§ 43:17-27 — Violations, proceedings

43:17-27. If any member of the board of representatives, or trustee or any officer is charged with misconduct or malfeasance in office or charged with a violation of any law or the rules and regulations adopted by the New Jersey State Firemen's Association, such person shall immediately be served with a copy of the complaint, including charges and specifications. The charges shall then be investigated by a member or committee of the membership of the local relief association elected thereby and a report of the investigation shall be submitted thereto. If the association by a majority vote of the membership present determines that there is probable cause that an offense has been committed or there is misconduct or malfeasance in office, then a hearing shall be conducted. The person or persons charged may be represented in person or by an attorney-in-fact or attorney-at-law, and may examine, cross-examine, or present witnesses or testimony, and written or oral evidence. The hearing before the membership shall be conducted by an officer or other designated person selected by the association, and at the conclusion of the hearing the officer or such duly selected person shall make findings and recommendations which shall be submitted to the membership. A majority vote shall determine the guilt or innocence of the person or persons charged and any penalty to be imposed. If any person is found guilty of misconduct or malfeasance in office, the association or board of representatives may declare the office vacant and fill the vacancy as hereinbefore provided. If the association or board of representatives does not take action to charge any person with a violation of law or the rules and regulations adopted by the New Jersey State Firemen's Association or for misconduct or malfeasance in office, the New Jersey State Firemen's Association may take such action or declare the association out of accord, seize control of all assets thereof in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the New Jersey State Firemen's Association, and take necessary action to protect and preserve the funds or property of the association. Amended 1996, c.151, s.24.