Constitution and By-Laws of the Alabama Firefighters Association

This association shall be known as the Alabama Firefighters Association (previously known as the Alabama Fireman’s Association). The seal shall be the same as the Alabama State Seal with the words "Alabama Firefighters Association."

Article I. Purpose

The purpose of the Alabama Firefighters Association is to formulate and promote programs useful to the fire service; to represent the interest of the member Fire Service organizations in the State of Alabama.

The major goal of the association is to reduce the loss of life and property through education. This goal will be accomplished by the following: providing newsletters and questionnaires, attending meetings, serving on committees, conducting fire awareness programs, and monitoring legislation pertaining to the fire service of Alabama.

This Organization shall not work independently but in cooperation with all other groups who work for the betterment of the firefighters and the fire service. To promote, cultivate friendly fellowship and a better fraternal relation among its members and other groups that in the judgment of the association deems a benefit to the firefighters and the fire service.

The organization shall be non-political and non-partisan.

Article II. Membership

Definition of Fire Department and EMS services: A fire department and or EMS Services is any public or private organization that provides fire extinguishment, fire prevention, and/ or emergency rescue/prehospital services to a jurisdiction such as a county, municipality, or organized fire district.

This Association shall consist of any active member of paid, part paid, volunteer, military and industrial fire departments, State Fire Marshal’s, State Forestry Commission, State Fire institutions of the Alabama Fire College; retired firefighters, associate, honorary and corporate members. This membership shall not be for political or emercinary purposes. All retired members of the above organization may retain all voting privileges and right to hold office so long as he or she pays their dues. Associate Membership shall consist of friends of the Fire Service. Honorary members will consist of people whom this association deems to have made great contribution to the Fire Service. Corporate shall consist of any business wishing to associate itself with the Association. All honorary and corporate members must be approved by the Executive Committee.

Article III. By-Laws

Minimum dues shall be as follows: Active Member - $10, Retired Member - $10. All past presidents pay no dues and will be issued a lifetime card that shall read: "Past President and Active Life Member. Any elected officer serving ten consecutive years shall be deemed a lifetime member and pay no dues. The Board shall present any change in dues to the Conference for approval. All dues shall be due to the Association before the first day of August each year. All checks shall be made payable to the Alabama Firefighters Association.

The association may accept donations and monies from advertisements. All checks shall be made payable to the Alabama Firefighters Association.

Article IV. OFFICERS

The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, a First Vice President and Second Vice President, a Secretary/Treasurer, three Trustees and twelve District Vice President and this shall constitute the Board of Directors. The President, First and Second Vice Presidents, and the Secretary/Treasurer shall be elected by the Association from the State at Large at the Conference these elected officers shall consist of the Executive Committee. The three Trustees shall consist of the three immediate past Presidents. The twelve District Vice Presidents shall be appointed by the new President, with approval by the Executive Committee. The districts shall be numbered one through twelve. All officers must attend all Board Meetings, unless excused by the President.

Article V. TENURE OF OFFICE

The Tenure of office of all elected Officers of this Association shall be for one year or until their successors are properly elected and installed. All Officers of this Association shall be eligible to succeed themselves. No elected officer shall hold more than one office at the same time. New Officers shall be installed at the Annual Conference. The President shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.

Article VI. Vacancy in Office

In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of President, the First Vice President will immediately assume all duties and authorities of the vacant office and the Second Vice President will immediately become the First Vice President. The Board of Directors shall name a person from the twelve District Vice Presidents to replace the Second Vice President. All other vacancies occurring can be filled immediately by action of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have sole power to suspend from office any officer upon evidence of their neglect of duty.

Article VII. Duties of Officers

Section 7.01 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, First and Second Vice Presidents, and the Secretary/Treasurer. The Executive Committee shall, in the interval between conference, have full and complete charge of all business of the association referred to them by the Association. The Executive Committee shall meet prior to the Board of Directors meeting to establish an agenda.

Section 7.02 Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall administer all the personal property of the Association with full power to administer the estate of the Association for the sole use and benefit of this Association. The Board of Directors shall meet on call of the President, or on call signed by a majority of Executive Committee members. Three Executive Committee members and five Board of Directors members shall constitute a quorum. Board of Director members shall submit written reports, request for items to be included on the agenda to the Executive Committee prior to their scheduled meeting.

Section 7.03 President

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at the Annual Conference and meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees. He shall chair the Finance Committee. He may on the first day of each month submit to the Secretary/Treasurer an itemized statement of all expenses incurred by him during the month preceding, also a report of his official activities. He shall approve all orders and all checks over $100 drawn on the treasury and perform such other duties as the Association may require of him. He shall together with the Secretary/Treasurer and in conjunction with the Executive Committee have complete control over the printing of all organization material and all work of official origin of the association. He shall submit to the Board of Directors for their approval all contracts or agreements or other sources received by him to be paid by the Secretary/Treasurer. He shall have power to call meeting of the Executive Committee and or Board of Directors by giving members of said committee at least ten days notice.

