Clifton Forge Rescue Squad

ARTICLE I - Name
The Name of the Organization shall be the RESCUE SQUAD OF CLIFTON FORGE, VA. INC.

ARTICLE II - Objective
The objective of this Organization shall be to render emergency aid to the Citizens of the Town of Clifton Forge and surrounding areas.

ARTICLE III - Members
Section I. The total membership shall be no more than fifty (50) members at any time excluding associate, honorary, and life members.

Section II. Applicants must be of good character and reputation, at least fifteen (15) years of age and live within a 15 mile radius.

A. Content: Written application for membership shall include applicant's full name, street and mailing address, home phone number, place of employment, normal work schedule, marital status, number of children, copies of any CPR, EMT, EVOC Certifications, a certified copy of DMV Driver's Transcript (to be supplied by applicant and at their expense), reason for requesting membership, and an honest expression of willingness to obey the rules of this organization and to support this organization. if you forfeit membership for any reason or you are denied membership to this organization, you will not be allowed to reapply for ninety (90) days.

B. Forms: Any squad member may furnish application forms to interested potential members. The completed form may be delivered by mail or given to a member for delivery at the next meeting. All applications shall be given to the first lieutenant by the presiding officer immediately.

A. Junior - Members in this class will be a minimum of fifteen (15) years old and a maximum of eighteen (18) years old of age (or until no longer actively enrolled in High School). Must obtain a CPR certification within ninety (90) days of acceptance and will be reviewed semi-annually by the executive committee.

B. Trainee - This is the entry level of new and non-EMT members. Members must be a minimum of seventeen (17) years of age. Members in this class must obtain a CPR certification within ninety (90) days of acceptance. Members in this class will be reviewed semi-annually by the executive committee and will remain in this class until they have passed the Virginia EMT Program. Upon successful completion of the EMT Program, the member may apply for probationary membership. Trainee members will not have a vote nor hold an office, but can operate equipment as authorized by the working officers.

C. Probationer - This is the entry level for former members of this organization, those that have served in another EMS organization and new members already certified as EMT or above. In order to be a member of this class, you must be a minimum of seventeen and one half (17 1/2) years of age, and be certified in CPR and EMT. All members will serve six (6) months in this class prior to being considered for full membership. Probationary members will not have a vote but will be able to operate all equipment and act in their full capacity as trained.

D. Full - Members in this class must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age, must be CPR certified and an EMT and must not be actively enrolled in High School. Members will serve six (6) months probationary membership prior to being voted into full membership. Full members will be granted full privileges, rights, and respect. Any member receiving full membership prior to April 1, 1992 shall be exempt from the EMT requirement.

E. Full Non-Medical - Members in this class must meet age on boundary requirements of regular full members, must have EVOC and CPR, cannot be an EMT. They do have a vote, can hold a corporate or appointed office, and must serve a probationary period of six (6) months.

F. Honorary - Full members are automatically honorary members if leaving the squad under honorable conditions. Citizens may be afforded this honor in recognition of their contributions to this organization and/or community if nominated on the floor in writing by a member and receiving the majority of votes cast.

G. Associate - Members in this class must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age, must fill out a regular application and be reviewed and voted on the same as any other member for acceptance. All persons must abide by squad policies and By-Laws. They may attend meetings, but have no vote and cannot hold an office. Associate members may assist with all squad functions, including Bingo, any fundraisers, clean-up, and training sessions. These members may wear or display squad insignia if purchased themselves. All associate members will be reviewed by the executive committee in January of each year.

H. Life - Membership in this class must have ten (10) consecutive years of active service to the senior squad or have reached the age of fifty-five (55) whichever comes first. They are so classed automatically upon their written statement. Any member who may become incapable of performing active service because of honorable circumstances may be given this status upon motion of two-thirds (2/3) majority vote regardless of age or length of service.

I. Leave of Absence - A member may request a leave of absence due to illness, working out of town, pregnancy, family emergency, or attending school. This will be submitted to the membership in writing by the member requesting the leave of absence (LOA) with reason for request listed and approximate return date. It will be voted on by the membership at once. A leave of absence shall not exceed one (1) year.

