SHIPPENSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENTSTANDARD OPERATING

GUIDELINE Title: BLUE/RED LIGHT AUTHORIZATION

Date: 11/03/10

SOG#: 2:04

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Purpose: To authorize and manage the use of Blue Lights for emergency responses. Blue Lights are a privilege and are used as a courtesy light and for the protection of personnel.

Applicability:Guidance set for active firefighters and fire police on the authorization and use of Blue Lights.

Policy:

1.0 Authorization:

1.1 Authorization may only be granted by the Station Chief or his/her designee for the blue light usage.

1.2 Personnel that are approved for the use of Blue Light usage must also be added to the department’s annual report to the Pa. State Police.

2.0 Requirements:

2.1 He/She must have completed (1) year of probation

2.2 He/She must be at least 18 years of age and have a good driving record with a current Pa. Drivers License.

2.3 He/She must show maturity in their actions while driving.

2.4 He/She must have completed all training as an active firefighter, driver/operator or a qualified fire police officer.

SHIPPENSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENTSTANDARD OPERATING

GUIDELINETitle: BLUE/ RED LIGHT AUTHORIZATION

Date: 11/03/10

SOG#: 2:04

Page 2 of 3

3.0 Usage

3.1 Blue lights may only be used by approved personnel by the Station Chief

3.2 Blue Lights may be utilized for emergency responses.

3.3 All state and local traffic laws and regulations MUST be followed when utilizing a Blue Light. The Blue Light is a Courtesy Light.

3.4 A Blue Light is a courteous light; you must obey all traffic laws.

4.0 Stipulations:

4.1 Usage of Blue Lights will be limited to 1st and 2nd due areas of coverage.Fire Police may utilize their Blue Light outside of those areas.

4.2 Members are prohibited to respond on Interstate 81 in their P.O.V. to any incident. Personnel will wait at the entrance ramp for the apparatus to pick them up. Fire Police may enter Interstate 81 for traffic control as required.

4.3 Any complaint received for the misuse or abuse of Blue Lights will be investigated by the Station Chief.

4.4 Any line officer may temporarily suspend any member from utilizing Blue Lights until the Station Chief can conduct an investigation.

4.5 Members that respond to an incident scene must report to the OIC for assignment and accountability.

4.6 Members will not block the egress of emergency apparatus.

SHIPPENSBURG FIRE DEPARTMENTSTANDARD OPERATING

GUIDELINE Title: BLUE/RED LIGHT AUTHORIZATION

Date 11/03/10

SOG#: 2:04

Page 3 of 3

5. Red Lights:

5.1 The Department Chief and Department Assistant Chief’s, Station Fire Chief, Deputy, and Assistant Chief are the only officers permitted to have Red Warning Lights and Sirens in their POV.

5.2 Personnel that are approved for the use of Red Lights must also be added to the department’s annual report to the Pa. State Police.

5.3 Personnel utilizing Red Warning Lights will follow Operation Policy 02:02 “Use of Emergency Apparatus”.

5.4 Personnel utilizing Red Warning Lights will follow the appropriate local and state traffic laws.

5.5 Any complaints for the misuse of Red Warning Lights will be investigated.