styles or coloring are prohibited. • Tattoos must be in good taste and not violate City of San Diego’s EEO policy.

o The Cadet Coordinator has discretion to require a cadet to cover his or her tattoo(s) at cadet functions.

• Rings are limited to one per hand. • The wearing of visible jewelry, tongue rings/bars, visible necklaces except for

rings and earrings, is prohibited. • Earrings must be plain, post style only, maximum ¼” face, and worn one per

ear. • Cosmetics will be conservative and in good taste.

4.4

Uniform Regulations Basic Cadet Uniform

• SDFD Class “B” light blue-collar shirt with current SDFD patch sewn on left

sleeve • SDFD Cadet Class “C” T-shirt • SDFD Approved dark blue pants • SDFD Approved black safety (steel toe) work boots • SDFD Approved black belt • Name Tag • Cadet Badge and Identification Card (optional). Issued upon completion of

Ride-along Certification. Code 9 Uniform (gym clothes)

• Class C T-shirt • Dark Blue gym shorts • Running Shoes • White sweat socks • Brassiere (females)

Probationary Uniform

• White Shirt • Blue Jeans or Blue Dickie Pants • SDFD Approved black safety (steel toe) work boots


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Cadets will be in complete uniform when arriving at the meeting/drill site. The wearing of hats and sunglasses is not considered part of the uniform and will not be permitted without the instructor’s permission. All uniforms, gym clothes, and safety gear will be available to the cadet when at a fire station, meeting site, or drill.


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5.0 Cadet Meeting Etiquette

• One shift prior to a scheduled meeting, the cadet battalion chief will contact

the selected station and instructor to notify him/her of expected meeting attendance.

• All cadets are to report to the meeting station no earlier than 30 minutes to the scheduled meeting time unless authorized by the instructor.

• The first arriving Cadet will notify the instructor that the cadets are assembling for the drill/meeting.

• It is appropriate for the cadets to assemble and lineup outside the fire station on the driveway until the drill begins unless otherwise instructed.

• Since a fire station is a home to the firefighters, the Cadets will typically do one chore or station duty to show their gratitude for being invited into the station.

• Cadets will be lined-up, in proper uniform and ready for inspection prior to the scheduled meeting time.

• When cadet staff or instructors address the cadets, personnel will stand at attention.

• Cadets will not answer or use fire station telephones without permission and proper training.

• In the event the instructor should go on a response, the most senior cadet present shall take over instruction.

• After the meeting/drill cadets will assist with clean up and then line up for dismissal.

• Cadets will quietly leave the station after they have been properly dismissed.

5.1

Cadet Fire Ground Etiquette

Cadets are only permitted to respond to active emergency scenes when approved by the cadet coordinator or designee. When returning from the incident, the highest-ranking cadet will email the Cadet Coordinator the following information:

• Type of incident • Names of cadets present • Name of incident commander • Units assigned • Duties the cadets were assigned • Time released from the scene • Any injuries or other important information

When cadets respond to an incident, they are responsible for all city, county, state, and federal traffic laws. Cadets causing harm or creating a nuisance to other drivers will be disciplined. Cadets should attempt to carpool to the incident.


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When a cadet arrives at an incident, they must park their vehicle far enough away from the incident scene so as not to block ingress and egress or operation of emergency vehicles. Cadets are only allowed to respond to incidents within the City of San Diego. When at the incident, the highest-ranking cadet will notify the incident commander of the number of cadets available. The Cadets will line-up with all their safety gear and wait for an assignment. No cadet will begin assisting without checking in with the incident commander!!! The highest-ranking cadet will be responsible for the cadets on scene. Most fire personnel are not familiar with the duties and limitations of the cadets. It is therefore the cadet’s responsibility to inform the company they are assigned to of their limited assistance. Assistance is limited to the ride-along specifications in section 6.0.


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6.0 Ride-Along Authorization

All eligible cadets (class III and above) are encouraged to participate in the department sponsored ride-along program. Cadets are invited to ride along with various stations throughout the city for periods up to 24 hours at a time. The primary purpose of the SDFD ride-along program is to expose cadets the firefighting profession and station life. The primary duty of a fire cadet is to observe fire fighters at emergency operations. Cadets are encouraged to participate in all station duties and routines. During an emergency incident, a cadet may assist in any situation that does not present a hazard. Ride-alongs must take place with a Cadet Advisor, unless otherwise approved by the Cadet Coordinator. Cadets must complete their first ride-alongs with their assigned Battalion Advisor. They cannot ride-along with other advisors, until cleared through their Battalion Advisor. 6.1

Eligibility to Ride-Along

• Must be a class III cadet or higher and in good standing with the SDFD Cadet Program, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, and Local 145.

• Cadets must be medically fit • Possess an up to date, signed ride-along packet

o Liability Release form, Emergency Contact form o HIPPA Release form

• Cadets are required to have proof of medical insurance on file with the Cadet Program.

6.2

Guidelines for Ride-Alongs

Properly trained Cadets may participate in all aspects of the station/daily routine, including responding to emergency incidents. In addition, the Cadet must be equipped with and wear all the appropriate safety gear as required by the department standards. This is an “observation ride-along.” Cadets will not participate in any hazardous situations. Cadets may not do any of the following

• Be utilized to make up personnel shortages. • Be involved in any direct fire suppression. • Be placed on a roof until it is deemed safe by the company officer. • Enter any structure until deemed safe by the company officer. • Operate a gurney with a patient on it.


