CODE OF REGULATIONS
OF
THE OHIO STATE FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
Adopted August 19, 2007

ARTICLE I

This association shall be known as The Ohio State Firefighters’ Association (OSFA).

The purpose and objectives of this association shall be:

1. To promote and encourage the development of skill, knowledge and methods to prevent and combat injury, loss of life and property,  due to fire, medical emergencies or disaster.
2. To promote fellowship, good will, self-preservation and security among members of the association and others engaged in similar services.
3. To monitor legislation that supports the ideals of the fire service.
4. To accumulate and disseminate information for the purpose of encouraging and increasing membership in the association for the support of fire and emergency services.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in this association shall be designated as active, associate, honorary, and corporate.

Section 1:  Active Membership - active membership is defined as:

1. Any duly organized not-for-profit fire department, rescue unit or fire brigade, whether public or private, chartered within the State of Ohio.
2. Any firefighters’ association recognized by The Ohio State Firefighters Association (a majority of whose members are active firefighters).
3. Any Emergency Management Agency organized within the State of Ohio.
4. Not-for-profit organizations providing emergency medical services to the public within the State of Ohio.
5. An active member of the association must maintain and/or fulfill the obligations listed in section 5.

Section 2:  Associate Membership - associate membership is defined as:

1. Individuals who are members of a fire department, rescue unit or fire brigade not holding active membership in this association.
2. A fire department, rescue unit, fire brigade or any individual member thereof chartered and/or serving in a state contiguous to the State of Ohio.
3. An individual or a private, social, or civic organization formed for the purpose of promoting the operation and mission of an organized fire department, fire brigade or rescue unit.
4. Associate members will have all the privileges of active members except that of voting and holding office.
5. An associate member of the association must maintain and/or fulfill the obligations listed in section 5.

Section 3:  Honorary Membership - honorary membership is defined as:

1. Honorary membership in the association may be conferred upon an individual in recognition of outstanding meritorious service rendered to the association or the fire service in general.
2. Any active member of the association may nominate an individual for honorary membership.  The nomination must be presented to the Executive Board in writing and be signed by the nominating active member(s).  The nomination must be endorsed by five members of the Executive Board.  The Executive Board will then vote on the proposed honorary member at the meeting at which the nomination is presented.  A majority vote of board members present is required to ratify the membership.  The vote of the Executive Board will be final.
3. Honorary members will have all of the privileges of active members with the exception of voting and holding office.  Honorary members will not pay dues.

Section 4:  Corporate Membership - corporate member is defined as:

1. Individuals, corporations and/or government entities who are associated with and/or support the fire and emergency services in the State of Ohio, and who otherwise do not meet the criteria for active, associate or honorary membership.
2. Corporate members shall have all the privileges of active members with the exception of voting and holding office.
3. A corporate member of the association must maintain and/or fulfill the obligations listed in section 5.

Section 5:  Membership Status

1. Only members in good standing, regardless of their membership type, will be entitled to exercise the privileges associated with their membership type.
2. To be classified as a member in good standing, the member must be current in their annual dues, if required, as certified by the Secretary/Treasurer.

ARTICLE III

EXECUTIVE BOARD, OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES

Elected officers, the Executive Board and standing committees, will conduct the business of the association as follows:

Section 1:  Executive Board

1. The Executive Board will be composed of the immediate Past President, who will serve as Chairperson, all Past Presidents, all elected officers, standing committee chairpersons and all certified county representatives.
2. The expenses incurred by those serving on the Executive Board shall be paid by the association.
3. Parliamentary procedure will be Robert’s Rules of Order.
4. Duties of the Executive Board include:
    

1. Perform and act in dual capacity as trustees.
2. Approve all contracts for work to be done or for the purchase of supplies.
3. Audit and approve all bills not previously specified and determine all salaries to be paid.
4. Fill, by majority vote, any vacancy occurring in an elected office not inconsistent with any other provisions specified herein.  Any officer appointed will serve until the election of a successor can be held at the next annual conference.
5. Approve or disapprove, upon the request of the secretary/treasurer, the employment of a public stenographer to record the minutes of the conference or Executive Board meetings.
6. Set the bond for the secretary/treasurer.
7. Call special meetings, through the president, whenever a majority deems it necessary.
8. Approve or disapprove an application for membership.
9. Determine the inability of any officer to serve.
10. Perform such other functions, not herein related, which are for the best interest and operation  of the association or which will encourage increased membership.  These functions are in no way to be contradictory to the duties and powers of the president.  
11. Upon the inability of the chairperson to serve, appoint a replacement until the immediate president’s term is finished.
12. Appoint a conference coordinator for the annual conference.
13. Upon the request of the secretary/treasurer, appoint an assistant to aid in the performance of his/her duties.
14. The chairperson will conduct the meetings of the Executive Board and act in the capacity of advisor to the president.  The chairperson will only vote on matters that end in a tie.