1. All members must abide by the constitution, By-Laws, and policies of this organization. All members (excluding honorary, associate, life & those on leave of absence) that are eighteen (18) years of age or older and are not currently enrolled in High School will be required to answer night calls as per policy, answer ten percent (10%) of the calls per quarter, attend twenty five percent (25%) of the meetings per quarter and work fifty percent (50%) of fund raisers and work sessions for the year. Any member failing to maintain the requirements of their class will be returned to a lower class until those requirements are met. Any member must have CPR to answer a call, must have EMT to be the AIC of a call, and must have EVOC to drive equipment.

2. Any member that is currently a member of both the auxiliary and squad and qualifies for convention shall not receive funds from both organizations. Their funds will come from whichever organization they have been with the longest. NO DOUBLE DIPPING.

A. Captain - The captain has overall general responsibility for and authority to conduct and supervise the operations of this organization. The Captain is responsible for and maintains necessary records.

B. First Lieutenant - The First Lieutenant acts in the absence of the Captain. Maintains necessary records and other duties as assigned by the Captain.

There shall be four (4) Second Lieutenants. They shall be of equal and act for and in the absence of the Captain and the First Lieutenant, and other duties assigned by the Captain.

A. Second Lieutenant - rescue - Shall be in charge of all rescue operations and shall also be responsible for the readiness of Unit 14.

B. Second Lieutenant - Communications/Equipment - Shall be responsible for issuing all radio equipment and uniforms as well as being responsible for the readiness of Unit 16.

C. Second Lieutenant - Contest/Competition - Shall be responsible for all Competitions throughout the year and also serve as the alternate BOG representative. Will also be responsible for the readiness of Unit 15.

D. Second Lieutenant - Training - Shall be responsible for all training for the squad and all training records. They shall also be responsible for the readiness of Unit 17.

A. President - The president presides over all meetings and is responsible for conducting the business of this organization. The President is the chairman of the Executive Committee. The President provides general support and promotion of this organization in the community.

B. Vice President - The Vice President assists the President and acts in the absence of the President.

C. Secretary - The secretary prepares and maintains minutes and any special records (i.e. requests for LOA, resignations, removals, letters from members who cannot attend meetings due to work, the VAVRS Death Plan Benefit List) that may be required. He/she conducts organization correspondence and prepares other documents as instructed.

D. Treasurer - The treasurer receives, records and distributes all funds as instructed, accounts for all funds, prepares any annual financial statement for each calendar year and submits it to the membership no later than January 31st of each year, and is bonded in an amount determined by the membership.

E. Quartermaster - The quartermaster is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building and grounds. Is responsible for the general cleanliness of the building.

F. Chaplain - The chaplain advises and assists in all appropriate matters affecting the organization and its members.

A. Administrative Assistant - The administrative assistant acts for the secretary and the treasurer in their absence, performs other duties as assigned by the executive committee, and is bonded in the same amount as the treasurer.

B. Parliamentarian - The parliamentarian advises the organization in the parliamentary matters according to the latest available revised edition of "Robert's Rules of Order" and serves as chairman of the constitution and By-Laws committee.

C. Historian/Reporter - The historian/reporter identifies, collects, and preserves items of historical value to the organization, reports activities in news media, prepares special articles and the squad scrapbook and is the chairman of the awareness committee.

D. Bingo Chairman/Committee - The bingo chairman/committee is responsible for conducting and maintaining bingo sessions and supplies, remains current on legal issues dealing with bingo games and collecting, depositing, and maintaining records of bingo receipts.

E. Board of Governors Representative - Board of Governors representative represents this organization at Board of Governors meetings as instructed by the membership and reports at regular meetings.

F. Legal Advisor - The legal advisor provides advice and assistance in legal matters affecting the organization and is the final authority on parliamentary matters that cannot be settled within the organization.

G. Medical Advisors - The medical advisors provide advice and assistance on medical matters in support of the organization's objectives.

