§ 25-13-1. Short Title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Municipal, County, and Volunteer Fire Departments Nomenclature Act of 1996.” History. Code 1981, § 25-13-1 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 772, § 1.

§ 25-13-10. Criminal Penalties

Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00 or more than $5,000.00 or to imprisonment for not less than one or more than five years, or both. Each violation shall constitute a separate […]

§ 25-13-2. Declaration of Public Policy

It is declared to be contrary to the health, safety, and public welfare of the people of this state for any individual or organization to act in a manner which would mislead the public into believing that a member of the public is dealing with any municipal, county, or volunteer fire department or with a […]

§ 25-13-3. Definitions

As used in this chapter, the term: “Badge” means any official badge used in the past or present by members of municipal, county, or volunteer fire departments. “Department” means any municipal, county, or volunteer fire department. “Director of public safety” means the director of public safety for any municipal, county, or volunteer fire department. “Emblem” […]

§ 25-13-4. Prohibition Against Use of Nomenclature Pertaining to Particular Fire Department in Connection With Solicitation, Advertisement, Publication, or Production

Any person who uses words pertaining to a particular municipal, county, or volunteer fire department in connection with the planning, conduct, or execution of any solicitation; advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet, or other publication; or play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, telemarketing, or other production in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that such solicitation; […]

§ 25-13-5. Prohibition Against Use of Symbols Pertaining to Particular Fire Department in Connection With Solicitation, Advertisement, Publication, or Production

Any person who uses or displays any current or historical symbol, including any emblem, seal, or badge, used by the department in connection with the planning, conduct, or execution of any solicitation; advertisement, circular, book, pamphlet, or other publication; or play, motion picture, broadcast, telecast, telemarketing, or other production in a manner reasonably calculated to […]

§ 25-13-6. Procedure for Obtaining Permission to Use Nomenclature or Symbols; Discretion of Local Governing Body

Any person wishing permission to use the nomenclature or a symbol of a department may submit a written request for such permission to the fire chief or director of public safety. Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the request, the fire chief or director of public safety shall send a notice with his or […]

§ 25-13-7. Injunctions Against Violations

Whenever there shall be an actual or threatened violation of Code Section 25-13-4 or 25-13-5, the local governing body shall have the right to apply to the superior court of the county of residence of the violator for an injunction to restrain the violation. History. Code 1981, § 25-13-7 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, […]

§ 25-13-8. Civil Penalties

In addition to any other relief or sanction for a violation of Code Section 25-13-4 or 25-13-5 and where the violation is willful, the local governing body shall be entitled to collect a civil penalty in the amount of $500.00 for each violation. Further, when there is a finding of willful violation, the local governing […]

§ 25-13-9. Actions for Civil Damages

Any person who has given money or any other item of value to another person due in part to such person’s use of the nomenclature or symbol of a department in violation of this chapter may maintain a suit for damages against the violator. Where it is proven that the violation was willful, the victim […]