Order of Business at Convention
First Session 8:00 pm Thursday
Opening Ceremonies
Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge to Flag
Address of Welcome
Naming of Sergeant-at-Arms
Report of Credentials Committee
Report of Advisory Committee
Nomination of Office and Place of Convention
President’s Report
Report of the Vice Presidents (First, Second, Third)
Report of the Chaplain
Report of the Secretary
Report of the Treasurer
Reports of Standing Committees
Lapsation Committee
Executive Committee
Resolution Committee
By-Laws Committee
Auditing Committee
Law Committee
Ways and Means Committee
Educational Committee
Publicity Committee
Fire Prevention Committee
Exhibits Committee
Efficiency Contest Committee
Queen Contest Rules Committee
Awards Committee
Parade Committee
Scholarship Committee
State Fire Instructors Committee
Steering Committee
Forest Fire Wardens Committee
Appointment of Tellers (if needed)
Recess
2nd Session 9:00 am Friday
Call to Order
Memorial Service
Announcements
Recess
Voting 11:00 am til noon if needed
Third Session 10:30 am Friday
Call to order
Awards Program
Report of the County Vice Presidents
Report of the Delegate to the State Convention
Unfinished Business
New Business
Report of the Tellers
Installation of Officers
Presentation of Award to Retiring President
Communications
Resolution of Thanks to Host of Meeting
Adjournment
Reorganizational Meeting to follow
Name
The name of this association shall be the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Pennsylvania.
Mission
SECTION 1. It is the mission of the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association, a dedicated organization of individuals, that works and assists with other regional and statewide organizations for paving the future and the general improvement of the future generations in the Fire and Emergency Services throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Association offers an open forum for discussion and problem solving with peers on fire and emergency related issues. The Association shall lead and set a Fire Education and Prevention Program or theme, that can be used throughout the central region of the Commonwealth. The Association shall encourage a fraternal friendship among firefighters by means of competition and other activities. The Association shall also lead in a recruitment and retention program to assure the well being of the Fire Emergency Services in the Commonwealth .
SECTION 2. To accumulate a Fund from the dues for the relief of members and their families in case of death, according to the by laws and finances of the Association.
Membership
The membership of this Association shall be divided as follows: Organizational, Active, Honorary, Lapsation, and Life.
Officers
Section 1. The officers of the Association shall be president, who shall not succeed himself but shall be elected from the town holding the convention; three vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, each to be elected at the annual convention by a majority vote of the members present, cast by official ballot, to serve for one year from the date of their election, or until their successors are chosen.
Section 2. The elective officers, together with all standing Committees and with Advisory Committee, shall constitute the Board of Control.
Section 3. (A) There shall be appointed by the president in accordance with Article V county vice-presidents of each county represented in the district. Said vice-president shall be responsible to and report to the president.
(B) This committee will meet and have their own chairman and other officers to work out problems.
Committees
Section 1. The following shall be the standing committees of the Association, their term of service to extend from the date of appointment until their successors have been appointed, but shall not exceed 90 days after the close of the convention. Their appointment shall be vested in the president, and announced not later than 3 months after the adjournment of the annual meeting.
Executive ………. Seven Members
Resolutions …….. Three Members
Law …………….. Seven Members
Credentials ……... Five Members
Auditing ………… Three Members
Educational ……… Seven Members
Exhibits …………. Five Members
Publicity ………… Five Members
Ways and Means … Nine Members
Fire Prevention ..... Nine Members
Convention Steering ...Five Members
By-Laws ………… Three Members
Efficiency Contest Rules … Thirteen Members
Queen Contest Rules …….. Nine Members
Awards …………………… Seven Members
Parade ……………………. Five Members
State Fire Instructors .......... Five Members
Forest Fire Wardens .......... Five Members
County Vice Presidents ………………. One per each County
Advisory ……………………………… All Past Presidents
Lapsation ………. All members who have served 15 consecutive years on the Board of Control.
Meetings
Section 1. The annual meeting of this Association shall begin at 8:00 pm Thursday of the week of the Convention of each year, and continue until adjournment from time to time during the sessions, or Sine Die when the entire business has been disposed of.
Section 2. The annual Convention of the Association shall be held at such place as the preceding Convention shall designate. Upon failure of the Convention to agree upon a place, the same shall be selected by the Board of Control. Failure to hold annual meetings shall not dissolve the Association.
Section 3. The Board of Control shall meet at least two (2) times a year to transact business. The meetings called by the president shall be in the Fall and the Spring. All members of the Board of Control shall be notified of same.
