Indiana § 36-8-4-9 - Firefighters; hours of work
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-8-4-9 — Firefighters; hours of work, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-8-4-9. Firefighters; hours of work
Sec. 9. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), a member of a regularly organized and paid fire department may not be required to work more than an average of fifty-six (56) hours per week. However, if on September 1, 1985, a fire department was using sixty-three (63) hours as the maximum average number of hours a member could work a week, the department may continue to use that figure as the standard. A member may not be on duty more than twenty-four (24) consecutive hours and must be off duty at least twenty-four (24) consecutive hours out of any forty-eight (48) hour period. Each member is entitled to an additional twenty-four (24) consecutive hours off duty in every eight (8) day period.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), in case of emergency, or if the personnel of the fire department has been reduced below its regular strength because members are serving in the armed forces of the United States, the chief of the fire department, the assistant chief, or other officer in charge may assign a member of the fire department to continuous duty during the emergency.
(c) A fire department may deviate from the required maximum work hours described in subsection (a) only if authorized by a collective bargaining agreement, memorandum of understanding, or other similar written mutual agreement with an exclusive recognized representative (as defined in IC 36-8-22-5) of employees of the fire department.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 19-1-35-1.]
As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.53. Amended by P.L.343-1985, SEC.1; P.L.43-2024, SEC.1.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-8-4-9
What does Indiana Code § 36-8-4-9 cover?
Section 36-8-4-9 ("Firefighters; hours of work") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 36-8-4-9?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-8-4-9" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 36-8-4-9 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.