15. Nominate and elect trustees to serve on the Legal Defense Trust Fund at the October meeting.

16. In the event the need to remove an officer or committee chairperson, will act pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in Article III, section 6.

Section 2:  Reimbursements

1. While in the performance of duties set forth by the Code of Regulations or upon authorization of the Executive Board, a member will be reimbursed in the following manner:
    

2. Reimbursement for expenses incurred by the officers, committee chairpersons and other individuals as authorized by the president will be at the amounts set be the Executive Board at the October meeting.  Reimbursable expenses will include meals, lodging and miscellaneous.  Mileage will be reimbursed at the current rate as specified by the Internal Revenue Service on an on-going basis.

Section 3:  County Representatives

Section 4:  Elected Officers

            Duties of the President:

1. Preside over all meetings of the association, not otherwise specified in the Code of Regulations.  Appoint all committee members and committee chairpersons and serve as an ex-officio member of all committees not inconsistent with any other provisions specified herein.  Committee appointments will be made from members of the Executive Board and/or active member departments and are subject to approval by a simple majority of the Executive Board.
2. Appoint a Chaplain to serve during his/her tenure of office.
3. Attend or designate a substitute to attend any pertinent meeting held out of the State of Ohio when approved by the Executive Board.
4. Upon completion of the term of the office as president of the association, will become chairperson of the Executive Board serving two years or until a successor is qualified.
5. Designate a temporary chairperson of the Executive Board when the current chairperson is absent from the meeting.
6. Visit district or county fire association meetings for the establishment of good public relations.
7. Be reimbursed by the association for any related expenses incurred while in the performance of duties of office at the approved per diem rate.
8. Have the opportunity to review all expenses of all officers, the Chaplain, the Executive Board and all committees that are submitted to the secretary/treasurer.
9. Reserve the right to assign any chairperson to submit required reports to either of the vice-presidents.
10. Be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order when conducting official association business.
11. In the absence of or the incapacitation of the secretary/treasurer, the president will be empowered to sign checks for the regular business operation or as directed by the Executive Board.  He/she will report all such transactions at the next Executive Board meeting and will be bonded in the amount approved by the Executive Board but in no case less than the amount of the secretary/treasurer.
12. Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the Executive Board.

            Duties of the First Vice-President

                     1.  Assume the duties and the position of the president during his/her absence or
                          inability to perform his/her duties during the unexpired term.
                     2.  Cooperate with and receive reports from any chairperson designated by the president.
                     3.  Be reimbursed by the association for any related expenses incurred while in the
                          performance of the duties of office at the approved per diem rate.
                     4.  Act as chairperson of the membership committee.
                     5.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                          Executive Board.

            Duties of the Second Vice-President

                   1.  Assume the duties and the position of the first vice-president during his/her absence or
                        inability to perform his/her duties during the term of office.
                   2.  Upon the inability of the president and the first vice-president to serve, assumes the
                        position of president.
                   3.  Cooperate with and receive reports from any committee chairperson designated by the
                        president.
                   4.  Be reimbursed by the association for any related expenses incurred while in the
                        performance of the duties of office at the approved per diem rate.
                   5.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

