Non-Discrimination Policy
Peeples Valley Fire District and the Peeples Valley Fire Auxiliary, a non-profit Corporation, are equal opportunity organizations and will not allow discrimination based on age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.

Whistleblower Policy
General
Peeples Valley Fire District and the Peeples Valley Fire Auxiliary, a non-profit Corporation, Code of Ethics and Conduct, require directors, officers, and employees to observe high business and personal ethics standards in performing their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the Organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Reporting Responsibility
All directors, officers, and employees are responsible for complying with the Code and reporting violations or suspected violations per this Whistleblower Policy. No Retaliation: No director, officer, or employee who, in good faith, reports a violation of the Code shall suffer harassment, retaliation, or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the Organization prior to seeking resolution outside the Organization.

Reporting Violations
The Code addresses the Organization's open-door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions, or complaints with someone who can address them adequately. In most cases, an employee's supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, suppose you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor, or you are not satisfied with your supervisor's response. In that case, you are encouraged to talk with someone in the Human Resources Department or anyone in management whom you are comfortable approaching. Supervisors and managers must report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct to the Organization's Compliance Officer, who is responsible for investigating all reported violations. For suspected fraud, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the Organization's open-door policy, individuals should contact the Organization's Compliance Officer directly. 

Compliance Officer
The Organization's Compliance Officer is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations of the Code and, at his or her discretion, shall advise the Executive Director and the audit committee. The Compliance Officer has direct access to the Board of Directors' audit committee and must report to it at least annually on compliance activity. The Organization's Compliance Officer is the chair of the audit committee.

Accounting and Auditing Matters
The audit committee of the board of directors shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls, or auditing. The Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the audit committee of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the Code must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and have been made maliciously or knowingly false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

Confidentiality
Violations or suspected violations may be submitted confidentially or anonymously by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the greatest extent and consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations
The Compliance Officer will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports will be promptly investigated, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

Audit Committee
Compliance Officer Peeples Valley Fire District and Auxiliary Management Staff