Rules and Regulations
Introductory Provisions and Statutory Authority
Oath of Office for New Hires or Promotees:
Text of the Oath: "I (state name), swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland and support the Constitution and laws thereof, and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office rank of (_____) for Baltimore County, according to the Constitution and laws of this state."
Statement of Authority:
Promulgation: Rules established by the Chief of the Baltimore County Fire Department under authority granted by the Baltimore County Code, Title 16, Article I (Section 16-2, Baltimore County Code 1988).
Publication History: Originally published December 1, 1989; Revised January 2018.
Application of these Rules:
Scope: Purpose is to advise all personnel of the Baltimore County Fire Department—including recruits and probationary employees—of their duties and obligations as members of the Department.
Compliance Requirement: Full compliance is required. Any deviations under extraordinary circumstances must be fully justified.
Philosophy: Provisions reflect the high level of integrity, loyalty, and dedication expected of the profession; they are not intended to restrict effective performance.
Supplementary Policies: Members must consult the Personnel Manual for Baltimore County for additional policies and benefits.
Use of Section Headings:
Section headings are added solely for the convenience of the reader and are not part of the official Rules.
Definitions of Words and Abbreviations:
ALS: Advanced Life Support.
BLS: Basic Life Support.
County: Baltimore County, Maryland.
Department: The Baltimore County Fire Department.
EMS: Emergency Medical Services.
EMT: Emergency Medical Technician.
Fire Chief: The Chief of the Baltimore County Fire Department.
Fire Department: The Baltimore County Fire Department.
Leave: Includes all types of absences.
Member: Every employee of the Baltimore County Fire Department, whether sworn or non-sworn, including recruits and probationary employees.
SOP: The Standard Operating Procedures of the Baltimore County Fire Department.
Vehicle: Includes motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, and any other conveyance.
Article I - Rule 1: Conduct of Members
Section 1-101: Conduct Unbecoming a Member
Any breach of the peace, misconduct, or neglect of duty—whether or not specifically enumerated in Department rules or policies—committed on or off duty, inside or outside Baltimore County, which tends to undermine or is prejudicial to good order, efficiency, or discipline, or reflects discredit upon the Department, any member, or the Baltimore County Government, constitutes conduct unbecoming a member and a violation of Department rules.
Section 1-102: Civil and Orderly Conduct Required
Members must conduct themselves in a civil and orderly manner at all times.
Members must refrain from coarse, profane, or insolent expressions, whether oral, written, or demonstrated through gestures or movement.
Section 1-103: Courtesy Towards Public
Members must meet the public with courtesy and consideration, answering all questions civilly.
Using slang or facetious expressions while communicating with the public is strictly prohibited.
Section 1-104: Aid and Assistance to the Public
Members have an affirmative duty to promote good public relations by providing assistance whenever required in the course of carrying out assigned duties.
Section 1-105: Giving Personal Information to the Public
On-duty members must, upon request, furnish their name and duty assignment to any person.
Section 1-106: Improper Influence Prohibited
Members shall not attempt to exert improper influence from within or outside the Department to secure promotion, transfer, or preferential treatment, or to avoid discipline or punishment.
Section 1-107: Political Activity
Members on duty, or off duty while wearing the Fire Department uniform, shall not engage in political activity, except to exercise their fundamental rights of suffrage.
Section 1-108: Public Comment or Criticism
On-duty members shall not publicly criticize or comment upon the official action of any Department member in a manner that reflects discredit or is prejudicial to good order and discipline.
Section 1-109: Authority of Officers, Insubordination
(a) Officer authority extends to all subordinate members, regardless of whether the subordinate works in the officer's specific division, section, or unit.
(b) Members shall not disobey any lawful written or verbal order from a superior officer.
(c) Members shall not act or speak in an insubordinate or disrespectful manner toward any superior officer.
Section 1-110: Fighting and Disruptive Behavior
(a) Members shall not maliciously threaten, assault, or strike another member or any other person.
(b) Members shall not aid, abet, or incite fights or altercations between members.
(c) Members shall not engage in fighting or disruptive arguments with other members.
