SAP 1110.01
 

WESTERN COVENTRY FIRE DISTRICT
Standard Administrative Procedure
 

1110.01 Hiring Policy and Procedure
 

Effective Date: 11/3/2010 Review Date (3years): 1112013 No. of pages: 3
 

1. Purpose
 

1.1 To set forth the application and selection process for the position of Chief, Deputy
Chief and any full time position of the Western Coventry Fire and Rescue
Department.
 

2. Scope:
 

2.1 This SAP applies to all applicants for the positions set forth above including currently
employed full time and part time employees and members.
 

3. Overview:
 

3.1 The current SAP outlining the duties and responsibilities for the open position must
be reviewed and updated if necessary prior to advertising for such positions. If no
current SAP exists for the open position than one must be established and approved
by the Board of Directors.
 

4. Procedures with respect to the Position of Chief:
 

4.1 The open position shall be posted internally for a period of at least two (2) weeks to
solicit candidates for the position of Chief.
 

4.2 The open position shall also be advertised at least once in a newspaper with statewide
circulation and posted in at least three (3) public locations within the District. The
frequency of the advertisements as well as use of other advertising channels will be at
the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 

4.3 Two (2) members of the Board of Directors shall review applicant resumes, select
those candidates that meet the qualifications listed in section 3 above and arrange via
a third party, for the administration of a contracted professional and WCFD
compatible written examination for Chief.
 

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4.4 Those applicants deemed appropriate to be interviewed shall be forwarded to an
interview committee. The interview committee shall be comprised of at least three (3)
Fire/EMS professionals, (not members of any Town of Coventry Fire Department),
one member of the Board of Directors and one resident of the District (not affiliated
with the Board or the Fire Department). The interview committee shall attempt to
determine the suitability of each applicant to meet the District's needs for fire
department leadership, fire and emergency service competencies (including
operational and/or incident command), administrative capabilities, management and
interpersonal skills. The interview committee shall develop a standard list of
questions which is to be asked of each candidate and shall be subsequently reviewed
and evaluated. The interview committee will then recommend one or more
appropriate candidate(s) to the Board of Directors for consideration in the final
selection. (The Board may request a ranking of the finalists on a case by case basis).
(Note: At its discretion, the Board of Directors may outsource all or some of the
services of the Interview Committee to a professionally recognized fire service
personnel selection agency.)
 

4.5 The Board of Directors shall conduct final interviews of those applicants
recommended for consideration by the Interview Committee and shall select the
individual deemed best qualified or, if it is determined there are no suitable
 

candidates from the current field, may re-advertise the position and repeat the process
described above.
 

4.6 The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall notify the selected candidate.
 

4.7 Once final arrangements have been made with the selected candidate all other
applicants will be notified of the outcome.
 

4.8 The Chief shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and shall serve at the
pleasure of the Board of Directors. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, an
employment agreement between the district and the Chief may be entered into.
 

5. Procedures with respect to all other Positions:
 

5.1 The open position shall be posted internally at the Summit and Greene stations for a
period of two (2) weeks to solicit internal candidates for the open position. The
posting will include required qualifications.
 

5.2 The Chief will review all applications. If no suitable candidate applies for the
position, than the position shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper with
statewide circulation and posted in at least three (3) public locations within the
District. The frequency of the advertisements as well as the use of other advertising
channels will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
 

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5.3 The Chief upon reviewing the credentials of the candidates shall select the most
qualified candidate for the position. The recommended applicant will be presented to
the Board of Directors for final approval.
 

5.4 Once final arrangements have been made with the selected candidate all other
applicants will be notified of the outcome.
 

6. Procedures (and Policy) with respect to all Positions:
 

6.1 The candidate must score a passing grade on a professionally administered written
test of the Board's choosing. This test will be conducted at the discretion of the Board
of Directors.
 

6.2 If selected, the candidate must satisfactorily complete a physical examination as
approved by NFPA and a health screening conducted by a health care provider of
the Board of Director's choosing.
 

6.3 If selected, the candidate must satisfactorily complete the R. I. Firefighter's physical
agility test.
 

6.4 If selected, the candidate must satisfactorily complete a NCIC/BCI check. Felony
convictions of any sort and misdemeanor convictions for crimes of moral turpitude
will lead to disqualification.
 

6.5 The candidate must satisfactorily complete a psychological screening by an outside
agency approved by the Board that is appropriate to the position.
 

6.6 The candidate must possess working knowledge of basic computer skills, word
processing, typing and filing and other related administrative functions.
 

6.7 The candidate must have high ethical standards.
 

6.8 The candidate must have a driving record without any serious driving infractions (no
convictions for DWI, reckless driving, etc.).
 

6.9 Candidates who are a qualified voter and resident of Western Coventry Fire District
shall be given preference in the selection process; however residency within the
District is not a requirement. The Chief and or the Board of Directors shall use
discretion in this matter when evaluating the candidates for a particular position.
 

RELATED SAPs: SAP 1110.00 Membership, SAP 5354 EEO Policy
 

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