            Duties of the Secretary/Treasurer

                        1.   Keep a complete record of all proceedings of the association and Executive Board
                        meetings.  These documents will be published and distributed as needed.
                   2.  Reply to all correspondence addressed to the association as directed by the president.
                        Maintain a file of all correspondence and replies.
                   3.  Collect all monies due the association.  Maintain a full accounting of all accounts and
                        pay all bills upon order of the president and/or Executive Board.
                   4.  Give a full accounting of all monies received and expended.
                   5.  Make such reports and perform such other duties as the president and Executive Board
                        may require.
                   6.  Ensure the proper filling of federal and state tax returns.
                   7.  Deposit all monies of the association in financial accounts approved by the Executive
                        Board.  These accounts are to be held in the name of the Ohio State Firefighters’
                        Association and subject to withdraw only upon check(s) issued and signed by the
                        secretary/treasurer or in the secretary/treasurer’s absence due to disability, by the
                        president.
                   8.  Be bonded in an amount approved by the Executive Board but in no case less than the
                        balance of all funds from the last audit.
                   9.  Keep a complete record of all member departments or brigades and issue an annual
                        dues card for each individual member.
                 10.  Receive and file the reports of all committees and keep a properly indexed record of all
                        Code of Regulation amendments and resolutions.
                 11.  Notify all Executive Board members of upcoming meetings.
                 12.  Present all of the financial records to the audit committee for its examination and
                        approval, at such times and places as the committee may select.
                 13.  Upon completion of the incumbent’s term of office and within 30 days after the
                        adjournment of the annual conference, turn over to the successor, all of the books,
                        papers and monies belonging to the association.
                 14.  Be reimbursed by the association for any related expenses incurred while in the
                        performance of the duties of office at the approved per diem rate.
                 15.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

Section 5:  Standing Committees

1. The standing committees of this association will be as follows:  Resolutions, Legislative, Education, Audit, Credentials, Membership, Nominations, Publications, Budget Review and Insurance.  Committees will be responsible for mailing their own literature and correspondence under the direction of the president and with the assistance of the secretary/treasurer.  Committees will not supersede the functions and/or the authority of the elected officers.

            Duties of the Resolution Committee

                   1.  The resolution committee will prepare and mail a copy of any proposed revisions or
                        amendments to the Code of Regulations to each voting member for their study not
                        less than 30 days before the annual conference.
                   2.  Present all resolutions to the active members attending the business session on the
                        second day of the annual conference immediately following the closing of the
                        nominations for elected officers.
                   3.  Tabulate the votes on resolutions and report the results at the annual conference.
                   4.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  The legislative committee will attend to all matters pertaining to state and federal
                        legislation proposed by and affecting the association and its membership.
                   2.  Promote the passage of such legislation as may be in the best interest and benefit of the
                        association and its members.
                   3.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  The education committee will provide, whenever requested, educational programs,
                        speakers and demonstrations deemed advisable for the instruction and advancement of
                        the membership.
                   2.  Prepare a seminar schedule.
                   3.  Coordinate education with local conference committees throughout the state.
                   4.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  The secretary/treasurer will provide the committee a list of members that are entitled
                        to vote according to the Code of Regulations of the association.
                   2.  Determine that all delegates and alternates meet the requirements specified herein.
                   3.  Certify all those eligible to act as delegates in conducting the business of the association
                        at the annual conference.
                   4.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  The committee will contact all fire departments and brigades in the State of Ohio for
                        the purpose of encouraging them to become members of the association.
                   2.  Review with the secretary/treasurer, any new membership application, its validity and
                        classification.
                   3.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  The nominations committee will meet prior to the annual conference to review the list
                        of candidates eligible for election.
                   2.  After the close of nominations, prepare ballots to be furnished to the delegates.  Polls
                        will be open for two hours during the final business meeting of the conference.
                   3.  Issue ballots on the day of voting to the delegates that have been approved by the
                        credentials committee and tabulate the votes and announce the results of the election to
                        the membership.
                   4.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  The insurance committee will review and keep abreast of insurance issues affecting the
                        fire service and its members.  They will report to the members on an as needed basis.
                   2.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

                   1.  Receive and review all budgets from the officers and committee chairpersons.  The
                        budget proposals will be submitted to the committee before the April Executive Board
                        meeting.  The term for the budgets will coincide with the association’s fiscal year.
                   2.  The committee will submit their final recommendation to the Executive Board at the
                        April meeting for final approval.
                   3.  The committee will be made up of three members appointed by the president during
                        his term.
                   4.  Failure of a committee chairperson to submit a budget proposal to the committee will
                        result in that committee’s budget to be reduced by 15 percent for the upcoming fiscal
                        year.
                   5.  Maintain expenditures within the annual budget submitted and approved by the
                        Executive Board.