Section 1-111: Confidential Information
Members must treat as confidential all official communications and business designated as confidential.
Section 1-112: False Statements, Damage to Records
Members shall not intentionally make false or misleading statements or entries into Department records.
Members shall not willfully damage or mutilate any Department book, record, file, or document.
Section 1-113: Violations of Law
Members shall not intentionally violate any federal, state, or County law, or any rules, regulations, policies, or procedures established by the Baltimore County Government or Fire Department.
Section 1-114: Performance of Duties, Punctuality, etc.
(a) Members shall properly perform all assigned duties.
(b) Members must be punctual in reporting for duty and assignments and must quickly respond to all emergency calls.
(c) Members shall not feign illness, avoid responsibility, or attempt to shirk duties.
(d) Off-duty members shall not cause a nuisance by loitering in or around Fire Department property.
Section 1-115: Licenses, Certificates, etc.
Members must maintain in good standing all licenses, certificates, educational degrees, diplomas, or credentials required to perform their Department duties.
Section 1-116: Bars, Taverns, etc.
On-duty members shall not loiter in or frequent bars, taverns, liquor establishments, or businesses displaying/selling pornographic materials, except in the proper performance of duty.
Off-duty members shall not engage in any of the above activities while wearing the Fire Department uniform.
Section 1-117: Use of Alcohol or Controlled Dangerous Substances
Members shall not indulge in intoxicating liquors or controlled dangerous substances, nor be under the influence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances, while on duty.
Section 1-118: Alcohol, Controlled Dangerous Substances on Department Property
Members shall not bring, or permit to be brought, any intoxicating liquors or controlled dangerous substances into any Department building, boat, or vehicle.
Section 1-119: Gifts or Gratuities
Members shall not solicit or accept any gift, gratuity, or service intended to influence the performance of their duties or serve as a reward for performing duties.
Section 1-120: Commercial Use of Department Name
Members shall not lend their name as a Department member to any commercial enterprise, nor condone the use of the Department's name and prestige for any purpose, without prior written approval from the Fire Chief.
Section 1-121: Rendering Hand Salute
Members wearing the Class "A" uniform shall render a hand salute at appropriate times to the Fire Chief and superior officers.
Section 1-122: Emergencies Encountered While Off Duty
Sworn members present at the scene of a fire or emergency while off duty are authorized to take professional and reasonable action necessary to protect life and property.
Section 1-123: Notification of On-Duty Injuries
Any member sustaining an injury while on duty must promptly notify (or cause to be notified) their commanding officer or supervisor.
Section 1-124: Changes in Personal Information
Members must report any change in marital status, draft status, residence, telephone number, or other personal record items within five (5) days of occurrence.
Section 1-125: Misuse of Telephones and Computers
Computer system: Personal or improper use is prohibited except during emergency situations.
Telephones: Improper use and personal calls are strictly prohibited.
Section 1-126: Infractions of Rules and Regulations
Rule infractions resulting in punishment or reprimand must be recorded following established Department procedures.
Section 1-127: Carrying and Use of Weapons
Unless explicitly authorized by the Fire Chief, members are prohibited from carrying, using, or bringing onto Department property any firearm or dangerous/deadly weapon as defined in Md. Ann. Code, Art. 27, Section 36.
Prohibited items explicitly include firearms, switchblade knives, chemical mace, pepper mace, and tear gas devices.
Article I - Rule 2: Recovered or Salvaged Property
Section 1-201: Property Care and Security
Any member who takes custody, control, or possession of another person's property while performing duties must ensure proper care and security in compliance with law and Department policy.
Section 1-202: Evidence of Arson and Other Crimes
Members must take particular care to preserve and protect all potential evidence of arson or other criminal activity in accordance with Department policy.
Article I - Rule 3: Uniforms and Department Property
Section 1-301: Personal Grooming
On-duty members must be neat, clean, and well-groomed.
Uniforms and civilian clothes must be clean and pressed; shoes must be polished regularly.
Section 1-302: Wearing the Uniform
(a) On-duty members must wear only the uniform prescribed by the Department.