Section 7.04 First Vice President

In the temporary absence of the President, the First Vice President may preside or represent the President.

Chair Membership Committee

Section 7.05 Second Vice President

In the temporary absence of the First Vice President , the Second Vice President may preside or represent the First Vice President.

Chair Training Committee

Shall pre-plan and oversee all training events

Section 7.06 Secretary/Treasurer

The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep a record of all proceedings and minutes of this association at all meetings and forward same to the board. He shall handle all correspondence of the association. He shall notify board members of all Executive Board and Board of Directors meetings. He shall be the custodian of the official seal. He shall keep a record of all membership of each city and the name and address of each associate member.

He shall keep a true and accurate account of all sums collected and disbursed by his office. He shall also be the official custodian of all monies of this Association. He shall furnish the committee on credentials at the Conference a statement of the standing of all members affiliated with this Association and all Members attending the Conference. He shall balance all accounts of the Association prior to the Conference and prepare a financial statement of the Association to be submitted to the Board of Directors. He shall submit said financial statement together with all checks and vouchers of money paid out by him during his term of office to the audit committee. He shall furnish the Executive Committee Quarterly a financial statement showing the true financial condition of the Association.

The Executive Committee may employ any help necessary in making annual statements and reports, as well as purchasing any supplies necessary to conduct the business of his office. Condition of employment; if handling funds, the individual shall provide proof that they are bonded for not less than $10,000. The Secretary/Treasurer shall be bonded for $10,000. The bond shall be paid by the association.

Section 7.07 District Vice Presidents

The District Vice Presidents shall have authority to select a member from each county to assist them in covering their individual county. The District Vice President shall conduct a district meeting once a quarter. The meeting may be held at any designated place in the district. The District Vice President shall be responsible for the program of each district meeting. He shall file a report of each district meeting with the President. The town entertaining the district meeting shall provide a meeting place for the said meeting. The District Vice President shall submit written reports, request for items to be included on the agenda to the Executive Committee prior to their scheduled meeting. The District Vice President shall give verbal reports to the Executive Committee at each quarterly meeting.

Article VIII. Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees shall consist of the last three past presidents of the Association or in the case of a vacancy; the President shall appoint a member consisting of a past president, to fill the term. In no case shall a Trustee serve more than a four-year term.

Article IX. Article IX Removal from Office

This Association shall have the right to remove from office any Officer of the Association for any corrupt act while in Office. It shall also have the right to remove from its membership any officer or member of the Association for any corrupt act for conduct unbecoming to an Officer or member of the Association, after charges in writing have been preferred and the defendant given due notice of said charges and an opportunity to be heard in his own defense.

Article X. Article X Voting

Voting will be on a per member basis with each member present casting one vote up to a maximum of 10 member votes per member organization.

· A members dues must be paid thirty days prior to the annual conference

· Member must be registered for the conference

· Life Members shall retain voting privileges without regards to member organization.

· Associate, Honorary and Corporate Members do not have voting privileges.

· Simple majority will determine Approval/Disapproval.

Article XI. Article XI Committees

The President will appoint the following committees that shall consist of three members:

Section 11.01 Conference Committee

The Conference Committee shall:

(i) Plan the location of the annual conference.

(ii) Recommend to the executive board the dates the annual conference is to be held.

(iii) Develop and publish the annual conference information no less than 90 days prior to the annual conference.

(iv) Insure that the annual conference information is mailed to all members of the association and to each department who has members of the association no less than 60 days prior to the annual conference.

Section 11.02 Credential Committee

The Credentials Committee shall:

(i) Obtain from the Secretary-Treasurer's records the names of the members who are entitled to a voice and a vote according to the rules and regulations of this association.

(ii) Determine the members in attendance at the annual conference meet the requirements specified herein.

(iii) Certify all those eligible to act as delegates in the conduct of business at the sessions of the conference.

Section 11.03 Nomination Committee

The Nominating Committee shall:

(i) Meet and prepare a list of candidates for election to the various elective offices.

(ii) Tabulate the votes and announce the results to the members.

Section 11.04 Resolutions Committee (By Laws)

The Resolution Committee shall:

(i) Prepare and present any proposed revisions or amendments to the Rules Regulations to the Executive Board for its study not less than 60 days before the annual conference.

(ii) Present all resolutions to the active members attending the business session of the annual conference immediately following the closing of the nominations for elected officers.

(iii) Tabulate the votes on resolutions and report the results to at the annual conference.