Section 5:  Temporary or Special Committees

Section 6:  Removal of Officers

1. Any officer (chairman of the board, president, first vice-president, second vice-president or secretary/treasurer) or chairman of a committee may be removed from his or her office pursuant to the following procedures:
    
1. A motion to remove an officer or chairperson must originate from a duly appointed member of the Executive Board.  The motion must be submitted in writing and contain the signature of the moving Executive Board member and be co-signed by four other duly appointed members of the Executive Board.  Complying with this requirement shall satisfy the necessary “second” in support of the motion to forward it for consideration by the Executive Board.
2. Motions to remove an officer or chairperson may be considered at any properly called meeting of the Executive Board.
3. For the motion to pass, a majority of all Executive Board members of the association (not just those in attendance), must vote in the affirmative for the motion.
4. Upon successful vote on the motion, the officer’s or chairperson’s term will cease immediately and they will immediately return any and all documents and/or property of the association.
5. Within five business days of the officer’s removal, the president or first vice-president (if the president was removed) will post on the association’s web page a notice of vacancy in an officer position, seeking the names of those interested in completing the remaining term of the removed officer.  Interested members must submit their name to the president or first vice-president in writing.
6. At the next Executive Board meeting immediately following the meeting wherein the officer was removed from his/her position, the president or first vice-president (if the president was removed) shall present a list of members of the association that wish to complete the remaining term of the removed officer.  The candidates for the officer position shall meet the requirements of the association to hold office, other than the nominating process.
7. The Executive board will select a member to complete the remaining term of the removed officer by simple majority of the Executive Board members in attendance for the Executive Board meeting.

ARTICLE IV

DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES

Section 1:  Selection of Delegate and Alternate

Section 2: Certification

Section 3:  Registration

Section 4:  Past-Presidents

ARTICLE V

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1:  Presentation of Candidates

1. The nominations committee will present the slate of nominees for the various offices at the business session of the annual conference the day preceding the election.  At this time, the privilege of naming a candidate will be allowed only if no candidate was declared at the April Executive Board meeting.  Any nominations made at the annual conference must meet all qualifications listed below.  Should only one candidate make their intention know for a particular office, they will be determined to be unopposed.
    

2. Candidates for an elected office must meet and maintain throughout their tenure as an officer, the following qualifications:
    
1. Be an active member in good standing.
2. Have served at least one year in a leadership position within his/her department county or district association.
3. Submit a written endorsement from his/her department.
4. Have attended a simple majority (+50 percent) of the Executive Board meetings held since the last officer elections, as certified by the secretary/treasurer.
5. All candidates (including incumbents) seeking to hold office will make their intentions known in writing to the nominations committee prior to the start of the April board meeting.

Section 2:  Voting

ARTICLE VI

QUORUM

Section 1:  Annual or Special Conference

Section 2:  Executive Board Meeting

Section 3:  Certification

ARTICLE VII

MEETINGS

Section 1:  Annual Meeting

Section 2:  Executive Board Meeting

1. The Executive Board will meet at such time and place as designated by the president.
    

2. A majority of the members of the Executive Board may petition the president to call a special Executive Board meeting.  When so petitioned in writing, the president will call a meeting of the board within two weeks.  A majority, for this purpose, will be determined by the number of members present at the meeting of the Executive Board most recently held.

Section 3:  Committees

Section 4:  Committee Business

ARTICLE VIII

DUES

Section 1:  Active Member Dues

Section 2:  Changes in Dues

Section 3:  Associate Member Dues

Section 4:  Honorary Member Dues

Section 5:  Multi-Year Dues.

ARTICLE IX

VOTING PRIVILEGES

Section 1:  Annual and Special Conferences

Section 2:  Executive Board Meeting

ARTICLE X

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1:  Scholarships

1. Upon approval at the annual conference, the association may provide special scholarship funds.  The Executive Board will ensure these funds are available.  A special scholarship committee will be appointed by the president to govern the established scholarship funds for the firefighting and EMS educational programs.  The committee may also supplement the amount of the yearly awards provided by the OSFA to them from other financial sources derived from their respective committee.  Payment from the scholarship funds will be applied to the tuition on a semester or quarterly basis from properly accredited college or institution, only after the proper documentation has been provided to the committee for reimbursement.
2. The perspective candidates will be selected on a basis of character, financial need, dedication, scholastic aptitude and scholastic achievement.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS

Suggestions for the revision of the Code of Regulations will be presented to the appropriate committee no later than January of each year for consideration of implementation.