BOOK: Administration SECTION: Uniform Policy Pg. 1 of 17

BOOK: Administration SECTION: Uniform Policy Pg. 1 of 17

Table of Contents

I. GENERAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

II. RANK INSIGNIA, BADGE, LOGOS and BELTS

III. OCFD UNIFORM INSIGNIAS

IV. UNIFORMS

V. PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND GROOMING

ADDENDUM A - TERMS OF AGREEMENT

ADDENDUM B – LOGO DESIGN

Format Property of FireNotes, Inc® (OCFD.com) DO NOT DUPLICATE Last Revised: 6/16/2014 7:48:00 AM

BOOK: Administration SECTION: Uniform Policy Pg. 1 of 17

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure all uniformed Oklahoma City FireDepartment personnel project a consistent and professional appearance that exemplifies the quality of service we provide.

VALUE

“You only have one chance to make a good first impression.” Pride in ourpersonal and uniform appearance will greatly enhance the spirit andeffectiveness of our Fire Department.

SCOPE

“The scope of this document is neatness, cleanliness, image, comfort and safety.

I. GENERAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

1.0The Oklahoma City Fire Department is a uniformed service. Our personal appearance and uniform wear greatly enhances the esprit-de-corps essential to an effective fire department and instills confidence in our customers. Therefore, it is most important for all uniformed members to maintain a high standard of dress and personal appearance.

1.1The philosophy remains that the uniform will be plain, distinctive and standardized. This standardization includes a minimum number of authorized badges, insignias, and patches.

Immediate supervisors (all Station Officers, District Officers, Deputy Chiefs and Work Section Supervisors) are responsible for enforcing these uniform regulations. It is expected that these regulations shall be followed. These regulations apply to all uniformed personnel.

Chief Officers of each district/worksite shall make determinations for their personnel when necessary to provide for areas in question or not covered by this policy.

1.2The garments in these policies and procedures are not primary protective garments and cannot be relied on to provide protection from specific hazards, such as those encountered during structural fire fighting, wildland fire fighting, hazmat and EMS operations. The Class B and C uniforms identified in this standard must meet NFPA 1975 standards. That standard allows both flame resistant material and nominally 100% cotton. (Some of the uniform items in this policy are not available in 100% cotton at this time. The cotton content for those specific items will be noted on the page with the item (i.e., sweatshirt, etc.).

All Class B and C uniform trousers must be 100% Nomex.

1.3Uniformed members will wear only the uniform items prescribed by this regulation. The Fire Chief is the only person who has the authority to waive uniform appearance and grooming standards identified in this policy. This policy is a living document; please submit any requests for policy deviation through your chain of command.

1.4Uniforms will be neat, clean, pressed, or wrinkle free, in a serviceable condition, and will not be allowed to become faded or worn. Faded or frayed patches will be replaced.

Avoid washing uniforms in hot water and placing them in a hot dryer. Chlorine bleach should be avoided. To prevent extreme fading and shrinking, wash with a mild detergent in lukewarm water, remove from the dryer while still slightly damp and place on a hanger. Follow the manufacturer’s care label on the cleaning of the garment. A professional dry cleaner or commercial laundry will maintain and keep the uniform looking its best.

It is recommended that suspenders worn with bunker pants be washed several times prior to use, to prevent fading on uniform shirts.

1.5Non-uniformed members are expected to dress in an appropriate, professional manner that reflects positively on the Department and the City and in a manner consistent with their counterparts in the business community. No official fire department uniforms, badges, brass, etc., will be worn by non-uniformed personnel without written permission from the Fire Chief.

1.6Uniformed members will wear the Department uniform only when on duty, except for ball cap. Off duty wearing is allowed for special details, presentations, funerals and any other functions approved by the Fire Chief.

I. GENERAL POLICIES AND GUIDELINES - continued

1.7Uniformed members will not purchase nor consume alcoholic beverages while in uniform or participate in any inappropriate behavior wearing any old or new OCFD uniform.

1.8The Fire Chief may approve, for uniformed members, the optional wearing of civilian clothing on duty when it is in the best interest of the department. Civilian clothing worn on duty will be proper for the occasion, clean, neat, in good condition, and conform to the same standards of appearance required when wearing the uniform. The style should be consistent with the current style in the business community as determined by the employee’s district/worksite chief officer. At no time shall civilian clothing and uniform items be mixed on or off duty.

1.9There will be no experimental clothing worn unless reviewed by the Safety Officer, and approved by the Fire Chief. Experimental clothing will only be allowed during an identified research project evaluation.

