POLICY & NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Nesbit Fire Department
The Nesbit Fire Protection District, The Nesbit Volunteer Fire Department and the Nesbit Fire Department will be referred to in the document as NFD.
NFD complies with Federal civil rights laws and is committed to providing its programs and services without discrimination in accordance with:
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin (including language).
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities.
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975, which prohibits discrimination based on age.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulation 6 C.F.R. Part 19, which prohibits discrimination based on religion in social service programs.
It is against the law for the NFD to retaliate against anyone who takes action to oppose discrimination, files a grievance, or participates in the investigation of a grievance in accordance with the above authorities.
The NFD has designated the Fire Chief, Larry Loomis, as the civil rights manager responsible for overseeing compliance with these policies and procedures.
HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
To File a Complaint If you think that the NFD has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way based on race, color, national origin (including language), disability, sex, age, or religion, you can file a complaint in person or by mail, fax or email with: Fire Chief Larry Loomis, 4847 Dean Road, Nesbit MS. 38651, Phone: 901-634-2444, Email: b7nfd@aol.com.
You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL): E-mail: CRCLCompliance@hq.dhs.gov (fastest method to submit your complaint) Fax: 202-401-4708 U.S. Mail: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Compliance Branch, Mail Stop #0190 2707 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE Washington, D.C. 20528.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE/PROCESSING
If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the NFD, or informal resolution was not possible, it will be promptly and impartially investigated. The NFD’s goal is to address complaints within 60 days of receipt, though the time to carefully investigate complaints may be longer depending on the nature of the complaint and complexity of the issue.
Preliminary Inquiry:
The NFD will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine the need for further investigation.
The NFD will notify the complainant in writing that a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the need for further investigation.
If the preliminary inquiry by NFD indicates that an investigation is warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing and an interview will be scheduled.
If the preliminary inquiry indicates an investigation is not warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing of the reasons why and factors considered.
Complaint Investigation:
Complaints warranting further investigation will be promptly and impartially processed by the NFD’s civil rights manager (fire chief). The results of the investigation will be provided to the NFD’s legal counsel for review.
The complainant will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation and what actions will be/have been taken in response and a timeline to request review.
PERSONS WITH DISABLITIES & PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
For Additional Information and Services for Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Limited English Proficiency the NFD:
Provides free aids and services, such as Google Translate, online interpreters for patients, and written information in other formats (large print, accessible electronic formats, etc.), to communicate effectively with persons with disabilities.
Provides free language services, such as qualified online foreign language interpreters and information written in other languages, to ensure meaningful access to programs and activities for persons with limited English proficiency.
For example: When NFD personnel encounter a patient with limited English proficiency, personnel will use the online translator services provided by the receiving hospital (if provided). Currently, these services are provided by CYRACOM.
For example: When NFD personnel encounter a person with limited English proficiency at a fire or other incident or call for service, personnel should us Google Translate (written or verbal) on their Smart Phone to aid with communications.
For example: When NFD personnel encounter a person with limited English proficiency in the setting of a class or community program, the program printed materials should be translated into the person’s primary language using the translate function in the department’s Microsoft Word software.
For example: NFD personnel can’t always provide services in locations that are accessible for people with disabilities, since the department doesn’t get to choose the location of fires, patients, and other incidents we respond to. However, when the department provides community events, community education, public meetings, or other similar planned activities for the public, it will do so in or at a facility that provides disability access.
POSTING OF POLICY & PUBLIC ACCESS
A copy of this policy shall be provided to all NFD employees and volunteers upon its publication or amendment, and upon hiring. The policy shall be available to employees and volunteers as part of the NFD policy manual. This policy shall be made available to the public by posting it on the NFD Website.
The service area of the NFD has a population of about 4,200 people. The 2020 US Census indicates that there are a very small number of limited English-speaking persons in the community, the policy will be posted in English.
These policies and procedures are public documents. A copy of this policy will be provided to anyone who requests it without charge.
Voted on and Adopted by NFD at Business Meeting February 9, 2023