Section 4. Special meetings may be called by the president or by petition of 25 members or at the request of the Board of Control at such place and time as they may determine. All calls for special meetings shall clearly state the business to be transacted at said meeting.
Section 5. Twenty-five members shall constitute a quorum for any special or regular meeting of this Association.
Amendments
The Constitution or the government of this Association may be adopted by a majority vote of the members present at the annual Convention and amendments made thereto by the consent of two-thirds of the members present in annual meeting: Provided, that all amendments shall be presented in writing at the Spring Board of Control meeting, approved by the Advisory Committee and the Board of Control, before brought to vote at the annual Convention meeting.
ARTICLE VIII
Dissolution
In the event that this Association should cease operations and dissolve its membership, The Board of Control shall after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the Association, dispose of all the assets of the Association in such a manner to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational ,religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501 {C} (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United Sates Internal Revenue law), as the Board of Control shall determine. At no time shall any of the assets be given to a private individual for his /her benefit. (8/2008)
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
Membership and Dues
Section 1. Organizational Membership
All Volunteer Organizations consisting of Fire Company, Fire Department, Relief Association, Fire Police, County Firemen's Associations, & Multi-County Fire Associations chartered in the State of Pennsylvaniashall pay annual $20.00 fee to retain their membership in the Association, regardless of whether they send delegates or not, same to be paid to the Secretary not later than April 15th each year. A &10.00 initiation fee shall be charged to any new or renewing organization.
Section 2. Active Membership
The active membership shall be composed of the present members of the Association, regardless of age and of the delegates duly elected from time to time by the respective volunteer fire organizations in Central Pennsylvania, the Chiefs of Fire Companies and Fire Marshals, Presidents of Fire Companies. Such delegates and fire department officials who, following their first probationary year as representative delegates, continue said membership by the payment of individual member dues for the next ensuing year and continue such payment thereafter.
Section 3. All membership shall be certified upon the official credentials form, which said credentials shall be furnished upon application by the secretary to the various organizations and delegates entitled thereto. Each Fire organization shall also be entitled to elect a delegate for each member in good standing that died during the past year.
Section 4. The annual dues for active members of both classes (a) and (b) shall be $7.00.
Section 5. The annual dues of all members must be paid to the Secretary on or before August 1st of each year. any individual member failing to pay his/her dues on or before said date shall become delinquent and non-beneficial until said dues and penalty of $1.00 is received by the Secretary. When said dues and penalty is received by the Secretary the individual shall immediately become a member in good standing and beneficial.
Section 6. Upon the death of an individual beneficial member, the Association shall pay to the beneficiary named by the person a sum recommended by the Executive Committee and set by the Board of Control. The same rate, however, shall be paid in each case for any one year.
Section 7. The annual Convention period, wherever referred to in these By-Laws shall be taken to mean anytime that may be selected for the holding of the annual convention, and until the opening day of the next succeeding annual convention.
Section 8. Honorary Membership
Honorary Membership shall consist of a person or persons selected at the annual convention in recognition of some meritorious act in the interest of the Association in particular, or that of the fire service in general. They shall have all the privileges of an active membership except that of voting and holding office, nor shall they take part in debate, except by consent of the convention. They shall be exempt from the payment of dues and shall not be entitled to death benefits herein provided for.
Section 9. Lapsation Membership
Any member of this Association having served on the Board of Control for 15 consecutive years shall have conferred upon them, Lapsation Membership. Lapsation Membership shall have all the privileges of an active member and shall be entitled to death benefits upon payment of $6.00 annual dues. Said members shall serve on the Lapsation Committee and shall be a member of the Board of Control.
Section 10. Life Membership
Life Membership shall consist of all Past Presidents of the Association provided he has served his full term of office except in cases where illness, disability or death does not permit him to do so. Life Members shall be exempt from all dues. They shall have all the privileges of Active Membership and shall be entitled to death benefits, so long as they abide by the rules and regulations of the Association.
Section 11. That each fire organization being a member of this Association shall be entitled to elect annually 3 delegates to this Association, who shall be the representatives of said Organization for one year. Provided, that said organization shall have paid the dues as required by Section 1 of this Article.
Section 13. Once a member of the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association, always one, if dues are paid. If dues lapse one year only, membership may be reinstated by paying the dues in arrears, plus the current year’s dues, plus the delinquent fee. If dues lapse more than one year, membership is forfeited.