H. Maintenance Officer - He/She will be in charge of the safe running operation of all Rescue 1 equipment. He/She will also assign the running order of the trucks and any other duties assigned by the Captain.

Section I
Nominations - At the first regular meeting in October, the presiding officer shall appoint a nominating committee of at least three (3) members to select a slate of officers consisting of at least one (1) full member candidate for each working and corporate office. Four (4) individual full members must fill the offices of Captain, First Lieutenant, President, and Vice President.

Section II
Posting - The nominating committee shall post its list of candidates on the meeting room bulletin board not later than the day before the first regular meeting in November. At this meeting, nominations may be submitted from the floor, if any, they should be added to the list and the revised list posted on the same board no later than the next regular meeting. Absentees may submit nominations in writing no later than 7:00 PM on the night of elections.

Section III
Election - Election shall be held at the first regular meeting in December. Member officers shall be voted separately by secret ballot. Non-member officers may be voted as determined by the nominating committee - singly, in group, etc., unless there is descent from the membership. Absentees may submit ballots in writing no later than 7:00 PM on the night of elections and absentee ballots will only be used in the first round of elections.

Section IV
Terms of Office - All officers will serve a term of two (2) years or the remainder of that term if filling a vacancy.

Section V
Vacancies - Any resignation leaving the vacancy of any office will be read at a regular meeting and nominations taken immediately. At the next regular meeting, nominations will also be accepted and an election held at that time.

Section VI
Installation - Ceremonial installation of officers shall be on or before the regular meeting in January. Installation of officers who are elected to fill vacancies shall take place at the meeting in which they are elected. The method shall be determined by the presiding officer.

A. Requirements - In order for a member to be considered for promotion from their current class to the next, the following requirements must be met:

1. Member must deserve promotion through faithful attendance, demonstration of abilities, and willingness to help in all matters within their capabilities.
2. There must be space available as set forth in Article III, Section I.
3. Must meet the requirements of the class being promoted to as set forth in Article III, Section IV.

1. Members shall be voted on when requirements are met.
2. If member is not accepted for promotion from their current class, they shall remain at current class until successfully voted up. They cannot be eligible for another note for a period of one (1) year.

Section VIII
Resignation - A resignation must be in writing and is automatically accepted on the date requested, unless the squad by two thirds (2/3) majority asks for reconsideration or a request for withdrawal is made before the effective date by the member submitting the letter. This should be given to the Captain or First Lieutenant to be read at the next meeting. A copy should also be mailed to the secretary to keep with necessary records.

Section IX
Removal - Any member may be suspended for a stated period or removed from membership for cause (violation of Standard Operating Procedures, By-Laws, and/or other policies set forth by the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad) by an unavoidable motion with the reason stated in the motion. The presiding officer shall limit debate time for each member. No one shall be heard more than once until all others who wish to do so have been heard at least once. A member may be automatically suspended on the spot by the Captain only and only when the violation is extremely Severe (i.e. destruction or stealing of squad property, responding to a call while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.)

A. Any member that is suspended for any reason must return all squad-owned equipment, uniforms, radios, keys for the duration of the suspension. When they are suspended they are not allowed on squad property.

Section X
Impeachment - Any officer may be impeached upon receipt of a motion to impeach, with reason stated, and acceptance by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote with debate as stated in Section IX above. The presiding officer shall set a hearing date and time for a special meeting. He shall take proper steps to insure that the charged officer and the membership are informed.

Section I - Regular - Regular Meetings shall be held the first Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 PM and the third Sunday starting at 5:30 PM in the meeting room or at any other place designated by the senior officer.

Section II - Special Meeting - Special meeting may be called at any time and place designated by the senior officer and shall be limited to the matter(s) for which called. All members shall be notified by the best means available and shall be informed of the reason(s). Minutes shall be prepared and read at the next regular business meeting.

Section III - Options - The presiding officer may adjourn, cancel, or suspend a meeting for good and stated reason(s). If a meeting is suspended he shall inform the members present as to the time and place of completion.