1.10Shirts will be tucked in at all times and only the top button may be undone. Short sleeve shirts will not be turned up at the sleeve. Long sleeve shirts can be rolled up, no farther than two cuff lengths, except when a long sleeve tee shirt is worn.

1.11Shoes, belts, and leather articles will not appear worn or unshined.

1.12Employees shall wear appropriate undergarments.

1.13Sleepwear: Long or short sleeve tee shirts, shorts, or sweats identified in this policy are allowed. Other types of sleepwear or long insulated underwear must be 90% cotton or 100% wool for safety reasons. All sleepwear will be in good taste as determined by the Station Officer.

1.14The term right or left refers to the wearer’s right or left.

1.15Shirt Color:

Class AUniform:White
Class B and C Uniform:White shirts will be worn by District Chiefs and above.
Blue shirts will be worn by all other personnel.

1.16All personnel may wear Class C uniforms. The exception shall be those times listed under Class A, or Class B uniforms, or other times determined by the station officer or immediate supervisor.

1.17Long sleeve or short sleeve shirts are optional year around.

1.18Ensembles: The station officer or immediate supervisor will be responsible to ensure uniform consistency, and that all personnel are in the appropriate ensemble.

Class of Uniform Examples (but not limited to):

Class A Uniform
Formal Uniform / Class B Uniform
Public Uniform
Badge Shirt, Polo Shirt and Nomex Trousers / Class C Uniform
Daily Work Uniform
Tee shirt,
Nomex Trousers / Class D Uniform
Physical Fitness / Lawn Maintenance Uniform
Any event deemed appropriate by the Fire Chief

Fire Department Funerals
Banquets

/ Public Education

Fire Prevention Booths
Fair
Opening Night
School Presentations
Safety talks
Career day
While hosting or making a presentation in a fire facility, City facility, or elsewhere to Public Officials, Civic Organizations, or Neighborhood Groups.
Dinners
Accepting awards
Parades
Other meetings or special events in this category
Inspections or walkthroughs
Building Surveys

Normal station duties
Going to the store
While on watch
When going to training
Fire Department Meetings
Fact Finding Meetings
Committee Meetings
Accident Review Board
Union Meetings
Pension Board Meetings
Promotional Exams
Promotion Board

Physical Fitness
Lawn Maintenance

II. RANK INSIGNIA, BADGE, LOGOS and BELTS

2.1Name tag: Will be worn on the flap of the right shirt pocket, centered on the flap, 3/4” down from the top edge of the pocket. First initial and last name (example: J. DOE – all capitols) above rank.

Ranks:FIREFIGHTER DISTRICT CHIEF

CORPORAL BATTALION CHIEF

LIEUTENANT DEPUTY CHIEF

CAPTAIN ASSISTANT CHIEF

MAJOR FIRE CHIEF

2.2Collar insignia: Will be worn on both collars.

2.3Service Stars: One 3/4” star for each five years of completed service with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Service with other fire departments will not be counted towards service stars. Color shall be the same as braid.

2.4Patch(es): OCFD patch will be worn on the left sleeve, 2” down from the shoulder seam, and centered on the sleeve. Optional patches will be worn on the right sleeve in a like manner. The following is a list of the only shoulder patches authorized to be worn on the right shoulder of the OCFD uniform:

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): If currently assigned to the Hazardous Materials Team.
Diver: If currently an active uniformed member of the OCFD Dive Team.
EMT or Paramedic: Must be State licensed and adhere to the National Standard Refresher Course with successful completion of written and practical refresher examinations.

2.5Approved Pins: The following pins are the only approved pins to be worn on the OCFD uniform: City of Oklahoma City Service Pin, Union Pin, CISD Team Pin, April 19, 1995 service pin and the Governor’s ribbon. No more than two pins may be worn at the same time. These pins may be worn as a tie tack or on the uniform right shirt pocket under the name tag.

2.6Tie Tacks: Any tie tack that meets the standard of neatness, safety, and fire department image may be worn.

2.7Belt and Buckle: The uniform belt will be a 1 1/2” black 10-oz. leather trouser belt with a rectangular buckle. Personnel in the pay range of 922 and below will wear a silver buckle. Those personnel in the pay range of 923 and above will wear a gold buckle. No other type of decorative belt buckle, or any design, may be worn while on duty. Patent leather belts are acceptable.

III. OCFD UNIFORM INSIGNIAS

3.1The following descriptions are provided to use as reference in the uniform insignia placement guidelines that follow. All items that are color coded for rank (badges, name tags, sleeve braid, collar insignia, service stars, coat buttons, etc.) shall be silver for pay ranges 922 and below, and gold for pay ranges 923 and above.

