The Constitution of the Glasgow Life Saving
and First Aid Crew

Article I

Name

The name of the organization will be: “Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Incorporated”.

Article II

Objective

1. To provide emergency medical service to the citizens and visitors of the service area covered by the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc.

2. To promote the general welfare of emergency medical services by offering classes for the general public concerning emergency medical services.

3. To cooperate with other rescue squads and fire companies in the Rockbridge County, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

4. To maintain membership in the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS).

5. To maintain professional delivery of emergency medical services through attendance in training session, seminars, and regular scheduled drills designed to update and improve emergency medical training.

6. To enforce a drug free policy within our organization with zero tolerance for abuse.

Article III

Membership

1. Prospective Membership Requirements:

a. Be at least 18 years of age.

b. Must have a high school diploma or GED

c. Submit a completed application form to the President or Captain along with a copy of her/her DMV record.

d. The membership committee will review application and a recommendation will be made for approval or disapproval. Application will be returned to the President to be acted upon at the next regular scheduled business meeting.

e. Prospective member will be voted on at the regular scheduled business meeting, provided that there is a quorum of 50% of full members on rolls present.

f. Acceptance as a Trainee is a temporary membership status. It is not a guarantee of final acceptance of trainee as a full member.

g. There shall be no more than fifty (50) active members on the roll as designated in crew charter. All members must live within the service area or must stay in service area when on night or day call duty.

h. Any prospective member not voted into the crew must wait three (3) months from date of vote before reapplying to crew for membership. They must also complete a new application and go through the membership committee each time.

i. Prospective members must take a mandatory drug test. The test must be taken within seven (7) days after being voted in as a trainee. This test will be set up by the Captain and will be paid for by the crew. This test applies to all types of membership: Senior, Junior, Associate, etc.

j. Prospective Member must agree to have a criminal background check done. If at any time this check comes up with information that is against membership rules, then the member will be notified and dropped from the roll at that time.

Membership Requirements

a. Approval by a 2/3 vote of members present at a regular scheduled business meeting is needed to become a full active member. Mentor must recommend prospective member upon completion of trainee/transfer member requirements.

b. Members must complete and maintain current certification in:

a. Emergency Medical Technician – (EMT)

b. Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Curriculum – (EVOC)

c. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – (CPR)

c. Attend all business meetings, cleanup meetings, and training meetings unless excused by the President or Captain.

d. Assist in all crew functions and events unless excused by the President or Captain.

e. Individuals convicted of any sexual crimes or felonies within the previous five (5) years will be denied or lose membership status.

Junior Members

a. Junior members, who have completed all senior member requirements and have reached the age of 18, may be voted into the senior squad by 2/3 vote of members present at a regular scheduled business meeting. Junior advisors will present member for consideration.

b. Junior Members who have not completed all senior requirements may be voted in as a senior trainee until they complete all senior requirements. They may then be voted in as a full member at the next business meeting after completing their training.

Article IV

Meetings and Drills

Meetings

Business meetings shall be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm, at the Glasgow Squad building, 710 McCulloch Street. The President is in charge of the meeting. A quorum of 50% of full members will be required to hold the meeting. Agenda includes:

i. Call to order, roll call, and declare quorum of members.

ii. Word of Prayer

iii. Remarks by visitors or representatives

iv. Reading of the minutes from the previous business meeting.

v. Treasurer’s Report.

vi. Old Business

vii. New Business

viii. Officers reports – (2^nd Lt., 1^st Lt., Captain)

ix. Adjournment

x. Agenda may be changed at the President’s Discretion

Cleanup meetings will be held the 2^nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. President will be in charge of the meeting
Training meetings shall be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm. The President and the Training Officer will be in charge of the meeting. Agenda includes:

i. Call to order and roll call

ii. Word of Prayer

iii. Urgent crew business that must reach consensus before the next business meeting.

iv. Training session led by the training officer.

v. Adjournment.

The President, Captain, or Training Officer, as is deemed necessary, may call additional, special, or urgent meetings. Officer in charge is required to contact members as to the date and time of the meetings.

Article V

Resignation – Leave of Absence – Probation – Dismissal

Leave of Absence

Any member desiring a leave of absence from the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc. must advise the President in writing of his/her desire.
The President will advise the crew of the member’s request at the next regular scheduled business meeting. A 2/3 vote of members present at the business meeting must approve the leave of absence. The member may attend the meeting to present his/her situation.
Reasons for granting a leave of absence my include, but are not limited to the following:

A change in job
A change in residence
A change in health
A change in personal life

A leave of absence may be from one (1) month to six (6) months, depending on member’s request.
If a leave of absence is granted, the member must return squad equipment to the Captain, (does not include clothing), for the duration of the leave of absence. The member may not answer calls while on leave of absence.
During leave of absence member is not counted on being on active roll, and will not have a vote in crew business during leave of absence.
Reinstatement into the crew from a leave of absence:

Must advise the President in writing of desire to reenter squad.
Must appear before the squad at regular scheduled business meeting to state his/her desire to reenter the crew.
Must have current EVOC, EMT and CPR certification to be readmitted. If certification has expired, the member must re-certify while on a 6-month trainee status.
Reinstatement is granted by an approval of 2/3 vote of members present at a regular scheduled business meeting.