A. Call to Order

B. Salute to the Flag of the United States

C. Reading of the Minutes

D. Treasurer's Report

E. Unpaid Bills

F. Correspondence

G. Committee Reports

H. Unfinished Business

I. New Business

J. Unusual Call

K. Report of Sick or Injured

L. Roll Call and Calls Answered

M. Benediction

N. Adjournment

NOTE: If a regular meeting is suspended, business shall commence at the point where it was suspended.

A. Individual Responsibility - a member who knows in advance that he or she will be unable to attend a specific regular or training meeting shall request excused absence by contacting any officer prior to the meeting. He or she may also phone the meeting room on the night of the meeting to report his or her excuse to the membership. The excuses accepted will include work, sick, death in the family, or educational reasons.

B. Procedure - If a member misses two (2) meetings in succession without complying with "A" above he/she shall be contacted by the first lieutenant who will remind him or her of the absences and request his/her presence at the next regular meeting. If the absentee fails to attend without being excused by the officer in charge of the meeting, he or she shall be suspended for thirteen (13) days and notified of the action at once. If at the end of the suspension period he or she has given no excuse acceptable to the majority of voting members at a regular meeting, or has failed to appear without advising the captain or presiding officer of an acceptable reason, he or she shall be automatically removed from membership.

Section I - Quorum - A quorum for regular meetings shall be eight (8) voting members. Meeting shall not be opened until a quorum is present.

Section II - Eligibility - Only full members, full non-medical members and life members have the privilege of voting and all persons shall cast votes on appropriate matters.

Section III - Methods - Voting shall be by secret ballot or other methods as deemed appropriate/necessary.

A. A simple majority of voting members shall be required for acceptance on certain matters put before the squad for vote.

B. A majority vote means a majority of the votes cast, ignoring blanks, at a legal meeting with a quorum present.

C. Plurality will be used to determine elections when there are more than two (2) candidates. A candidate has a plurality when he has more votes than all other candidates combined, ignoring blanks. He/She has the majority when he/she has more than half of the votes cast, ignoring blanks.

D. A minimum of 12 voting members must be present for the following which requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote:
1. Promote a trainee to a probationary member
2. Promote a probationary member to a full member
3. Remove a member from membership
4. Remove an Officer
5. Change the Constitution and By-Laws

A. Executive - The executive committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Captain, and First Lieutenant. The secretary will not have a vote, but will keep the minutes of the meeting. The executive committee receives detailed budget requests, studies them in relation to need and expected income. Prepares a detailed budget in January of each year, and makes recommendations to the membership. This committee reviews proposed non-emergency purchases of more than $1,000.00 and makes recommendations to the membership. This committee also determines the appointed officers.

B. Sick/Social - The sick and social committee keeps informed of illnesses and/or injuries to members and their immediate families and notifies the membership. The committee arranges for cards, gifts, etc. as decided by the membership and makes special arrangements for floral tributes as in Article VIV of the By-Laws. The committee also arranges for social events. The Chaplain shall serve as chairman and selects members of this committee.

C. Constitution & By-Laws - The Constitution and By-Laws committee shall receive written suggestions for changing the Constitution. The committee shall consist of the secretary and three (3) other members appointed by the President. The parliamentarian will serve as chairman.

D. Awareness Committee - The awareness committee shall be responsible for community awareness during National EMS Week and Rescue Squad Week. The historian/reporter will serve as chairman and select the committee.

Section II
Temporary Committees - Committees may be appointed by the presiding officer to complete a specific task or to serve for a stated period, following which they shall be discharged. If a committee fails to proceed or act as required, the presiding officer shall dismiss it and appoint another.

Section I
Emergency - An officer is authorized to purchase items necessary to insure that emergency equipment and supplies are immediately available for use. All transactions shall be reported to the membership.

Section II
Non-Emergency - Non-Emergency purchases of items needed for day-to-day operations are limited to $100.00 by an authorized member at any one time. Purchases of more than $100.00 will be referred to the executive committee whether or not an amount is in an approved budget.

