What should be done with take-home vehicles if an employee will be off-duty for an extended period?

When an employee is off-duty for an extended period, it is appropriate to leave take-home vehicles at the assigned worksite. This ensures that the vehicle is available for use by other personnel if necessary, maintains accountability and security for the vehicle, and avoids potential misuse or damage that might occur if the vehicle is parked in a public area. Additionally, keeping the vehicle at the worksite allows the department to manage its fleet more effectively, ensuring that all vehicles are in a centralized location for maintenance and oversight.

Parking the vehicle in a public spot could expose it to risk of theft or vandalism, while allowing other employees to use a designated employee's take-home vehicle could lead to confusion about responsibility and ownership. Returning the vehicle to the Fire Chief might not be necessary unless specified by department policy, as having the vehicle at the assigned worksite is generally a more efficient option for operational readiness.