Policy 1304: Citizen Complaints
YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12
10000 ZIER ROAD
YAKIMA, WA 98908
POLICY # 1304
COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE s/b Ken Eakin, Chair
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/1997
REVISED DATE: 07/2008
POLICY TITLE: PUBLIC COMPLAINTS
1.0 PURPOSE
This policy shall be used to recognize the right of the public to evaluate the Fire Department’s activities.
2.0 PUBLIC INPUT
The Board of Fire Commissioners encourages citizens to provide constructive criticism of activities and personnel actions.
3.0 MEMBER SUPPORT
The Department recognizes that personnel are generally dedicated to doing the job and the District will protect them from unwarranted criticism or disruptive interference.
4.0 SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT
Complaints may be submitted in writing, in person, by telephone or via the
contact form on the District web page. Complaints need to be submitted to the
officer in charge or highest ranking member on location.
5.0 COMPLAINT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Anytime the public comes forward with a complaint accompanied by contact
information the District will contact the complainer to acknowledge receiving the complaint and gather any necessary information for an investigation.
6.0 PUBLIC COMPLAINTS TO BE INVESTIGATED
The District shall investigate all complaints from the public. The investigation shall be conducted and completed within five (5) working days of the complaint. An extension may be requested by the Fire Chief from the Board of Fire Commissioners if necessary to gather all facts and information. Complaints must be submitted in writing and signed by the concerned party if the complainer wants to be notified of the outcome of their complaint or if the District chooses to discipline a member beyond a verbal or written warning.
7.0 PUBLIC APPEALS TO THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Any concerned party that is not satisfied with the Departments’ outcome after investigating a complaint can appeal to the Board of Fire Commissioners.
8.0 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments are always welcomed by the Board of Fire Commissioners. “Public Comment” is a standard agenda item on the District’s Board of Fire Commissioners regular business meeting held the second Tuesday of each month. Those wishing to comment at the meeting must sign in and check the public comment box to be recognized by the Board Chair.