The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office is a part of the Office of the Fire Chief and is the official arm of compliance and enforcement relating to EEO/AA programs in the Fire and Rescue Department.

The term equal employment opportunity (EEO) describes a condition in which all applicants for employment and all existing employees are treated fairly and in a manner which the employer does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. EEO is not just limited to hiring practices. EEO is concerned with every aspect of employment policy and practice. The aspects are recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

The Fire and Rescue Department has an ongoing minority outreach program. The More Program (Minority Outreach Recruitment Effort) is coordinated by the Recruitment Section of the Fire and Rescue Department with the EEO/AA Office rendering technical guidance to the program.

In an effort to reach all employees and provide substantial training, the EEO/AA Office also utilizes EEO Counselors to conduct classes, counsel, respond to informal complaints, and assist the EEO/AA Officer with administrative matters.

The EEO/AA program provides for centralization of EEO records, information, and data which will enhance the department's overall effort. The central file maintains effective federal, state, and county records that address all phases of the civil rights agenda.

Discrimination and sexual harassment are violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, (Title VI, VII) and other acts, sections, and executive orders under the law. Additionally, Article I, Section II of the Constitution of the Commonwealth prohibits the same. Furthermore, the department fully commits to adhering to the goals and objectives of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the policies of Fairfax County Government and will assure that there will be no discrimination against, and that reasonable accommodations will be made for, all individuals with a disability in employment practices.

Discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited within the Fire and Rescue Department and any of its organizations, sections, divisions, and affiliates. The cooperation of all personnel is required and expected in preventing and addressing these types of violations. The Fire and Rescue Department maintains a "zero tolerance" policy and shall abide by the law. Managers, section heads, and supervisors will be held accountable and responsible for taking immediate and appropriate corrective disciplinary action in accordance with the Fire and Rescue Department's policy and personnel rules and regulations to ensure that the Fire and Rescue Department meets its responsibility to all personnel.

The Fire and Rescue Department shall comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination, as well as state and county ordinances, county personnel rules and regulations, standard operating procedures, and the Fairfax County Diversity Plan mandates adopted by the Board of Supervisors on December 12, 1994. Any work place conduct including racial and sexual harassment that result in discrimination against personnel with regard to their race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, national origin, political affiliation, union affiliation, volunteer affiliation, or marital status are illegal and will not be tolerated. Further, the Department prohibits acts of retaliation because an employee has participated in or complied with any investigation or reported any violation of law. Any workplace conduct that violates this policy shall result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Signed by Chief Michael P. Neuhard on June 19, 2003.

Contact:
EEO/AA Officer
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
703-246-2546