ARTICLE II
Duties of Officers
Section 1. The President shall preside at the annual and special conventions; be Chairman of the Board of Control; appoint and be ex-officio member of all committees; scrutinize the conduct of all officials and committees; countersign all orders upon the Association’s treasury for the payment of money, and perform all other duties incidental to his office under Parliamentary usage. Robert's Rules of Order shall be the rules and regulations governing this Association.
Section 2. The President, upon completion of his term of office, shall be paid One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for expenses incurred during his term. While in office, the President shall serve as delegate to such State, Regional, or area fire service organizations in which this Association shall hold membership. The delegate shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending conferences, conventions, meetings, etc. at a rate recommended by the Board of Control. Additional delegates may be named by the President, as needed. Their rate of reimbursement shall be recommended by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board. The First Vice-President shall serve as alternate to the President.
Vice Presidents
Section 3. (A) The Vice President shall also be Vice Chairman of the Board of Control; they shall perform all the duties of the President in his absence respectively as First Senior, Second, and Third Vice Presidents, in order of the vote by which they were elected.
(B) In the event of a resignation of a Vice-President, the host company if they desire to retain the Convention shall submit another member of the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association from their company to be appointed by the President to fill the vacancy.
Secretary
Section 4. The Secretary shall keep a record of all proceedings of this Association, and make a full report at the annual meeting of its condition, and shall keep a complete set of the Association’s annual publications and have the same at each Convention as a handy reference record of the Association’s previous proceedings.
Section 5. He shall keep a careful record of accounts between the delegates and members of the Association.
Section 6. He shall keep the accounts of the individual members, and the delegates who represent Companies of Fire Department Officers in separate receipt books and ledgers and/or electronic files and spreadsheets..
Section 7. He shall forward to each organization and individual member duly entitled thereto, the necessary credentials and instructions not later than two calendar months preceding the succeeding Convention.
Section 8. He shall receive and collect all moneys due the Association and pay the same to the Treasurer every sixty (60) days, taking his receipts thereto. Keep a strict and true account of all moneys in his hands and the balance in the hands of the Treasurer.
Section 9. He shall countersign all orders upon the Treasurer, and shall answer all communications addressed to him pertaining to the business of the Association, file same, together with copies of his answers. Any communication received by him pertaining to the duties of any committee, he shall refer to them for consideration.
Section 10. He shall attend all conventions of the Association and there, as well as during any period of the year have his books in good shape that they shall stand instant audit, and that officials and members may readily see all about the fiscal concern entrusted to him.
Section 11. He shall prepare and certify all orders upon the treasurer for the payment of claims against the Association wherever directed by the Convention Board of Control.
Section 12. He shall be secretary to the Board of Control.
Section 13. He shall give a bond, approved by the Board of Control, and kept in the safe deposit box provided by the Association, in the sum to be determined by the Board of Control, conditional upon the faithful performance of his duties, and the charges of the Surety Company to Bond the Secretary shall be paid by the Association.
Section 14. He shall turn over to his successor in office all property of the Association in his possession.
Section 15. He shall receive as compensation, 20% of all dues collected annually.
Section 16. He shall examine the proceedings of each Convention when they have been put in typewritten form, to see that all the business transacted has been correctly recorded and for the purpose of expunging from the minutes, before they are printed, anything that might reflect upon the Association’s good name. This latter shall not apply, however, to correspondence, or other matter which is of no use to the members. He shall in no wise, however, make any changes whereby a member or subject might be correctly reported, nor eliminate anything that was properly presented and admitted by the Convention in regular session. He shall, with the consent of the Board of Control, contract for the publication of said proceedings under the conditions and circumstances that will, in the judgment of the Board of Control, be to the best interests of the Association, if printed.
Treasurer
Section 17. The treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all moneys received and disbursed by him, showing specifically for what account collected and for what purpose expended.
Section 18. All moneys belonging to the Association shall be deposited in the bank in the name of the Central District Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Pennsylvania, and be subjected to withdraw only upon check of the Treasurer of the Association.
Section 19. He shall make a detailed account of his work to each convention, and the President and Board of Control whenever requested by either to do so.
Section 20. He shall not pay out money except upon proper voucher of the Association, upon the order of the President and countersigned by the Secretary.
Section 21. He shall deliver to his successor in office all property of the Association in his charge.
Section 22. He shall give bond, to be approved by the Board of Control, and kept in the safe deposit box provided by the Association, in a sum to be determined by the Board of Control, conditional upon the faithful performance of his duties, and the charge of the Surety Company to bond the Treasurer, shall be paid by the Association.
