When we signed on the dotted line to become firefighters we quickly became the guys on the other side of the yellow caution tape. While we go about our business of fire suppression or extrication or EMS emergencies the public is watching us at the scene with critical eyes. In essence we are characters in a drama being played out before them.
The homeowners who are watching their lives literally go up in smoke or the small business owner who is watching his or her dreams being extinguished or the college student who’s MVA will change life forever is counting on us to help ease their pain to whichever extent we can. We are in a serious business interacting with folks who are having the worst day of their life.
It never ceases to amaze me how on the fire ground many firefighters just don’t get it. During a personal tragedy they laugh, mug for the camera, take motley crew pictures and toast each other with Gatorade. How is this benefiting the image of the fire service? I understand how the adrenaline pumps, but there are limits to the outcome.
To make matters worse many departments semi condone this behavior by posting these pictures on there websites along with more serious photo’s of the scene. If a department created their web site to be an internal tool, then use a password and lock out the public.
But if a website is for the public’s consumption, what are we saying about the attitude of these departments towards a terrible day for one of its citizens?
The public can now record and chronicle everything they see and upload it to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Most cell phones have cameras. Video can be recorded on a number of new mini cams like the Flip. Scrutiny is all around us.
It is the responsibility of every PIO to make sure their department establishes a policy of decorum on the fire ground or at an accident scene. PIO’s should make an appearance at Probationary training within their department to inform Probies of the appropriate way to handle themselves at scenes. In my own department this is drummed into Probies heads from almost day one.
I would be interested to know how other departments handle this situation.
Also on The Fire PIO…
- More Surreal Blather surrounding the deadly Flint, Michigan townhouse fire. – February 18, 2010
- Why I Don’t Play Golf – April 21, 2010
- As a PIO I try to Fill the Void – April 8, 2010
- Is Department Branding Important in the Fire Service? – February 10, 2010
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