Public Safety Officer

Police Officer/Firefighter The purpose of this classification is to protect and serve the citizens of the City of Union. Enforces state and local laws. Patrols assigned beat or neighborhood and responds to emergency calls to protect persons or property from crimes, or other hazards. Incumbents are also expected, under general supervision, to perform specialized firefighting work which may involve driving fire pumpers and ladder trucks and operating firefighting apparatus. Engages directly in fire prevention and firefighting activities to protect and safeguard lives and property. Work involves an element of personal danger. Reports to the PSO Sergeant. The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Patrols a designated area of the City in a patrol car: prevents and discovers commission of crimes; apprehends and arrests criminals and offenders; signs and serves warrants; enforces vehicle and traffic laws; conducts property checks when residents are out of town; and makes police presence known in a manner that contributes toward deterrence of law violations. Answers calls and radio complaints involving automobile accidents, misdemeanors, felonies, burglaries and a wide variety of domestic-related disturbances involving, but not limited to, assistance with mentally or physically ill persons, neglected children, etc. Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries in attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities. Conducts major and minor accident investigations and preliminary investigations at the scenes of crimes: conducts larceny and burglary investigations; administers first-aid to persons; gathers evidence; and locates and questions witnesses in court. Transports prisoners as needed: transports doctors and nurses during inclement weather; and transports and/or escorts monies to and from banks. Directs traffic as required: maintains traffic during special events such as parades. Performs firefighting duties as needed or assigned: raises and climbs ladders; uses chemical extinguishers, bars, hooks, lines and other equipment; ventilates burning buildings; removes persons from danger and resuscitates if necessary; throws salvage covers; and removes debris. Drives fire pumpers and ladder trucks to scene of a fire when required: cranks trucks; prepares for pumping operations by seeing that hydrant connections are made; pumps water to fire at designated pressure and sees that suction hose and fire hose are properly located; watches condition of motor and unit during operation; and makes necessary adjustments or changes. Repairs and services fire stations and equipment: inspects, maintains and cleans quarters; checks engine daily; and inspects pumping equipment, ignition, batteries, brakes and other equipment to see that the apparatus is in good working condition. Serves as incident commander until relieved by superior officer: takes active charge in emergency or unusual situations; practices safety in situations where innocent people could be endangered; and coordinates with other agencies in performing police work. Completes all mandatory police and fire training as implemented by the department: attends required training classes, seminars and meetings; participates in a continuing program of training and instruction, to include online and hands-on training; and attends scheduled drills and classes. Performs assignments and instructions in accordance with departmental rules and regulations received in general terms from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observations, and discussions. Prepares and/or processes training reports, incident reports, vehicle maintenance reports, inspection reports, memos, correspondence, etc.; provides a data log; and enters information into a data base, including correcting errors as required. Receives, reviews and processes various reports and records including vehicle maintenance records, property lists, warrants, NCIC papers, incident reports, traffic reports, traffic tickets, booking reports, etc.; prepares and processes incident reports, wreck reports, laboratory reports, training reports, fire reports, etc. Refers to equipment check sheets, building inspections, fire reports, and emergency response guidebooks. Operates a variety of vehicles, equipment, and hand tools to complete law enforcement and fire suppression duties: utilizes camera, fire hose, firearms, hand tools, air compressor, generators, fans, PR-24, and self-contained breathing apparatus; and operates various office machines including a calculator, computer, two-way radio, etc. Complies with established policies, procedures and safe work practices: follows safety training and instructions provided by supervisor; wears and maintains all personal protective equipment required for job; and immediately reports any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions, as well as any on- the-job injury or illnesses. Provides assistance to other officers as needed. Trains with and utilizes Tasers and other non-lethal weapons. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications: High school Diploma or GED required, with vocational or technical training in criminal justice and fire science, or a related field; supplemented by three years of experience in firefighting and law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver's license. Must possess and maintain Basic Law Enforcement Officer from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Must also possess and maintain the following certifications: Firefighter II (NFPA); CPR and First Aid; vehicle emergency response; emergency vehicle driver training; pump operations I; rapid intervention crew; positive pressure ventilation; pipeline emergencies; utility emergencies; and basic auto extrication. Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position. Performance Aptitudes: Data Utilization, Human Interaction, Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization, Verbal Aptitude, Mathematical Aptitude, Functional Reasoning, Situational Reasoning. ADA Compliance: Physical Ability, Sensory Requirements, Environmental Factors. The City of Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. City of Union