Section III
Accounting - If an authorized purchase is added to the squad account, the member who receives the item or items must sign a delivery ticket and turn a copy in at the next regular meeting. If the member pays for the item(s) with his personal or business funds, he must receive a delivery ticket and a paid receipt and turn both into the squad at the next regular meeting for reimbursement. Persons with authorization to purchase for the squad will be the president, vice president, captain, first lieutenant, second lieutenants, treasurer, secretary, quartermaster, and the historian/reporter. If a bill is received without a signature or by an unauthorized member an investigation will be done and action taken.

Section IV
Recording - When a purchase is made for a specific vehicle, the number of the vehicles shall be entered on the delivery ticket and receipt. If a purchase is for other than vehicles, the delivery ticket and receipt shall contain information sufficient to identify the equipment, such as oxygen controls, etc.

Section V
Training and Other Classes - The squad will pay for training for regular members (i.e. trainee to full), EMT through Cardiac Tech Classes only. PALS, ACLS, BTLS, PHTLS and any other classes for recertifying purposes must be voted on by the membership with a simple majority vote prior to registering for the class. Any class that may be more than two (2) days at a distant location (at least 45 miles or more) or requires hotel reservations must be approved by the membership - simple majority vote. If approved, reservations are made and member does not attend, barring any uncontrollable circumstances, (i.e. death in the family or illness with a doctor's note) he or she will reimburse the squad the total cost for expenses incurred. If the member refuses to pay, he or she will be automatically be suspended for one (1) month. If the member pays before the suspension is up, the suspension will be dismissed. However, if at the end of the suspension period he or she has still not paid or made an effort to pay, his or her name will automatically be removed from the membership. NO REBUTTAL

Section I
Purpose - The purpose of this is to provide floral arrangements and a remembrance upon death or illness of a squad member or a member of his/her immediate family under the direction of the Chaplain.

Section II
Eligibility - Trainees, probationers, full, life, auxiliary, and junior members shall be eligible.

Section III
Other Arrangements - Other Floral Arrangements may be authorized for other members of a member's family during their illness at a cost not to exceed $35.00. The membership may decide on other similar tributes for other persons by simple majority vote. Cards shall be sent in the event of death of other family members of members (i.e. aunts, uncles, etc. unless residing in the same household as the member lives)

Memorial Service - A memorial service shall be held annually on the Sunday nearest May 21st at a Church selected by the membership and approved by the minister thereof. Apparel shall be decided by the membership. Attendance by the life members, associate members, the Founder's Auxiliary, and the Junior Squad is requested and urged.

Section I
Purpose - The purpose of the funeral benefit fund is to provide a source of funds to assist families of deceased trainee, probationary, full, and life members.

Section II
Total - The total of the fund shall not exceed $1,000.00 for each authorized member.

Section I
Submission - Proposed amendments to the Constitution may be submitted by any member in writing at a regular meeting

Section II
Action - The purposed change will be read and discussed at the meeting at which it was submitted

Section III
Posting - The proposed change will be posted at once for a period of at least two (2) weeks. Voting shall be at the first regular meeting following the posted period.

Section IV
Notification - The secretary shall notify all members who are absent at the meeting where proposals where submitted in writing. This notice shall be in person or by phone and shall state that an amendment is to be considered, the date of the scheduled voting, and that no further debate is permitted. The notification shall be in time to insure that members receive it prior to the time of the vote.

Section V
Voting - Secret Ballot shall be the voting procedure. No debate is permitted.

Section VI
Copies of Changes - The secretary shall arrange for changes to be reproduced and distributed to all members.

The provisions of these constitution and by-laws shall become effective immediately upon acceptance

Section I
Alcohol - Consumption of alcohol on squad property must be limited to the interior of the building and away from the sight of the general public. Members shall refrain from wearing squad affiliated material when the public while purchasing alcoholic beverages. Anyone under the age of twenty-one (21) must refrain from using any alcoholic beverages or drugs at any time while on squad property, or while attending any rescue squad social function. If this is not followed, the results will be immediate termination. NO REBUTTAL

Section II
Narcotics, Drugs, Etc.. - The use of illegal drugs by a member is cause for immediate dismissal