Section 23. He shall receive a salary of Six Hundred ($600.00) dollars per annum, payable yearly.
ARTICLE III
Powers and Duties of the Board of Control
Section 1. The Board of Control shall contract and approve all bills and death claims, and direct their payment through proper voucher. It shall have charge of the investment of the surplus moneys of the Association. It shall have the power to fill vacancy in any elective office for the unexpired term.
Section 2. The Board of Control shall have power to request the president to call Special Conventions, and shall make annual Conventions, and the President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer of this Association shall be Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, respectively , of the Board of Control.
Section 3. In the event of a change of place for an annual Convention be necessary, the Board of Control shall have the power to make such change.
Section 4. It shall report to each annual Convention upon all claims presented to them and their action thereon. In the event of an appeal from an adverse decision of the Board of Control, the same shall be determined by the Convention.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES AND THEIR DUTIES
Executive Committee
Section 1. The Executive Committee shall investigate all claims for death benefits, set the rate of reimbursement for expense of delegates, recommend the amount of Death Benefits and report to the Board of Control, with its recommendations. It shall investigate all securities offered to this Association for investment of the surplus funds, report the same to the Board of Control with its recommendations; shall be members of the Board of Control; shall assist in organizing and advancing the interests of the relief associations and new fire organizations in Central Pennsylvania. In an emergency, the elective officers and the Executive Committee shall have the power to meet and make binding decisions concerning the finances and/or other emergency matters of the Association and report same at the next regular meeting of the Board of Control.
Resolution Committee
Section 2. The Resolution Committee shall attend to all resolutions of thanks to host of meetings, conventions and etc., resolutions of respect for deceased members and all other resolutions pertaining to the Association and make a report to the Board of Control; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Law Committee
Section 3. The Law Committee shall attend to all matters pertaining to any legislation whether Federal, State, County, Borough, or Township, touching the interest of the firemen of Central Pennsylvania, shall be members of the Board of Control, shall make the Annual Report of their proceedings to the Convention and special reports to the President whenever he requests same, and recommend a stand the Association should take on pending legislation and shall be empowered to request special meetings of the full Board of Control.
Credentials Committee
Section 4. The Committee on Credentials shall inquire into a report to the Association upon all questions referred to them arising from disputes in relation to eligibility for admission to membership in the Association. Shall keep accurate record of attendance of all officers and committee persons of the Association at regularly scheduled meetings and any special meetings. The shall submit an annual attendance report to the president at the convention of the attendance during the past year. The attendance record shall be used as a guideline for appointments to the new Board of Control. They shall be members of the Board of Control.
Auditing Committee
Section 5. The Auditing Committee shall audit the books of the officers at least once a year, and as many times in addition in their judgment is deemed advisable. For the purpose of their work they shall have the power to demand from any and all officers and Committees of the Association all books and papers concerning the Association’s financial concern, and the Officers and Committee present, if necessary, in their judgment, to perform their work. They shall make a report of their findings to the Association on the first day’s session of each Annual Convention; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Advisory Committee
Section 6. The Advisory Committee shall act in an advisory capacity to the officers and Board of Control at all times; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Educational Committee
Section 7. The Educational Committee should obtain a report of the State Fire Academy; collect and tabulate information on regional, county, and local fire schools for presentation at Spring Board of Control meeting, Shall organize and present a bi-annual Fire Seminar; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Exhibits Committee
Section 8. The Committee on the exhibits is authorized to represent the Association in an agreement with the Exhibitor and local committee, set a time during the Convention week for proper display of Exhibits. It shall make an annual report to the convention of wares exhibited, and by whom; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Publicity Committee
Section 9. The Publicity Committee shall act in an advisory capacity to the local committee whenever their assistance is solicited and shall furnish news to the press, and interest them in everything pertaining to the Association’s welfare; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Ways and Means Committee
Section 10. Ways and Means Committee shall take charge of all novelty items purchased by the Association for sale to the general public as a fund raising activity at the convention. Said money to be given to the Treasurer and a complete inventory be kept for review at any time. They shall advise the Association on other fund raising activities and purchases to be approved by the Board of Control. Shall be members of the Board of Control.
By-Laws Committee
Section 11. The By-Laws Committee, who shall also be members of the Board of Control, shall attend to all matters pertaining to any amendments to the By-Laws, provided they receive them in writing before or at the Spring Board of Control meeting. They shall prepare same to be presented to the Advisory Committee and the Board of Control and with their approval shall be brought to vote at the annual meeting.