(b) The uniform must be worn in the exact manner prescribed, whether on or off duty.
(c) Turnout clothing must be worn strictly in the manner prescribed by the Department.
Section 1-303: Misuse of Uniform and Property
(a) Members shall not allow any other person to use their badge, uniform insignia, uniform components, or official identification.
(b) Members shall not sell, lend, exchange, pledge, encumber, or improperly dispose of their uniform or any Department property.
Section 1-304: Improper Wearing of the Uniform
Uniforms must not be worn at functions or gatherings that would demean or bring disrepute to the member, uniform, or Department.
Section 1-305: Responsibility for Uniforms and Equipment
(a) Members are held personally responsible for the care and maintenance of issued uniforms, equipment, and property.
(b) Negligent care or personal use of Fire Department property is prohibited.
(c) Members who damage or lose Department property through malice, negligence, or carelessness must reimburse the Department for replacement costs.
(d) Damage or loss must be reported as soon as practical to a commanding officer/supervisor, who may require a written report.
(e) Supervisors must be notified of any property requiring repair or replacement.
Section 1-306: Suspension: Disposition of Badges and ID Cards
Members placed under suspension must surrender their badges and Fire Department identification cards to their commanding officer.
Section 1-307: Definition of Fire Department Property
Includes issued turnout clothing and equipment;
All Department vehicles;
All buildings and land owned or used by the Department;
All equipment carried on or associated with vehicles, and all property within or mounted on Department buildings or land.
Section 1-308: Definition of the Fire Department Uniform
Includes all issued dress or fatigue clothing;
Clothing required/permitted by the Department for members to provide themselves;
All badges, pins, ribbons, patches, or insignia provided or permitted by the Department.
Section 1-309: Maintenance of Uniform
Members must maintain a complete uniform.
Shift workers must keep a complete dress uniform at their assigned station; non-shift workers must keep it readily available.
Article I - Rule 4: Leave from Duty
Section 1-401: Tour of Duty Performance
Members must perform all prescribed tours of duty unless on authorized leave.
Section 1-402: Unauthorized Absence Prohibited
Absence from duty without proper authorization is strictly prohibited.
Section 1-403: Leave Requests
Applications for leave must be submitted on the proper form to the commanding officer, who approves or disapproves per policy.
Section 1-404: Failure to Report for Duty
Members unable to report at the appointed time must promptly notify (or cause to be notified) their supervisor and state the reason.
Section 1-405: Leave Without Pay
(a) The County Director of Human Resources may grant leave without pay up to one (1) year upon written recommendation of the Fire Chief for valid/sufficient reasons.
(b) Engaging in outside employment during leave without pay may result in immediate termination of the leave.
(c) Applications must be made in writing directly to the Fire Chief.
Section 1-406: Required Hours and Days of Work
To protect public health, safety, and welfare, members shall work all hours or days directed by the Fire Chief (written or verbal), including day or night shifts, public/religious holidays, and weekends.
Article I - Rule 5: Reports, Communications, and Records
Section 1-501: Confidential Information Release
Confidential business information may only be released by the Fire Chief, authorized designees, or per official Department rules and procedures.
Section 1-502: Submission of Reports
All administrative and informational reports must be submitted according to established SOPs.
Section 1-503: Maintenance of Records
Records must be maintained in compliance with applicable law and Department procedures.
Section 1-504: Access to Department Records
Unauthorized access, copying, or transcription of Department records is prohibited without authorization from the Fire Chief or policy.
Section 1-505: Removal of Official Documents
Official documents/files cannot be removed without authority from the Fire Chief, law, or SOP provisions.
Section 1-506: Application to Electronic Records
All provisions of Rule 5 apply equally to written and electronically stored/processed records.
Article I - Rule 6: Civil and Criminal Matters Involving Members
Section 1-601: Summons and Arrest of Members
(a) Criminal charges, summonses by a State's Attorney, or court appearances as a criminal defendant must be reported to commanding officers as soon as practicable.
(b) Arrests must be reported immediately, even if no formal criminal charges are filed.
(c) Applies to all federal, state, and local law violations, excluding minor traffic violations that do not affect duty performance.