Probation

Any squad member observing another squad member violating squad bylaws or general rules will relate information to any Executive Committee member.
The Executive Committee will investigate alleged violations and offer information to squad members at regular scheduled business meeting.
For a crew member to be put on probation, a 2/3 vote of squad members present at a regular scheduled business meeting or special call meeting must vote to do so.
Member considered for probation must be notified in writing, by certified letter or personal delivery, of the date and time of the executive committee meeting. The member must be advised of the charges being addressed so he/she can be present. If member is not able to attend the meeting, they must advise the President or Captain before meeting.
The Executive Committee will recommend length of probation period to the squad for consideration and to be voted on.
During probation, member may continue to perform his/her duties as normal. They must not have any other problems arise that would need to be addressed by the Executive Committee for action during this probation time.
Any member who causes a problem that the Executive Committee has to address during his/her probation period will be subject to suspension or dismissal.
Member may be suspended from any active participation including answering calls for a specified length of time if Executive Committee makes the recommendation to the crew for this action. There must be a 2/3 vote of members present to suspend member from active participation.
Any member placed on probation must be informed in writing by certified letter of the decision of the crew.
Probation and suspension may apply to any member: Senior, Junior, Associate, Trainee, or Life Members.

Dismissal from the Squad

The Executive Committee must bring up consideration for dismissal from the squad before the squad at a regular scheduled business meeting or a special call meeting.
Member considered for dismissal must be notified in writing by Certified Letter or personal delivery, of the date and time of the Executive Committee meeting.
The Member must be advised of the charges being addressed so he/she can be present. If not able to attend the meeting, the member must advise the President or Captain before the meeting.
For a crew member to be dismissed, a 2/3 vote of members present at a regular scheduled business meeting or a special call meeting must vote to approve dismissal.
Reasons for dismissal shall include, but not be limited to a failure to comply with the existing bylaws and squad rules. (See bylaws, Article VII, for the delegation of authority)
Any member dismissed from the squad must be informed in writing by certified letter of the decision of the crew, and asked to return all clothing and equipment to the crew within 10 days of receiving this notification.
Dismissal may apply to any member: Senior, Junior, Trainee, Associate, or Life Member.
Active Life Member that is dismissed from the squad shall have all squad privileges revoked. They must turn in their key and all clothing including radios, etc., and they will be removed from the squad roll.

Article VI

Elections and Nominations

Elections of Officers for the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc. shall be held on the first held meeting of June each year at 7pm.
To constitute a quorum necessary to hold elections, 2/3 of the full members on roll must be present.
Members expressing their desire to hold an office in the squad may place their names on the nomination board located in the squad building.
All nominations for offices in the squad will be from the floor. Seconds are required to support nominations.
Voting is done by secret ballot. A majority vote of members present will elect.
Any office vacated prior to the end of the term will be filled at the next regular scheduled business meeting by nominating a member, and that member must have a majority vote of members present.
The term of office shall be one year or resignation.
Member will only be able to hold one office at a time.
Newly elected officers will be installed prior to assuming office on July 1 of each year.

Article VII

Officers

A. President – The president shall preside over all regular scheduled business meetings and will be in charge of clean up meetings. May also call special meetings as needed. Receives all squad mail, follows up on all memorial contributions and donations as needed. Will serve as a representative to the Board of Governors, (BOG). Will coordinate the use of the building for group use, other than squad functions. President will coordinate with the chaplain as to sickness and the needs of the membership. President shall be in charge of membership while not on calls, chairperson of the Executive Committee and membership committee.

B. Vice President – Assumes the office and duties of the President in his/her absence. Responsible for all squad matters relating to insurance coverage and claims and will work with the Legal Advisor. Will work with the Medical Advisor pertaining to any medical issues or training problems. Alternate representative to the Board of Governors. Will serve as public relations officer for the squad. Member of the Executive Committee and will be in charge of the volunteer associate program. Keep paperwork up to date, communicate with volunteers and handle problems that arise or bring them to the Executive Committee.

C. Secretary – Shall keep written minutes of all squad meetings. Shall carry out correspondence as directed by officers of the squad and maintain files of all squad correspondence. Will complete all activity reports for District Meetings. Secretary will work with the reporter as to duties that need to be done. Shall keep all call reports updated and see that all call information is complete and entered into the state system. Member of the Executive Committee and chairperson of the bylaws committee.

