Articles of Ethics

1. Article I: Integrity
   1. Truthfulness and Transparency: All members shall act truthfully and honestly in all communications, whether internal or external. Transparency shall guide all decisions and actions, ensuring trust from the public and other agencies.
   2. Accountability: Members are responsible for their actions and decisions, as well as the actions of any guest or family member they bring to the Squad (location or function). They must acknowledge mistakes and strive to correct them promptly without misleading or withholding information.
2. Article II: Professionalism
   1. Courtesy and Respect: All individuals, regardless of their background, shall be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment within the squad and in interactions with the public.
3. Article III: Fairness and Impartiality
   1. Biased Treatment: Members in positions of authority or influence shall not give preferential treatment to individuals based on personal relationships, friendships, or other non-professional factors.
   2. Biased Assignments: Favoritism in assigning duties, shifts, promotions, or any other aspect of squad operations is prohibited. All members must be evaluated and treated based on their performance, qualifications, and conduct.
   3. Equal Opportunity: No position, assignment, or opportunity shall be determined by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or political views.
   4. Disability Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations shall be made for individuals with disabilities in compliance with applicable laws while ensuring that all members can safely and effectively perform the physical and life-saving duties required for a rescue operation.
4. Article IV: Conflict of Interest
   1. Avoidance of Personal Gain: Members shall avoid any situation in which their private interests could conflict with their official duties, ensuring their service remains impartial and free from personal gain.
   2. Disclosure: If any conflict arises, members are required to disclose it immediately to their chain of command to ensure proper action is taken.
5. Article V: Confidentiality
   1. Protection of Sensitive Information: Information obtained through official duties shall be kept confidential unless required by law to be disclosed. Members must respect the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of operations.
   2. Ethical Use of Data: Information, whether personal or operational, must only be used for its intended purpose, safeguarding against misuse or unauthorized sharing.
6. Article VI: Commitment to Safety
   1. Prioritization of Safety: The safety of team members, the public, and victims of emergencies shall always take precedence. Members must follow all safety protocols and report unsafe conditions immediately.
   2. Well-being and Support: The mental and physical well-being of all members is paramount. The squad shall provide resources and support to ensure members can perform their duties without undue risk to their health.
7. Article VII: Reporting and Documentation
   1. Accuracy in Records: All reports and records must be completed with precision and honesty. Falsifying records or omitting critical information is strictly prohibited.
   2. Timeliness: Members must ensure that all documentation and reports are submitted promptly and reflect a complete and accurate account of the events.
8. Article VIII: Collaboration and Teamwork
   1. Mutual Respect: Members shall foster a culture of teamwork, valuing each member’s contributions and expertise. Disputes or disagreements will be resolved with respect and through appropriate channels.
   2. Coordination with Agencies: The Rescue Squad will work collaboratively with other public safety and governmental agencies, sharing resources and information when necessary for the greater public good.
9. Article IX: Inappropriate Relationships
   1. Power Imbalance: Romantic or sexual relationships between individuals in positions of authority and those they supervise or work alongside may create conflicts of interest and can damage the integrity of professional relationships. Members should refrain from such relationships, as they can lead to perceived or actual favoritism, discrimination, or an abuse of power. Any such relationships must be disclosed to the Ethics Board to assess the potential impact on professional duties.
   2. Adultery: Members shall not engage in unfaithful acts or relationships, either on or off duty, such behavior affects the members’ ability to carry out their duties with integrity and fairness, disrupts the trust and mutual respect necessary for effective teamwork, and brings discredit to the Rescue Squad.
10. Article X: Illegal Acts
    1. Prohibition of Illegal Activity: Members of the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad shall not engage in any illegal activities, whether on duty or off duty. Such actions compromise the integrity of the squad and the safety of the public.
11. Article XI: Duty to Act
    1. Responsibility to Intervene: Members, especially officers, have a duty to take appropriate action if they witness illegal, unethical, or unsafe behavior by any squad member. Inaction in the face of such behavior will be treated as complicity.
    2. Reporting Violations: Members are required to report any illegal or unethical actions to their supervisor or other designated authority immediately.

Ethics Violations

The Ethics Board is tasked with reviewing and deliberating on any reported violations of the LLRS ethical standards. Each case is handled with fairness, thoroughness, and in accordance with due process. This section outlines the procedural steps that the Ethics Board will follow, from the establishment of a quorum to the final recommendations made to the Board of Directors. The Board must ensure that the accused has the opportunity to present their defense, and each decision will be reached based on the merits of the case and the ethical standards set by the LLRS.

Reporting an Ethics Violation:

1. 1. Reporting Ethics Violations can be done through a digital form located at Below
   2. Reporting violations Shall not be done anonymously. All reports will be reviewed and due process will be shown to the defendant.

Quorum: 

1. 1. A quorum of the Ethics Board must be present to hear a case and render a decision. A quorum is defined as a majority of the Ethics Board Members.

Conflict of Interest and Recusal:

1. 1. In any case, where a member of the Ethics Board, an officer, or a member of the Board of Directors is the subject of an ethics violation or is a direct witness to the events in question, that individual must recuse themselves from participating in the investigation, discussion, and decision-making process related to that case.
   2. Recusal Process:
      • Upon becoming aware of their involvement in a case, the individual must immediately inform the Ethics Board Chair and request recusal from the proceedings.
      • The Ethics Board will then select a replacement member, or seek external impartial assistance if necessary, to ensure the integrity and impartiality of the review process.
   3. Ensuring Impartiality:
      • If the Chair of the Ethics Board is the subject of or a witness to a violation, the Co-Chair or another senior member of the Ethics Board will assume the Chair’s responsibilities for the case in question.
      • The Ethics Board will take all necessary steps to avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest and to preserve the fairness of the process.

Review Process:

1. 1. The Ethics Board is responsible for gathering and reviewing all relevant information related to the alleged ethical violation, including witness statements, documentation, and other pertinent evidence.
   2. Members will hear testimony from involved parties, deliberate on the facts, and determine if a violation of the Ethics Policy has occurred.
   3. The Board must adhere to principles of due process, ensuring that the accused has the opportunity to present their defense and respond to any allegations.

Verdict and Recommendations:

1. 1. After reviewing the case, the Ethics Board will deliberate and reach a decision on whether an ethical violation has occurred.
   2. The Board will then recommend corrective or disciplinary actions to the Board of Directors. These recommendations may include counseling, retraining, suspension, or removal from the Rescue Squad depending on the severity of the violation.
   3. In cases where no ethical violation is found, the Board will formally dismiss the case and notify all relevant parties.

Reporting:

1. 1. The Chair is responsible for documenting the findings of the Ethics Board and providing a detailed report to the Board of Directors, including the recommended course of action.
   2. All documentation related to the case, including the decision and recommendations, will be stored securely to maintain confidentiality.

Confidentiality:

1. 1. All members of the Ethics Board must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the details of each case and the identities of involved parties. Breaches of confidentiality will be considered ethical violations themselves and may result in disciplinary action.

Appeals:

1. 1. Members subject to an ethics violation ruling may appeal the decision to the Board of Directors. Notice of the appeal must be submitted in writing within seven (7) days of the violation verdict, and the Board of Directors will review the appeal and make a final determination.
      

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