Nametag

The name tag dimensions are 1/2" X 2 3/8” with two rows of letters. The top row should be the name of the individual with first name initial and full last name (example: J. DOE) in 3/16” letters. The bottom row should be the rank in 1/8" letters. All letters should be black and in capital letters, and the tag itself should be polished silver or gold (depending on rank).

Sleevebraid

The sleeve braid is worn on the Ike jacket and the dress blazer. In the list below, the number refers to the number of braids, and the dimensions refer to the size (width) of the braid,

Pay Range / Sleeve Braids / Braid Size / Color
919 & 920 / 1 / 1/4" / Silver
922 / 2 / 1/4" / Silver
923 / 1 / 1/4" / Gold
928 / 2 / 1/4" / Gold
929 & 932 / One 1/4" over One 1/2" / Gold
930 / 2 / 1/2" / Gold
931 / 3 / 1/2" / Gold
950 / 4 / 1/2" / Gold
025 / 5 / 1/2" / Gold

III. OCFD UNIFORM INSIGNIAS - continued

Collarinsignia

The collar insignia shall be worn on both collars when called for and shall be of the size and type called for below.

Pay Range / Collar Insignia / Size / Placement
919 / O.C.F.D. / 1 1/2"WIDE / worn parallel with the shirt neckline and centered between neckline and collar bottom
920 / 2CHEVRONS / 3/4"
WIDE / worn with the point of the chevron up on a line from the point of the collar, and centered between the neckline and collar bottom
922 / 3CHEVRONS
923 / 1BAR / 3/4"
TALL / worn horizontally with the bottom of the collar, 3/4" up from the bottom of the collar and approximately centered
928 / 2BARS
929 & 932 / OAK LEAF / worn with the stem pointed down and centered on the point of the collar, halfway between the point of the collar and the neckline
930 / 2 crossed BUGLES / worn with the bugles pointing down and centered between the point of the collar and the neckline
931 / 3 crossed BUGLES
950 / 4 crossed BUGLES
025 / 5 crossed BUGLES

Badges

The breast badge is to be worn over the left shirt pocket in the seamed holes provided for it. These are the badges furnished by the Department, given upon initial employment and replaced at some promotional levels, and are the only badges to be worn with the uniform. Personnel may purchase personal badges for wear on their uniforms as long as they are identical to the badge issued to them. Any changes must be approved by the Fire Chief before wearing. Badges purchased by individuals for their personal use are not covered under these guidelines.

Recruit, Firefighter, Corporal Breast Badge: / Lieutenant, Captain, Major Breast Badge:
/

MTM Elite Badge # TT 5058
Size: 2 3/8”. High Polish Silver Finish. Safety Pin. Flat Profile.
Seal: Generic FF Scramble.
No Colorfill on seal. Black colorfill text.
Top circle: "OKLAHOMA CITY"
Bottom circle: "FIRE DEPT."
Bottom tap: varies due to promotion dates

/ /

MTM Elite Badge # TT 5058
Size: 2 3/8”. High Polish Gold Finish. Safety Pin. Flat Profile.
Seal: Generic FF Scramble.
No Colorfill on seal. Black colorfill text.
Top circle: "OKLAHOMA CITY"
Bottom circle: "FIRE DEPT."
Bottom tap: varies due to promotion dates

DistrictChief Breast Badge: / Battalion Chief Breast Badge:
/

MTM Elite Badge # TT 5059
Size: 3 5/8”. High Polish Gold Finish. Safety Pin. Flat Profile.
Seal: 2 Bugles
Red colorfill seal. Black colorfill text.
Top ribbon: "DISTRICTCHIEF"
Top circle: "OKLAHOMA CITY"
Bottom circle: "FIRE DEPT."

Bottom tap: varies due to promotion dates

/ /

MTM Elite Badge # TT 5059
Size: 3 5/8”. High Polish GoldFinish. Safety Pin. Flat Profile.
Seal: 3 Bugles
Red colorfill seal. Black colorfill text.
Top ribbon: "DISTRICT CHIEF"
Top circle: "OKLAHOMA CITY"
Bottom circle: "FIRE DEPT."
Bottom tap: varies due to promotion dates

Deputy Chief Breast Badge: / Fire Chief Breast Badge:
/

MTM Elite Badge # TT 5059
Size: 3 5/8”. High Polish Gold Finish.
Safety Pin. Flat profile.
Seal: 4 Bugles
Blue colorfill seal. Blue colorfill text.
Top ribbon: "DEPUTY CHIEF"
Top circle: "OKLAHOMA CITY"
Bottom circle: "FIRE DEPT."
Bottom tap: varies due to promotion dates