Section 11.05 Educational Training Committee

The Educational Committee shall:

(i) Provide, whenever requested, educational programs, speakers, and demonstrations deemed advisable for the instruction and advancement of the membership of the Association.

(ii) Prepare seminar schedule.

(iii) Coordinate education with the conference committee.

Section 11.06 Legislative Committee

The Legislative Committee shall:

(i) Monitor and provide education in important legislation matters.

Section 11.07 Financial Advisory Committee

The Financial Advisory Committee shall:

(i) Recommend to executive board the proper expenditures of all money received.

(ii) The committee shall meet as needed. Dates to coincide with executive board meetings and annual conference. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson with the approval of the president.

(iii) The committee shall report at executive board meetings, annual conference and any duly called special meeting with a complete accounting of the administration and management of the fund generating agent or any fund raising efforts of the association.

(iv) The Finance committee shall consist of three (3) members: The current President and two (2) members elected at large. The two members will serve two (2) year terms that are staggered.

Section 11.08 Audit Committee

(i) It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to audit the books and check all vouchers and checks of the Association and make a correct statement to the Executive Committee of the Association and to perform such other duties as may be directed by the Executive Committee of the Association

Section 11.09 Parliamentarian

Section 11.10 Sergeant at Arms

Article XII. Article XII Conference

The annual conference shall be held in May or June with the President having authority to set the date, but must notify the members sixty (60) days prior to the conference date. If a conflict occurs on these dates the host fire department shall have the authority to change these dates.

The incoming President shall make his committee appointments within sixty days of the end of conference in which he is seated as President. Each committee shall consist of at least three members.

Article XIII. Oath

The Oath of office shall be:

(i) I do accept the office of the same now placed upon me without mental reservation. I promise to perform my duties without fear or favor to the best of my ability. Having in mind the good of the Association and its membership, I will counsel with the other officers as to the best course to pursue at all times.

(ii) All officers (elected and appointed) shall take the oath of office.

Article XIV. Article XIII Districts

The First District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Marion, Winston.

The Second District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Jefferson, Blount, Cullman.

The Third District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Lamar, Fayette, Walker, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Bibb,

The Fourth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Sumpter, Greene, Hale, Perry, Choctaw, Marengo, Wilcox, Dallas

The Fifth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Escambia.

The Sixth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Mobile, Baldwin.

The Seventh District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Covington, Coffee, Henry, Dale, Geneva, Houston.

The Eighth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Lowndes, Montgomery, Bullock, Butler, Crenshaw, Pike.

The Ninth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Barbour, Russell, Macon, Lee, Chambers, Tallapoosa.

The Tenth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Autauga, Elmore, Chilton, Coosa, Shelby, Talladega, Clay, Randolph.

The Eleventh District shall be composed of the following Counties:

St. Clair, Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah, Cherokee.

The Twelfth District shall be composed of the following Counties:

Limestone, Madison, Jackson, Morgan, Marshall, DeKalb.

Note: The Board of Directors has the authority to reassign counties in each district on a year-to-year basis, by a majority vote. The temporary reassignment will expire at the conference each year.

Article XV. Article XIV Constitution, How Amended

This Constitution can be amended by submitting said amendment in writing in duplicate to the Conference "Conference" where it shall be read and referred to the constitution and by-laws committee which shall study the amendment and make a report to the Conference after which a vote may be taken on the amendment where it will take two thirds (2-3) majority of the members in the Conference voting in the affirmative.

This Constitution can also be amended by submitting proposed amendment to the Conference. Said Conference shall decide by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Association where a majority of votes cast would decide the question. Said referendum ballots shall plainly state the amendment in brief and shall have a place so that the member may express his desire by making a cross mark opposite his choice. Said ballots may be mailed in one envelope to each City and shall be returned to the Secretary/Treasurer not later than thirty (30) days from the date of the sending. The Secretary/Treasurer shall notify the President and Executive Committee when the ballots have been returned and the President shall call the Executive Committee together and canvass the ballot, and he shall on the strength of the ballot declare the amendment effective or lost. The Secretary/Treasurer will retain the ballot and tally sheet and report same to the next Conference.

Article XVI. Article XV Rules of Order

Roberts Rule of Order shall be the governing rule of the conference.

Article XVII. Article XVI Questions, How Settled

All resolution shall be presented to the Conference in writing in duplicate and shall be referred by the President to the proper Committee who shall have a reasonable opportunity to study resolutions and make their report to the Conference where the question will be decided by a majority vote. Aye and Nay vote will be the regular order unless otherwise called for according to Roberts Rules of Order.

Questions may also be submitted to referendum of the entire membership and in the case of a referendum, the procedure as set out in Article fourteen (14) of this Constitution will be followed.