Section 1-602: Civil Actions Involving Members
(a) Members instituting civil lawsuits involving the Department must notify the Fire Chief as soon as practicable and provide legal documents upon request.
(b) Members named as defendants in civil lawsuits involving the Department must notify the Fire Chief as soon as practicable and supply copies of paperwork.
Section 1-603: Settlement of Civil Suits
To protect Baltimore County's subrogation rights and legal interests, members shall not settle any civil suit or claim involving the Department without prior written permission from the Fire Chief.
Article I - Rule 7: Employment Outside the Fire Department
Section 1-701: Policy Considerations
Operational necessity for irregular work hours and adequate rest for strenuous labor;
Maintenance of a professional, reliable, and ethically sound public image;
Protection of the Department's right to full and faithful service.
Section 1-703: Prohibition of On-Duty or Impairing Employment
Secondary employment is strictly prohibited while on duty, or off duty if it impairs the ability to fulfill Fire Department obligations.
Section 1-704: Prohibited Circumstances for Outside Work
(a) Evidence (such as sick leave records) showing impairment of duty performance;
(b) Occupations, employers, or locations that bring the Department into disrepute or public disfavor;
(c) Work requiring or causing rule/policy violations while on duty;
(d) Nature/location of work impairing duty obligations;
(e) Specific forbidden circumstances:
(1) Requirement/request to wear the Fire Department uniform;
(2) Requirement to use Department records, documents, or files;
(3) Use/request of Department property or equipment;
(4) Situations deemed detrimental to the County, Department, or member by the Fire Chief.
Section 1-705: Standard Conditions Imposed
(a) Prohibits use of County/Department vehicles or equipment;
(b) Recruits cannot work secondary jobs until graduating from recruit training;
(c) Personnel on sick leave, injury leave, or light duty require Fire Chief permission;
(d) Affiliation with the Department cannot be used to promote private businesses.
Section 1-706: Imposition of Additional Conditions
The Fire Chief holds authority to impose additional conditional limits whenever warranted.
Section 1-707: Revocation of Outside Employment Privilege
Secondary employment privileges may be revoked for cause at any time at the Fire Chief's discretion.
Notice of revocation is sent via registered mail, detailing explicit reasons.
Article I - Rule 8: Disciplinary Procedures
Section 1-801: Progressive Discipline Principles
Authority derived from Fire Chief's powers under the Baltimore County Code.
Discipline is progressive and tiered, beginning with low-level counseling to educate personnel and correct behavior without initial punitive intent.
Charges apply to acts of omission or commission.
Summary suspension under the Baltimore County Code remains unaffected.
Right to legal counsel at all levels; instituting officers must inform members of this right.
Section 1-802: Progressive Disciplinary Procedures
Responsibility of station commanders and supervisors.
Initial step: Educational counseling.
Unsuccessful counseling leads to station-level or higher discipline, using SOPs and sound judgment.
Multiple violations may be treated as a continuing pattern of unacceptable behavior.
Station commanders must document counseling in writing and monitor employee progress.
Section 1-803: Formal Disciplinary Proceedings
Instituted when progressive discipline fails or when the violation severity makes counseling inappropriate.
Section 1-804: Procedure for Formal Charges
Written charges and specifications are submitted to the designated Hearing Officer and the subordinate.
Section 1-805: Designation of Hearing Officers
Field Operations: Unit Battalion Chief or Division Chief.
Investigative Services Division, EMS, FRA: Unit Division Chief.
Substitutes: Division Chief or Fire Chief designates equal rank chief officer (must be Chief Officer/Fire Director; Captains cannot serve as Hearing Officers).
Section 1-806: Duties and Powers of Hearing Officers
(a) Conduct hearing within three (3) workdays (excluding holidays/leave days of the member).
(b) Receive relevant evidence and hear witnesses.
(c) Issue written decision within five (5) workdays post-hearing.
(d) Outcomes: Dismissal of charges OR finding of guilty.
(e) Penalties (with Fire Chief approval): Verbal/written reprimand, suspension without pay up to 4 days, forfeiture of up to 4 days leave, internal transfer.