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• Become involved in any situation the company officer feels would not be suitable for a cadet.

Cadets shall: • Arrive at the ride-along station in their Class B uniform, with all proper safety

gear, and signed liability release form(s). • Be required to participate in the station routine • Observe incidents and may participate in non-hazardous situations as

approved by the company officer.

Structure Fire Incidents At the officer’s discretion, the Cadet may participate in non-hazardous activities such as

• Assist incident management and logistics • Assist in overhaul operations when CO meter registers 10 ppm or less • Assist in ventilation on non-hazardous smoke removals • Obtain equipment from the apparatus • Assist the engineer with fire ground duties • Assist with the pick-up of equipment and the loading of hose after an incident • Any other duty that is deemed appropriate and safe by the company officer at

scene Wildland Incidents Once the main fire is extinguished, cadets may assist in overhaul and wear hose packs to reach any hot spots. They may also assist with incident management or logistical needs. All cadets must have the appropriate wildland brush safety gear and fire tent to participate in wildland incidents. Medical Aid Incidents Cadets may actively participate in medical aid incidents and are required to wear the proper safety equipment. Drills When drilling, a cadet may become as involved as the company officer will permit. Cadets are encouraged to participate in all phases of training with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.


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7.0 Reserving a Ride-Along

To reserve a ride-along, all Cadets must adhere to the following procedure.

• Cadet contacts ride-along station for permission • Ride-along station gets approval from respective Battalion Chief • Cadet emails ride-along information to the Cadet Coordinator directly at

[email protected] at least one week prior to the ride-along date Cadets are expected to email the Cadet Coordinator directly when scheduling a ride-along. This is not a chain of command violation.

8.0

Training

• Meetings and training classes will be scheduled on a quarterly basis. • Held with cadet advisors at various fire stations. • Approximately 6-8 meetings per quarter. • 80% attendance required unless absence is approved by cadet coordinator • “Sign off” dates for ride-a-long certification will also be scheduled.

o Cadets can also coordinate times to get signed off through their chain of command.

• Quarterly battalion level training will be held at the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility.

8.1

Cadet Academies

• Held twice yearly • Held at San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility. • Manipulative training including (but not limited to) hose lays, search and

rescue, rappelling, ladders, and ventilation. • Cadets attending 2/3 of the Cadet Academy receive a Certificate of Completion

signed by Cadet Coordinator and SDFD Training Officer • Full attendance is strongly encouraged • Winter Academy

o Four weekend days in February, 8 hours each day. • Summer Academy

o One-week (M-F) training, 8 hours each day.

mailto:[email protected]


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9.0

Promotion

• Once ride-along certified, a Cadet is eligible for promotion. • Promotions occur at the direction of the Cadet Coordinator • Cadets must be ride-along certified to promote • Cadet officers are required to attend 80% of meetings/events per quarter

o Cadet Coordinator can authorize exception o Failure to meet attendance requirement results in demotion


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10.0 Discipline

Accurate records shall be maintained of all disciplinary actions taken within the Cadet Program. Discipline should be given to identify and correct behavior. The principles of discipline within the cadet program, coincide with the City of San Diego Dimensions of Discipline Manual. Misconduct or violation of the rules and regulations may result in one or more of the following actions

1. Verbal Warning 2. Suspension of member privileges (ie. Ride-along privilege) 3. Demotion in Rank 4. Dismissal from the program

Examples of actions that may lead to discipline include, but are not limited to:

• Poor attendance at required meetings

• Non-participation in Program functions

• Unexcused / No show at functions in which the cadet has signed up to attend

• Inappropriate, distasteful or disruptive behavior

• Ethical violations

• Failure to adhere to the City of San Diego EEO and Threat Management Policies.

All discipline is administered by the Cadet Coordinator or his/her designee. Performance level discipline, specifically related to ride-along certification, shall follow the guidelines listed in section 3.0. 11.0 Cadet Website/Social Media

• SDFDCadets.com • Current Cadet Password: SDFDCadet (case sensitive) • Current Cadet Page contains event calendar and all Cadet Program paperwork • Cadet staff will also maintain Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts


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12.0

Injuries/Accidents

All members of the SDFD Cadet Program must have their own personal medical

insurance.

In the event a member of the cadet program is injured while participating in a cadet

function, the following steps will occur:

• Injury will be treated appropriately.

• Cadet’s parents/emergency contact will be notified if the cadet is under 18 years

of age.

• Cadet Coordinator and/or Assistant Coordinator will be notified.

• If appropriate, an AMA will be completed.

• The on-site cadet representative will document the incident in an email to the

cadet coordinator.

Cadet records are stored in the following locations:

• Cadet Coordinator’s assigned fire station

• San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Training Facility

• Cadet folder on “S” drive


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12.0

Financial Information

At no time will a cadet be unable to experience any aspect of the program due to financial

hardship. Cadets unable to afford the associated costs are directed to report their

situation directly to the Cadet Coordinator.

• The Cadet Coordinator will handle all cadet finances.

• Both the Cadet Coordinator and Assistant Cadet Coordinator will be named on the

cadet bank account.

• The cadet bank account is held at the San Diego Firefighters Federal Credit Union

rules and regulations manual

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