§ 17. Fire Department.

So long as it is determined advisable by the City Commission, the Voluntary Fire Department existing in the City at the time of the adoption of the charter may be continued in force under the direction of the Fire Chief and the City Commission. At such time as the City Commission deems it advisable to do so, the City Commission may, by ordinance, create a regular Fire Department for the City in which event it may provide regulations, make provision for the employment of firemen, set up civil service rules, and make all such provisions as may be found necessary for the maintenance and government of such department, including provision for compensating personnel of such department.