Section 1-807: Cases Inappropriate for Hearing Officers
Severe cases referred directly to the Fire Chief for an Administrative Hearing Board.
If the charging officer would be the designated Hearing Officer, an equal-rank replacement officer is assigned.
Section 1-808: Appeal of Hearing Officer Decision
Member must indicate acceptance/rejection on the 2nd copy of decision within 48 hours.
Rejection constitutes an appeal request, sending the case to an Administrative Hearing Board.
Late appeal requests may be denied.
Charging officers can indicate endorsement/objection if charges were dismissed.
Section 1-809: Administrative Hearing Board Appointment
Appointed by Fire Chief upon referral/appeal; must hold hearing and recommend disposition within 21 days.
Section 1-810: Board Composition
Three (3) member board from Department ranks:
Chairperson: Assistant Chief, Division Chief, Fire Director, or Battalion Chief;
One member of equal rank to the charged employee;
One additional member.
Section 1-811: Chairman Duties
Written scheduling notice; ensure charge copies provided 5+ days prior to first session; appoint a Board Recorder; preside over proceedings; rule on evidence admissibility; prepare reports.
Section 1-812: Evidentiary Standards
Non-judicial proceeding; decisions made based on a preponderance of the evidence.
Section 1-813: Board Recommendations
Submitted within two (2) days after final session.
Findings: Dismissal OR Guilty (maintaining, increasing, or reducing penalties).
Additional penalty powers: Dismissal from Department, suspension without pay per County rules, demotion in rank.
Section 1-814: Fire Chief Review
Fire Chief approves or disapproves recommendation within five (5) working days via written memorandum.
Section 1-815: Appeal of Board Decision
Member requests Fire Chief reconsideration (in person or via counsel).
Chief's response represents the final decision within the Fire Department.
Section 1-816: Appeal to County Administrative Officer
Member may appeal Chief's final decision within five (5) days to County Administrative Officer in writing.
Administrative Officer options: Deny appeal, grant appeal (overrule/modify), or take other action.
Section 1-817: Disciplinary Records and Union Notice
Actions recorded per policy; final dispositions sent to bargaining unit to assist behavior correction goals.
Section 1-818: Bargaining Unit Agreements
Refer to current Memorandum of Understanding between Baltimore County Administration and IAFF Local 1311 for disciplinary rights, records, and appeals.
Article II - Ranks and Administrative Roles: Fire Chief and Assistant Chief
Section 2-101 to 2-105: Fire Chief
General administration and control vested in Fire Chief.
Core Responsibilities: Life/property protection, fire prevention, fire investigation/identification, public education, fire code enforcement (Maryland & County laws), emergency medical care.
Authority: Prescribe, promulgate, enforce Rules & Regulations under Baltimore County Code Title 16, Article I.
Acting Chief Succession: Assistant Chief acts in Chief's absence. If both absent without designee, senior Division Chief becomes Acting Chief (no additional pay; cannot promote/demote; transfers temporary).
Direct Oversight: Administrative Services Division reports directly to Office of Fire Chief.
Section 2-201 to 2-203: Assistant Chief
Second-in-command; assumes full authority in Chief's absence (with Section 2-104 exceptions).
Operational Duties: Plan, coordinate, supervise Division Chiefs (fire/rescue, EMS, special tactical ops); generate monthly/annual statistics.
Strategic Duties: Formulate operational rules/SOPs; recommend solutions to technical/legal issues; draft/testify on legislation; analyze station and apparatus locations; evaluate technology/equipment specifications; update emergency management disaster plans; long/short-range planning.
Article II - Ranks and Administrative Roles: Division Chiefs, Battalion Chiefs, and Fire Directors
Section 2-301 to 2-321: Division Chiefs
Senior staff officers over assigned divisions, sections, units, and all personnel (sworn/non-sworn).
Executive Duties: Direct, control, coordinate division functions; submit orders to Fire Chief (emergency orders reported ASAP); maintain SOP and order records; designate Battalion Chief as Acting Division Chief during absence (with Chief approval).
