§ 25-4-1. Short Title
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Act.” History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 693, § 1.
§ 25-4-10. Mandatory Training
As a condition of continued certification, all full-time and part-time firefighters shall train, drill, or study at schools, classes, or courses at the local, area, or state level, as specified by the council. Authorized leaves of absence are expected. As a condition of continued certification, all volunteer firefighters shall train, drill, or study at schools, […]
§ 25-4-11. Adoption of Higher Training Requirements by Employing Agencies
This chapter shall provide only the minimum qualification standards in training requirements for firefighters in this state and does not restrict any employing agency from setting and establishing requirements that exceed these minimum standards. History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 693, § 9.
§ 25-4-11.1. Testing for Illegal Drug Usage in Firefighters; Requirements
All firefighters qualified based upon successful completion of training set forth in subparagraph (a)(2)(A) of Code Section 25-4-8 shall be subject to random testing for evidence of use of illegal drugs. Such testing shall occur at least biannually for the first two years of licensure or certification. Such testing shall be noninvasive and may be […]
§ 25-4-12. Applicability of Chapter
Nothing in this chapter shall apply to firefighters employed on July 1, 1971, and such firefighters are not required to meet the requirements of Code Section 25-4-8 or Code Section 25-4-9 as a condition of tenure or continued employment; nor shall their failure to fulfill such requirements make them ineligible for any promotional examination for […]
§ 25-4-2. Definitions
As used in this chapter, the term: “Airport” means any airport located in this state which has regularly scheduled commercial air carrier service or commuter airline service as required for certification under Section 139.49 of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. “Airport firefighter” means any person assigned to any airport located in this state who performs […]
§ 25-4-3. Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council; Establishment and Organization; Advisory Committee; Expenses and Allowances
The Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council is established. The council shall be composed of 11 members, one of whom shall be the Safety Fire Commissioner or the designated representative of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Two members shall be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. Two members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House […]
§ 25-4-3.1. Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council; Establishment as Division of Council; Membership; Officers; Expenses
There is established the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council which shall serve as a division of the council. The volunteer council shall possess all powers, rights, and duties as set forth by this article and shall not be considered an advisory committee as set forth in subsection (e) of Code Section 25-4-3. The volunteer council […]
§ 25-4-4. Eligibility of Council and Volunteer Council Members for Public Office
Membership on the council or volunteer council does not constitute public office, and no member shall be disqualified from holding public office by reason of his or her membership. History. Ga. L. 1971, p. 693, § 4; Ga. L. 1977, p. 549, § 1; Ga. L. 2020, p. 515, § 6/SB 342. The 2020 amendment, […]
§ 25-4-5. Administrative Assignment to Department of Public Safety; Source of Funds; Authority to Accept Gifts and Other Items of Value
The council and volunteer council are assigned to the Department of Public Safety for administrative purposes. The funds necessary to carry out this chapter shall come from funds appropriated to and available to the council and volunteer council and from any other available funds. The council and volunteer council are authorized to accept and use […]
§ 25-4-6. Meetings, Quorum, and Annual Reporting of Council and Volunteer Council
The business of the council shall be conducted in the following manner: The council shall hold at least two regular meetings each year at the call of the chairperson or upon the written request of six members of the council. Six members of the council shall constitute a quorum. The council shall adopt such rules […]
§ 25-4-7. Functions and Powers of Council and Volunteer Council
The council is vested with the following functions and powers: To promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of the council; To provide rules of procedure for its internal management and control; To enter into contracts or do such things as may be necessary and incidental to the administration of its authority pursuant to this […]
§ 25-4-7.1. Appointment and Compensation of Executive Director; Assistants
The council, in conjunction with the volunteer council, shall appoint and establish the compensation of an executive director who shall serve at the pleasure of the council. The executive director may contract for such services and employ such other professional, technical, and clerical personnel as may be necessary and convenient to carry out the purposes […]
§ 25-4-8. Qualifications of Firefighters Generally
Except as provided in Code Section 25-4-12, any employee, volunteer, or private contractor of a fire department operating in this state or certified as a firefighter shall, as prescribed by the council: Be at least 18 years of age; Not have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, a felony in any jurisdiction or of […]
§ 25-4-8.1. Qualifications for Volunteer Firefighters
Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 25-4-12, any person volunteering at a volunteer fire department as a volunteer firefighter shall, as prescribed by the volunteer council: Be at least 18 years of age; Not have been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, a felony in any jurisdiction or of a crime which if committed […]
§ 25-4-9. Basic Firefighter Training Course; Transfer of Certification
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, full-time, and part-time firefighters, including airport firefighters, shall successfully complete a basic training course. The council shall determine the course content, number of hours, and all other matters relative to basic firefighter training, including airport rescue firefighter training for full-time and part-time firefighters. Upon satisfactory […]