303: HOME GARAGING AUTHORITY

These policies exist to regulate the use of emergency vehicles by personnel while off-duty.

Employee's Responsibility. Employees who do not possess a Home-Garaging Authority are not permitted to operate a Department-owned vehicle while off-duty. Additionally, firefighters shall not outfit their personal vehicles with emergency lights and sirens for fire/medical/general rescue response purposes.

• Regular Work Location - Where the Department usually requires the home-garaging employee to report for work at the beginning of each tour of duty.

• Off-hour - An employee off-duty and prior to the beginning of their next normal tour of duty.

A Home-Garaging Authority allows firefighters to drive Department vehicles during off-hours and garage that vehicle away from the regular work location.

The use of all home-garaged vehicles, excluding transportation to and from work, will be restricted to the performance of official duties. Personal use of home-garaged vehicles is prohibited.

When not in use, all home-garaged vehicles must be properly sheltered in a locked garage (or other approved secure location) and provided with adequate security to safeguard the vehicle and its contents. 

Persons riding as passengers in home-garaged vehicles shall be limited to Department personnel, or other City/County employees when it can be demonstrated that such riding is in the best interest of the City/County or the Department.

Only Department personnel shall be permitted to operate a home-garaged vehicle.

Employees assigned to the following divisions may have a Home-Garaging Authority:

• Arson Counter-Terrorism Section

• Bomb Squad Unit

• Joint Hazard Assessment Team

• Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit

Other employees assigned a Home Garaging Authority include Assistant Chiefs and above; and, any Commanding Officer.