Operational Oversight: Report contagious diseases or hazards; execute temporary personnel transfers; monitor productivity and Fair Practices Program; maintain liaison with volunteer fire service and employee groups; Emergency Operations Division Chiefs submit reports through Assistant Chief.
Section 2-401 to 2-418: Battalion Chiefs
Executive officers over assigned area/division/jurisdiction; authority over assigned commands and personnel.
Key Duties: Progressive discipline enforcement; uniform appearance enforcement; volunteer association liaison; establish localized minor rules; submit annual budget proposals; track fixed assets and property; conduct unannounced station visits.
Tactical Authority: Full command over emergencies in battalion area and dispatched external units until relieved by superior officer.
Mandatory Station Provision: Ensure each station has updated copies of Personnel Manual, Classification Plan Rules & Regulations, Section IV.
Section 2-501 to 2-515: Fire Directors
Executive officers with command authority identical in scope to Battalion Chiefs within assigned areas/divisions.
Responsibilities mirror Battalion Chiefs: resource efficiency, progressive discipline, uniform monitoring, volunteer liaison, localized rule creation, budget preparation, asset control, unannounced station visits, law/SOP knowledge.
Article II - Ranks and Supervisory Roles: Captains and Lieutenants
Section 2-601 to 2-624: Captains
First-line supervisors responsible for training, motivation, discipline, conduct, and safety of personnel.
Operational Duties: Carry out superior orders; countermand in emergencies only with immediate verbal report; direct training and maintain Professional Qualification Certification records; give special oversight to probationary members.
Administrative Responsibilities: Report misconduct/inefficiency in writing to Battalion Chief (failure to report equals neglect of duty); administer discipline; station maintenance/cleanliness; monitor personnel fatigue and sick leave abuse (including home visits/malingering reports); verify report accuracy; act as assistant to Battalion Chief or step into higher rank when qualified.
Section 2-701 to 2-710: Lieutenants
Assistants to Captains; act as first-line supervisors in Captain's absence.
Key Functions: Order execution; monitor subordinate compliance with SOPs/protocols; immediately report duty derelictions in writing; resource efficiency; produce complete, factual reports; ready to step into Captain rank when qualified.
Article II - Operational and Specialized Ranks: Paramedics, EMTs, Fire Specialists, Driver/Operators, and Firefighters
Section 2-801 to 2-810: Paramedics
Assigned to ALS Medic Units under Station Commander and EMS District Officer.
Duties: Deliver ALS/BLS medical care; ensure subordinate compliance with medical protocols and SOPs; report protocol violations immediately in writing; ready to step into EMS Lieutenant rank when credentialed and approved.
Section 2-901 to 2-910: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
Assigned to ALS Medic Units under Station Commander, Paramedic, and EMS District Officer.
Duties: Perform BLS skills and assist ALS providers; comply with protocols/SOPs; report violations in writing; ready to step into Paramedic rank when credentialed and approved.
Section 2-1001 to 2-1010: Fire Specialists
Administrative adjuncts assisting officers in daily operational and administrative duties.
Duties: Execute orders, comply with SOPs, report rule violations immediately, ensure resource efficiency, produce clear reports, step into higher rank when qualified.
Section 2-1101 to 2-1110: Fire Apparatus Driver/Operators
Assigned to operate apparatus under routine and emergency conditions while tracking equipment limits/capabilities.
Duties: Inspect apparatus daily and report defects to officers; execute orders; enforce SOP compliance; ensure resource efficiency; step into higher rank when qualified.
Section 2-1201 to 2-1210: Firefighters / EMTs
Frontline providers of fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to Baltimore County citizens.
Duties: Maintain continuous emergency readiness; execute orders; comply with SOPs and laws; report violations immediately; maintain resource efficiency; produce complete reports; step into higher rank when qualified.
Appendix B - Special Personnel Rules and Regulations
Statutory Reference:
Baltimore County Code Title 25, Section 25-127.
Online Access & Section Mapping: Re-codified under Baltimore County Code Article 4 (Human Resources), Chapter 8 (The Personnel Rules), Section 102 (§ 4-8-102: Special Rules for Police and Fire Departments).