103 - FACTION STANDARDS & GUIDELINES

GENERAL CONDUCT AND COMMUNITY PRESENCE

All personnel must:

• Maintain a calm, non-intimidating presence.

• Keep proper identification visible at all times.

• Adhere to department standards and the community-oriented mission.

• Refrain from using local or commonly accepted slang or profanity when interacting with fellow personnel, while in public view, or in any manner that may be considered provocative or offensive.

SUPERVISORY PERMISSIONS AND AUTHORIZATIONS

Any permissions, exemptions, or special assignments granted by a ranking officer or supervisor are considered valid only for the duration of that supervisor's active duty status. Once the granting supervisor logs off duty, is relieved, or is otherwise no longer available, those permissions are immediately revoked unless explicitly passed on to a new on-duty supervisor. Personnel requiring continued permission must seek re-authorization from the next available duty supervisor, Company Officer, or Battalion-level command. A supervisor or chief officer flagged on as the faction but not in a supervisory role is still authorized to grant special permissions.

No personnel shall act upon expired or previously granted permissions without current supervisory oversight or reaffirmed approval.

SUPERVISOR CONTACT AND COMPLAINT PROTOCOL

Fire Department personnel are not required to contact a supervisor at the request of a citizen or other emergency service personnel, except in cases involving misconduct, safety concerns, or other matters that require formal review.

If a member decides not to contact a supervisor, they must inform the individual, agency, or organization of the proper procedure to file a formal complaint or request. This typically includes official department channels such as the website, intranet, complaint line, or direct contact with the Shift Commander, Station Captain, or Public Information Officer.

EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE GEAR STANDARDS

Fire personnel are prohibited from wearing non-standard or tactical protective equipment unless:

• The nature of the incident warrants it (e.g., active threat, wildland response, technical rescue).

• Explicitly authorized by the highest-ranking duty supervisor or Incident Commander.

• The uniform code for the member's specific division permits such equipment as part of their issued gear.

Unauthorized use of tactical or ballistic gear, drop-leg holsters, or non-issued equipment that does not fall under the purview of the agencies' standards is strictly forbidden.

IDENTIFICATION AND BADGE NUMBER PROTOCOL

When asked to provide their badge or identification number for official purposes - including incident reports, medical documentation, equipment logs, inter-agency communication, or requests by the public or other government employees - Fire Department personnel shall:

• Provide their assigned three-digit Community ID number.

• Use the Community ID regardless of division, rank, or role.

Failure to properly identify may result in administrative review or corrective action.

UNIFORM POLICY AND APPROVAL

Any non-standard or modified uniform items, such as hybrid station-to-fieldwear, unofficial outerwear, non-issue pants or footwear, must be approved by an active-duty supervisor or Company Officer before use in the field. Uniform standards promote public trust and operational accountability and must be observed at all times unless specifically authorized.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL DRESS AND EQUIPMENT

Personnel in non-operational roles, including administrative staff, clerks, fleet mechanics, machinists, communications, technical support, and repair and maintenance divisions, are not permitted to wear tactical equipment, line-duty fire gear, or carry firearms while on duty unless explicitly authorized as part of their job description and issued gear. These personnel must:

• Adhere to department dress standards.

• Maintain a professional, clean, and identifiable appearance appropriate to their role.

• Use safety or utility gear only as required by their specific tasks.

Personnel such as Fire Inspectors:

• They are NOT law enforcement officers and do NOT possess peace officer powers unless explicitly authorized by state law or POST standards. (e.g., CAL FIRE personnel, Fire Investigators, Deputy or Assistant Fire Marshals, Bureau of Fire Prevention Officers).

• They are responsible for enforcing fire codes and safety regulations, primarily on commercial, industrial, and zoned properties.

• Their enforcement actions are administrative and regulatory, limited to citations for fire code violations or orders for corrective measures.
  
  

FIREARM CONCEALMENT AND PRESENTATION FOR PREVENTION PERSONNEL

When issued firearms (where applicable), prevention or investigatory personnel must:

• Make all reasonable efforts to minimize visible tactical equipment, long guns, or "over-the-top" law enforcement-style gear unless operationally necessary to preserve your self-interest or directed by higher authority. This applies during public interactions, inspections, and routine enforcement activities.

