By Lyonel Doherty

Oliver Chronicle

By the looks of it, Oliver firefighters have a lot of rules to keep in mind now that the department has a new code of conduct.

On Monday, Town council adopted the code that sets out guidelines to govern the behaviour of its firefighters.

As Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Cowan pointed out, the code provides the necessary rules for firefighters to maintain a high level of integrity and ethical conduct, both on and off duty.

She noted the fire department did not have a written code before.

Ironically, a member of the public approached the Town last year to ask if the department had a code of conduct after a firefighter was charged with unlawfully being in a dwelling house with the intent of committing an offence in May of 2017.

The member subsequently took a leave of absence from the department and is still awaiting trial. At the time, Fire Chief Bob Graham said the member could either be dismissed or reinstated depending on the trial’s outcome.

The new code touches on many aspects of behaviour, including discrimination, threats, harassment, abuse of position and conduct unbecoming.

“The nature of firefighting and emergency services work places all members in a position of public trust and subject to public scrutiny, and thus requires a level of conduct that is beyond reproach.”

The code applies to a member’s conduct on duty and “may be applicable” off duty if the conduct has a connection to the member’s official duties.

Under expectations, members should never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use that can impair his or her mental state. In addition, a member should never propose or accept personal rewards or special privileges.

Under rules of conduct, any member who is arrested or charged with a criminal violation must notify the fire chief.

Also, the fire department has a zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, sexual harassment and threats.

On Monday, Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said it appears the code covers all the bases.

Fellow Councillor Maureen Doerr said it gives the department something to work with, something they never had before.

Councillor Dave Mattes said he’s glad the fire department worked with staff to come up with the new rules.

Fire Chief Graham said they met with Cowan several times to reach what they thought was a “practical” guideline.

“The only reason it came up at this time is that as we went through all of our guidelines we found this one needed clarification.”