(NOTE) The three (3) members of this committee shall be appointed from an area of not more than a radius of 20 miles.
County Vice-Presidents
Section 12. County Vice-Presidents shall be responsible to and report to the President. This committee will meet and have their own officers to work out problems; shall be members of the Board of Control.
They shall be liaison between the Association and the individual companies; shall actively promote membership and activities of the Association.
Lapsation Committee
Section 13. The Lapsation Committee will advise the elected officers in the selection of the Chairman and members of the Standing Committees. Shall act as ex-oficio members of the previous committee they served on.
Efficiency Contest Rules Committee
Section 14. This committee shall prepare and enforce a standard set of rules for the Pumping Contest and Battle of the Barrel Contest and for any other contests as requested; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Awards Committee
Section 15. The Awards Committee shall establish the rules and categories for all awards that are to be given by the Association. They shall review and update any existing rules on any awards presently given by the Association. They shall review the rules and regulations for any new award and make recommendations to the Board of Control for their decision on the new award. They shall handle categories that are not covered by a special committee. They shall handle any disputes involving any award. They shall work with existing committees to arrange an awards program at the convention. They shall be members of the Board of Control. They shall enforce said rules and regulations.
Fire Prevention Committee
Section 16. This committee shall assist member companies to promote the prevention of fires by public education, and to honor those companies who make an effort to prevent fires; Shall be members of the Board of Control.
Queen Contest Rules Committee
Section 17. This committee will develop and enforce a set of rules to be used to select a young lady to serve as the Queen for this Association and to assist the host company for the convention to hold a contest to select the Queen; shall be members of the Board of Control.
Parade Rules Committee
Section 18. This committee will develop a set of rules to be used for the comic parade and convention grande parade and to oversee the money given to the Host Town by the Association for use as Parade Prize Money. Shall be members of the Board of Control.
Convention Steering Committee
Section 19. This committee shall consist of five (5) members. The members shall consist of the out going President, the new President, First Vice President, and two (2) members from the former host company. This committee will assist the President in setting up the upcoming convention. This will include, but not limited to, what is needed for the convention, such as insurance, and what is expected at the convention. Shall be members of the Board of Control.
State Fire Instructors Committee
Section 20. This committee consisting of Pennsylvania State Certified Instructors shall keep the Association and its members informed on the current status and changes in Emergency Services Curriculum. To make available the courses that are being conducted or scheduled to be conducted in the Central District Region. They shall be members of the Board of Control.
Forest Fire Wardens Committee
Section 21. This committee consisting of Forest Fire Wardens shall keep the Association and its members informed on the availability of public education materials, instructional materials, training, grants, equipment through the Department of Forestry. They shall be members of the Board of Control.
Meetings and Expenses
Section 22. All committees shall meet at the call of the presiding officer and shall, with the President, be entitled to expenses incurred in the actual discharge of their respective duties under these By-Laws; but in all cases clearly itemized accounts must be presented, with claims for expenses. Should any committee request the attendance of the Secretary or Treasurer or both, at a committee meeting, said officer’s expenses shall also be paid by the Association.
Section 23. A majority of the members of each committee shall constitute a quorum.
Section 24. All committees in existence at the time of the annual convention will continue in effect and perform their duties until such time as new committees are appointed or former committees retained.
ARTICLE V
Meetings and Quorum
Section 1. The Annual Meetings of the Association shall begin at 8:00 pm Thursday of the week of convention each year, and continue until adjourned from time to time during the sessions, or Sine Die when the entire business has been disposed of.
Section 2. The Annual Convention of the Association shall be held at such place as the preceding convention determines. If the preceding convention fails to agree upon a place, the same shall be selected by the Board of Control.
Section 3. Special Meetings may be called by the President, or at the request of the Board of Control, at such place and time as they may determine. All calls for special meetings shall clearly state the business to be transacted at said meeting.
Section 4. Twenty-five (25) members shall constitute a quorum for any regular or special meeting of the Association.
ARTICLE VI
Nomination and Election of Officers
Section 1. Nomination of Officers of the Association and for the place of the next Annual Meeting shall be made the first day’s session of each annual Convention.
Section 2. The election of Officers and for the place of the next meeting shall be conducted by a judge and two tellers, appointed by the President from members present in Convention, and shall take place the first day’s session, and any candidate, if he desires, can designate a member of the Association to sit with the election board.
Section 3. It shall require a majority of the votes cast to elect all officers.