• Maintain a professional and approachable demeanor, reflecting their primary mission of education and fire prevention rather than law enforcement.

Departments with more formalized law enforcement authority (e.g., CAL FIRE) may exercise broader enforcement powers consistent with their jurisdiction and policies in cases of on-view means of crimes.

Any special permissions or oversights may be granted by a Battalion Chief or higher if a case is presented with valid reasoning at any point and time.

COMPLIANCE WITH SERVER AND DISCORD RULES

All server and Discord rules apply to all Fire Department members without exception. Any violation of these rules may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of department membership or server action. Members are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the latest rules and updates as posted by server administrators.

NOTIFICATION OF DISCORD IDENTIFICATION CHANGES

Fire Department members must notify Command immediately whenever they change their Discord username, three-digit Community ID, or first initial and surname used in role-play or department records. This ensures accurate tracking and accountability within the department and server.

ROLE-PLAYING CORRUPT ACTIVITIES

Given the nature of the Fire Department's role, any corrupt or illegal actions, whether conducted on-duty or off-duty as a character affiliated with the agency, are delicate situations that require careful handling. Members wishing to engage in such role-play must first bring their intent and special cases to the Fire Chief for review and approval. This ensures that all parties benefit from the positive role-playing opportunities such scenarios can provide, while maintaining department integrity.

Failure to seek prior approval or being caught engaging in unapproved, corrupt, or illegal activities may result in corrective actions, including suspension, demotion, or immediate and decisive termination.

SUBSTANCE USE AND ON-DUTY BEHAVIOR

Being intoxicated or impaired while on duty is strictly forbidden, whether it is your character’s condition or your actual, real-life state. This applies to all members at all times while in uniform or representing the department. Violations will result in immediate suspension or termination. Members are expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism both in role-play and in reality.

RESPECTFUL INTERACTION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

All members are required to remain respectful and professional in their interactions with fellow members, server members, and players.

Personal disputes or conflicts should be addressed through proper channels by reporting the issue to any Supervisor or Command officer rather than engaging in public arguments.

VEHICLE USE AND GARAGING AUTHORITY

• The usage of unmarked vehicles while off-duty is prohibited for all personnel except those granted Home Garaging Authority.

• Home Garaging Authority must be tied to the member’s role and responsibilities.
  
  

SPECIAL STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCIES

• Any member role-playing as a special state or federal agency (e.g., CALFIRE, NPS Fire) must have prior authorization and meet specific departmental criteria before being granted related privileges or authorities.

• These agencies typically require advanced approval from Command-level officers and adherence to additional operational standards beyond general department policies.
  
  

COMMUNICATION AND RADIO PROTOCOL

Members must avoid spamming or abusing in-game radio channels.

• Proper radio etiquette and communication protocols must be observed to ensure operational efficiency and professionalism.
  
  

ROLE RESTRICTIONS, DIVISION COMPLIANCE, SPECIALIZED DIVISION COMPETENCY

• Members are prohibited from role-playing or utilizing vehicles from divisions to which they are not assigned.

• This includes the use of specialized apparatus, vehicles, or gear exclusive to particular bureaus or operational units.

• Commanding Officers are required to host at least ONE training session amongst their specialized division as per the direction of the Deputy Faction Lead (Fire Chief Deputy) or Faction Lead (Fire Chief). This must be related to the division's specialty and NOT general operations dictated in the general SOP/SOGs.

The following divisions or units fall under this training requirement:

• Homeland Security Division

• Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit
  
  

ADHERENCE TO DEPARTMENT SOP AND GUIDELINES

All members must comply fully with all departmental policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and relevant guidelines.

• Failure to adhere to established protocols may result in corrective action, suspension, or termination.

All members of the Fire Department, regardless of rank or assignment, are required to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws at all times. This obligation extends to both on-duty and off-duty conduct. As public servants entrusted with protecting life, property, and community welfare, members must uphold the law in both their professional and personal lives to maintain the trust placed in them by the public.

