§ 4.1. Tenure of office and retention of rank.

The sworn members of the Fire Department, including the Chief of the Fire Department, shall hold their respective positions during good behavior regardless of changes of city officials or city administrations, unless removed for good and sufficient cause. No sworn member of the Fire Department shall be removed, suspended, demoted, or discharged except for good and sufficient cause and then only upon written charges filed by the Mayor or the Chief of the Fire Department. A written statement of charges in clear and concise language shall be served upon the person charged, and such person shall be summarily demoted or suspended from service, as requested in such charges, pending trial thereon.