Volunteer Chiefs Serving As Elected Officials?

[Guest E53LT]

Does anyone have feelings about a volunteer chief serving as an elected official on the governing body of the community? An example would be the chief also being the mayor or a council member. I see it as a major conflict of interest, does anyone agree or have any thoughts?

[Guest]

I would unhesitantly say yes, but it also depends a great deal on the character and priorities of each person. I think its great that someone would want to improve their community in so many ways, and that they might be able to excel in each facet. If he/she is able to perform the duties as chief, then there really isn't much you can do. Leave it up to the community to judge his/her performance as an official.

[IzzyEng4 427]

Definately a conflict of intrest. How can you serve as a chief, line officer or even a marshal and hold a political office? You can't because now you can be accused of so many things that could hurt you both politically and also with your peers in the fire departmetn of any other public saftey organization. It is different if you are just a member or an organizational / association officer (not line) since that is more of the "club" aspect so to say. I think that it is not good. Too much liability.

[firecapt32 282]

you better check the law---yes there are laws that even fire chiefs have to follow. I do believe it is a conflict esp when money is concerned.

[COMMANDCHIEF 4]

I think the conflict would come in if the FD was in a "village" type set up where the local government actually plays a direct roll with the way the fire department operates. If it is a "district" the town has really nothing to say about the opertaions at all. There is a Board of Commishioners.