D. Treasurer - Shall receive and deposit all monies designated for the squad. Shall maintain accurate records of all squad financial matters at all regularly scheduled business meetings. Shall be responsible for the disbursement of all monies expended by the squad. Shall provide written financial statements of financial matters to the Executive Committee at the end of the year. Will provide all financial records to the auditor. Will provide yearly budgets to the county for funding and any information needed for grants, etc. Checks must have signature of the Treasurer on all accounts. Member of the Executive Committee and chairperson of the events and special projects committee.

Line Officers

Captain – Shall be officer in charge on all calls. Shall be responsible for members on calls and care and maintenance of equipment. Shall make sure all new members are properly informed about squad. Shall devise on-call schedules for night calls and approve any changes in schedules and set guidelines and procedure pertaining to calls. Shall coordinate with the 1^st Lieutenant and 2^nd lieutenant as to vehicle maintenance and supply problems. Member of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Junior Crew Committee.
First Lieutenant – (Training Officer) Shall assist the Captain in responsibility for members on calls and use and care of equipment. Shall be officer in charge on calls where the Captain is not present. Shall be responsible for conducting training meetings for the squad. Shall be responsible for all training records of members. Will supervise over Motor Sergeant and Dive Leader. Member of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Vehicle and Equipment Committee.
Second Lieutenant - (Communications Officer) shall be responsible for all matters relating to emergency communications, equipment, maintenance of equipment, and updating of equipment. Shall maintain a log of communications equipment relating to location and condition. Shall be officer in charge in absence of the First Lieutenant. Will supervise over the Supply Sergeant. Member of the Executive Committee and chairperson of the Building and Grounds Committee.

Article IX

Committees

A. Executive – Meet monthly at a time prior to the regular monthly business meeting and as needed throughout the month to review squad disciplinary problems and other business as needed. Appoint committee members; make recommendations to crew on new business, projects and problems. Committee will only consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Captain, First Lieutenant, and Second Lieutenant.

Membership – Provide applications, investigate applications, intervi8ew prospective member to inform him/her of squad expectations of the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc. Meet monthly when there are membership applications to review or prospective members to interview. Make a recommendation to the crew on applications as to the committee’s recommendation for approval or disapproval. The committee must receive all items necessary to go with application before submitting the application to the crew for a vote. Committee will work with and guide the Associate Support Members.
Building and Grounds – Meet to review needs of squad building and grounds as often as needed. Committee shall recommend all repairs and preventative maintenance along with estimates of cost to the squad at regular scheduled business meetings for approval. Committee will schedule and coordinate preventative and needed maintenance. The squad must approve all expenses
Vehicle and Equipment – Meet to review vehicle problems and/or changes in vehicle fleet, review equipment needs or repairs. Advise crew of any recommendations or needs pertaining to vehicles and equipment on a monthly basis. Any estimates should also be obtained when necessary.
Bylaws – Meet as often as necessary to review bylaws and standard operating procedures, polices, make recommendations and present draft forms to crew for approval.
Junior Squad Advisor – Meet monthly with Junior Squad to handle any problems they have. The committee will handle all junior problems, as well as all new prospective junior members and will be the liaison between the junior crew and the Senior Crew. Will set policy for Junior Members.
Events and Special Projects – Meet monthly to plan events and special projects for social or fund raising. Shall work on a calendar plan for 6 months to 1 year in advance. Will bring before the squad all events and special projects for approval. Committee selects other members to plan and setup specific events and projects as needed.

The Executive Committee shall appoint members to committees. All committee chairpersons will be made up of the Executive Officers.

Life Membership

1. Life membership in the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc. shall be awarded to members who are elected to Life Membership status by a 2/3 vote of full active members present at a business meeting.

2. Member Committee shall consider the following criteria and advise the squad at a regular business meeting that the prospective Life Member should be considered.

3. Awards will be given at the next annual banquet.

a. Must be an active member at the time of election.

b. Must have worked for the betterment of the squad through answering calls, participating in crew activities, and maintain training and certification.

c. Must have been an active member for a minimum of ten (10) years.

d. Leaves of Absences do not count as time served. If member takes a leave of absence, they return with the same time served before the leave.

e. Resignations terminate years of service relating to Life Membership.

Retired Life Member

1. Member will be encouraged to help out with events and projects.

Member may attend meetings but will not have a vote.
Member must return all equipment, key, & clothing except for dress uniform.
Member will be advised by the crew of upcoming functions or special events.
Any Retired Life Member wishing to return to active member status must advise the squad of his/her desire. All active life membership requirements will apply.

Article XII

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc., shall oversee the overall operation of the squad relating to its cooperation with the service area. The Board is composed of the squad President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Captain, and the Glasgow Town Mayor. Members will serve for one (1) year, taking office on July 1^st.

Article XIII

Amendments

Bylaw amendments shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of members present at a regular scheduled business meeting after laying on the table for a period of thirty (30) days.

The Constitution of the Glasgow Life Saving and First Aid Crew