Personnel must act in a manner that reflects positively on the Department and avoids conduct that could impair the credibility, authority, or operational effectiveness of the organization. Unlawful or unethical behavior, even when not directly related to Department operations, may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Any member who is arrested, charged, cited, or otherwise involved in any legal matter—criminal or civil—that could reasonably impact their employment, licensure, driving privileges, or professional standing must report the incident to Command Staff as soon as practical, but no later than 24 hours following the event or upon the start of their next scheduled shift.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Any misdemeanor or felony arrest

• DUI/DWI charges or any offense that could result in license suspension

• Court-issued restraining orders or protective orders

• Civil litigation involving personal conduct that may reflect negatively on the Department

• Any legal action that may restrict a member’s ability to respond to emergencies, drive Department apparatus, or operate under state certifications
  
  

Failure to report such incidents may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Department personnel are also responsible for adhering to all legal and procedural requirements specific to the fire service, including fire code enforcement, mandated reporting of abuse or neglect, proper documentation of incident responses, and lawful handling of protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA and related statutes.

Ignorance of the law, Department policy, or professional duty will not be considered an acceptable defense in any investigation or disciplinary process. Members are encouraged to seek clarification or guidance from their supervisor or Command Staff if uncertain about a legal or ethical obligation related to their role.

The Fire Department faction holds itself and its members to a high standard of conduct. Violations of law or deliberate disregard for legal responsibilities may be subject to internal disciplinary procedures, external criminal or civil penalties, or both, depending on the circumstances.

103.2-1 - DUTY TO ACT

All Department personnel have an ethical and legal obligation to act when they witness or become aware of behavior that may constitute a criminal act, abuse, or imminent harm to another person.

While members are not required to physically intervene in an unfolding criminal act, particularly if doing so would place them or others in danger- they are required to take appropriate action to report the incident to the nearest law enforcement agency or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

This duty applies both on and off duty if the member is a direct witness to the event or possesses credible and timely information suggesting a crime is taking place or is likely to occur imminently. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Observed or suspected physical abuse of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult

• Observed or suspected sexual abuse, exploitation, molestation, or similar acts against any individual.

• Witnessing an act of domestic violence, assault, or unlawful confinement

• Identifying credible threats of violence, self-harm, or illegal activity during emergency response

• Noticing evidence of criminal conduct during calls (e.g., human trafficking indicators, weapons or illegal paraphernalia in plain view)

103.2-2 - SELF DEFENSE & SELF PRESERVATION

As outlined in "901.6-2 Activation of Emergency Distress Signals, by handheld or otherwise" - Members are authorized to activate their distress signal if they reasonably believe that imminent danger from a person or animal is present and there is insufficient time to make a formal request.

In a genuine distress scenario, the member shall adhere to the following guidelines if reasonably possible:

• Retreat to a safe and secure area if possible, remaining there until rescue or law enforcement personnel arrive to stabilize the situation.

• Secure any equipment that could potentially be used against them, if feasible.

• Maintain ongoing communication, providing updates on their movements, physical status, and any relevant information.

At all times, the member’s priority must be self-preservation. Defensive actions are justified to a proportionate level of response, especially if an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm is present. In such situations, self-defense is legally justified.

Self-defense laws allow individuals to use a reasonable amount of force to protect themselves from harm.

Imminent Threat:
The force used must be in direct response to an imminent threat; meaning the threat is occurring at that moment, not a future or potential threat.

Proportionality:
The level of force employed in self-defense should be proportional to the nature and severity of the threat. For example, using a weapon to defend against a verbal threat would likely be considered excessive and unjustified.

If a patient becomes a hostile threat, they are no longer considered a patient but a combatant, and appropriate defensive actions are warranted within these guidelines.

IMPORTANT:

While members have the legal right to defend themselves, this does NOT permit them to carry or use firearms unless explicitly authorized by their position or department policy. Unauthorized possession or use of firearms is strictly prohibited. 

SECTION PURPOSE

To preserve a professional public image and ensure the functionality of safety equipment, all personnel of the Department are required to maintain grooming and appearance standards that reflect the seriousness of their duties, their role within the community, and the operational demands of emergency service work. These standards apply while on duty, in uniform, during events, and when otherwise representing the faction.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

All personnel must appear clean, well-groomed, and professional at all times. Personal grooming must never interfere with the use, function, or proper fit of any issued protective equipment, including helmets, masks, or respirators. Supervisors will conduct visual inspections during regular uniform checks and are empowered to require corrective action if grooming does not meet expectations.