/ /

MTM Elite Badge # TT 5059
Size: 3 5/8”. High Polish Gold Finish.
Safety Pin. Flat profile.
Seal: 5 Bugles
Blue colorfill seal. Black colorfill text.
Top ribbon: "FIRE CHIEF"
Top circle: "OKLAHOMA CITY"
Bottom circle: "FIRE DEPT."
Bottom tap: varies due to promotion dates

IV. UNIFORMS

EnsemblesClass AFormal Uniform

Class BPublic Uniform

Class CDaily Work Uniform

Class DPhysical Fitness / Maintenance Uniform

Class A - Formal Uniform Ike Jacket
Will be worn by Major rank and below
This uniform will be worn at all formal functions, banquets and any other occasion designated by the Chief's Office. The uniform standard is a navy blue Ike jacket. Chief Officer and above wear a uniform dress blazer instead of the Ike jacket. Formal uniforms may be worn as a daily uniform for Deputy Chiefs and above and those employees assigned to non-suppression work sections.
Class A Shirt
Long sleeve white cotton/polyester or fire retardant shirt with appropriate collar insignia, badge and nameplate.
Class A Trouser
Navy blue polyester or wool blend, uniform style currently in use. No pocket flaps, pleats or cuffs. Material and color to match coat.
Class A Tie
Navy blue, clip on or regular. Female uniformed employees may wear a navy blue crossover tie in lieu of regular uniform tie.
Socks
Navy blue socks when visible
Footwear
Plain black round toe shoes or boots (western or military style combat boots are not acceptable). / /

Ike Jacket

Navy blue, polyester or wool, uniform style currently in use. Will be worn by Major rank and below.

Breast Badge

Will be worn over left pocket in the seamed holes provided for it.

Name tag

Will be worn on the flap of the right pocket, centered on the flap, 3/4” down from the top of the pocket.

Patch(es)

OCFD patch will be worn on the left sleeve, 2” down from the shoulder seam, and centered on the left sleeve. Optional approved patches may be worn on the right sleeve in a like manner.

Sleeve braid

Will be worn on both sleeves.

Sleeve Stars

Upon completion of each individual’s 5 years of service a sleeve star will be added.

Jacket collar Insignias

These will be the same insignia as the collar brass, but with a solid round backplate.

Buttons

Will be silver or gold (depending on rank) and will have the letters “FD” in the center.

IV. UNIFORMS- continued

Class A – Formal Uniform Blazer
Will be worn by Chief Officer rank and above
Dress Uniform Blazer
Navy blue, double breasted “Romart” dress blazer. Required for all Chief Officers and above.
Trousers
Same material and color as blazer.
Breast Badge
Worn on the left side in the same position as the shirt badge.
Name Tag
Centered on the right side, even with the top of the left hand pocket.
Patch(es), Collar Insignia, Braid, Buttons, Stars/ Maltese Crosses
To be worn on the collar as shown above. /
ROMART
Class A - Dress Uniform Hat
Worn by Major Rank and Below
All uniformed members are required to have a Class A uniform hat, navy blue "Midway Flighter Style" cap. Firefighter, Corporal and Sergeant shall have a silver band and silver cap badge. Lieutenant and above shall have a gold band and gold cap badge. The uniform hat will be optional for daily dress. It may also be worn with the white short sleeve shirt.
/ Class A Hat
Worn by District Chief Rank and Above
The District/Deputy Chief Class A hats are ordered through the Chief’s office to ensure consistency. Specifications for the required Class A hat are on file with the Chief’s office.

District Chief
Class A Hat /
Deputy Chief
Class A Hat
Class A - Optional Female Dress Uniform
Female uniformed members may wear the following as optional as the formal uniform:
Dress Uniform Blazer
Navy blue, dress blazer currently in use may be worn with skirt only. Skirt and blazer shall be of same material and color.
Breast Badge
Worn on the left side in the same position as the shirt badge.
Patch(es), Collar Insignia, Braid, and Buttons
Same as Ike Jacket
Skirt
The skirt length will be within 1 inch above, to 2 inches below, the crease of the back of the knee. /
Optional tie
It shall be one of the following:
a)Navy blue, A-line skirt with a single center front pleat
b)Navy blue straight line with back overlap slit
Footwear
Shoes shall be black with heels not exceeding 2 inches of plain design with closed heel and toe. Hose shall match skin color.
Maternity Uniform
Regulation shirt/blouse may be worn with navy blue maternity slacks, or other dress as approved by the Fire Chief.

IV. UNIFORMS- continued