Section 4. Whenever there are more than two candidates for one position, or more than two places for the next meeting, following each ballot, in which there is failure to elect, the candidate, or place receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped, until two remain.
Section 5. No member shall be nominated to any office unless he has paid his dues for the period of year for which he is nominated.
This Constitution and these By-Laws may be adopted by a majority vote of the members present at an annual convention and amendments may be made thereto by the consent of two-thirds of the members present in Annual Meeting. Provided, that all amendments shall be presented in writing at the Spring Board of Control Meeting, approved by the Advisory Committee and the Board of Control before being brought to vote at the annual Convention Meeting.
Section 6. The Third Vice President shall be elected from a town requested to host the convention three years later. At the annual election the only way another town may submit a bid for the convention (other than for Third Vice President) is if the town which had the bid withdraws.
Section 7. Any member fire company can submit a bid to host the convention and place one of their members in nomination for 3rd Vice-President up to the time for the call for nominations at the Annual Convention Meeting. The bid shall consist of a signed letter from the Secretary of the Fire Company attesting to the bid and a resolution by the governing body of the political subdivision of the requesting fire company.
Section 8. If no bids or nominations for 3rd Vice President and Convention town are received at the annual meeting, then the nomination and election will be held at the next regularly scheduled Board of Control meeting provided the proper bid and nomination is submitted.
ARTICLE VII
Convention Bid Requirements
Section 1. Any member fire company can submit a bid to host the convention and place one of their members in nomination for Third Vice President up to the time for the call for nominations at the annual convention meeting. The bid shall consist of a signed letter from the Secretary of the Fire Company attesting to the bid and a resolution by the governing body of the political subdivision of the requesting Fire Company.
Section 2. The Host Company shall submit to the association a Certificate of Insurance naming the Association as Co-Insured for the dates of the Convention. Said Certificate shall be in the hands of the Secretary by July 1. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of any financial aid from the Association for any Convention Activities. The amount of Insurance Coverage is to be determined annually by the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Host Company has the expressed permission to use the Central District Logo on any item sold by the Host Company for their convention. At a convenient date prior to the Convention, the Host Company will submit a plan on how the Logo is used and on which items the Logo will be printed. The Lapsation Committee will review the plans and submit a recommendation to the Board of Control for approval.
ARTICLE VIII
Conduct of Members
Section 1. A member who shall missbehave in the meeting of the Association, by disturbing the order or harmony thereof, either personally abusive or profane language, or disorderly conduct, or who shall refuse obedience to the presiding officer, shall first be admonished of his offense from the chair; if he again offends, he shall be excluded from the room.
Section 2. Any member of the Central District Volunteer Firemen's Association who shall willfully start a fire, ignore and/or disobey laws, rules and regulations of the Association, State, or Host Town where a Central District event is held; or cause any damage in the Host Town shall be suspended from the Association by the Board of Control for not less than one year and his own Fire Company shall be notified of his misdemeanor so that they may act according to their own by-laws and wishes.
Section 3. Amember Company of the Central District Volunteer Firemen's Association whose member(s) cause damage, blow sirens or air horns, parade equipment or otherwise disrupt convention event, ignore and/or disobey laws, rules or regulations of the Association, State or Host Town where a Central District event is being held shall be suspended from the Association for no less than one year, nor more than two years by the Board of Control.
Section 4. The Board of Control may recommend expulsion from the Association, at the next meeting of the membership, of any member(s) or Company(s) suspended under Sections 2 & 3. After the expulsion all members or Companies shall be reinstated to active status upon approval of an appointed review board composed of the County Vice Presidents.
Section 5. Any member or Company under suspension or expulsion by the Board of Control shall forfeit all rights and benefits of the Association. Upon the approval of reinstatement of any member(s) or Company(s) by the review board and payment of all dues in arrears all rights and benefits would be restored.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
Section 1. These Bylaws may be adopted by a majority vote of the members present at an annual convention and amendments may be made thereto by the consent of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present in Annual Meeting. Provided, that allamendments shall be presented in writing at the Spring Board of Control Meeting, approved by the Advisory Committee and the Board of Control before being brought to vote at the annual Convention Meeting.
ARTICLE X
Oath of Office
Section 1. Newly elected officers will be installed after their election by the immediate Past President or by any Past President designated by the immediate Past President by repeating the following: “I do hereby solemnly promise that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office to the best of my ability while in office and until the installation of my successor.”
Revised and adopted
Printed as of
May 4, 2008