HAIR STANDARDS

• Hair must be kept clean, neat, and properly groomed. Styles that appear unkempt, tangled, or greasy are not acceptable in any role.

• Hair may not extend below the bottom edge of the uniform shirt collar when the individual is standing upright. It must not obstruct or fully cover the ears. If styled over the ears, it may not extend more than one finger’s width in length past the ear.

• When styled forward, hair must not hang below the eyebrows or obstruct vision. Naturally curly, wavy, or coiled hair is permitted, provided it remains moderate in volume and does not exceed one-half finger-length from the scalp in thickness.

• Hairstyles must remain secure during movement and must not require frequent adjustment.

• Hair must not interfere with the proper and stable fit of a Department-issued helmet, nor interfere with the full seal and function of respiratory protection, such as SCBA facepieces.

• Only naturally occurring hair colors are permitted, such as black, brown, blond, gray, or natural shades of red. Bright, fluorescent, metallic, or unnatural colors—including neon blue, pink, green, silver, or gold—are prohibited unless specifically approved by Command Staff for official Department events or cultural accommodations.

FACIAL HAIR STANDARDS

Facial hair must be neat, well-maintained, and appropriate to the member’s operational role. The Department distinguishes between frontline personnel, who operate in hazardous environments and wear PPE, and non-frontline personnel in support or administrative roles.

FRONTLINE PERSONNEL

• Frontline personnel must ensure their facial hair does not impair the seal integrity of masks or other PPE.

• Beards are generally not authorized unless a medical or religious exemption is formally approved by Command Staff. If permitted, beards must be trimmed close to the skin, symmetrical, and tidy. Unkempt or scraggly beards are not allowed.

• Mustaches must not extend below or past the upper lip and must not interfere with the sealing surface of a mask or extend into the mouth area.

• Sideburns must not extend below the earlobe. They must end in a straight, horizontal line and be of uniform width.

• Any facial hair style that prevents a proper PPE fit, results in a failed seal test, or causes a breach in respiratory protection is strictly prohibited. This includes long stubble, beards that reach under the chin, or patchy growth along sealing surfaces.

NON-FRONTLINE PERSONNEL

Non-frontline personnel who do not enter hazardous environments may maintain facial hair more freely.

• Facial hair must be short, symmetrical, and groomed to reflect a clean and professional appearance. Goatees, chin straps, and full beards are permitted so long as they are tidy and do not detract from the integrity of the uniform.

• Exaggerated, flamboyant, or novelty facial hairstyles, such as waxed curls, oversized handlebars, or decorative shapes, are not allowed.

Earrings and Ear Accessories

• Earrings may be worn only with the Class A Dress Uniform and are subject to strict limitations.

• Only metallic button or stud-style earrings are permitted. Hoops, dangling earrings, charms, plugs, gauges, or novelty items are not allowed.

• Earrings must not exceed the diameter of a U.S. dime (approximately 0.7 inches or 17.91 mm). Only one earring per ear is authorized, and it must be worn in the lower earlobe. Multiple piercings are not permitted while in uniform.

• Earrings are not authorized during routine duty shifts, emergency responses, or training activities. They are permitted solely for ceremonial occasions or public events in which the Class A Dress Uniform has been explicitly authorized.

Command Oversight and Exceptions

Any exception to these grooming and appearance standards must be formally requested in writing and approved by Command Staff.

Approved exceptions will be documented in the member’s personnel file and may be reviewed periodically to ensure continued compliance.

Accommodation requests based on medical, religious, or cultural grounds will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Department policy and applicable law.

All departmental apparatus, defined as any vehicle, equipment, or tool assigned to operational duty, must be maintained in a state of full mission-readiness at all times. This includes being fully fueled, appropriately stocked with supplies, and free from mechanical deficiencies. 

Any discovered defect, malfunction, or irregularity, regardless of severity, must be reported without delay to Command Staff via immediate direct messaging or the department channels provided in Discord. It is the responsibility of all personnel assigned to or operating such apparatus to ensure its readiness and to maintain accountability for its condition and inventory. Negligence in this area may result in corrective or disciplinary action, as the reliability of our apparatus directly affects our capacity to protect life and property.

Any damaged or out-of-service apparatus must be reported to the Battalion Chief or higher immediately.