Comments for The Fire PIO

Comment on Is your Department’s Email Address listed on your Website? by Connie Lewis

Connie Lewis — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:13:26 +0000

You’re absolutely correct about the need for posting an email address on a website. Unfortunately I have found that many government sites, including first responder sites, don’t include an email address for the specific reason that someone will then have to write back (respond)! Often, no one is available/has time/willing to take on this task of responding to public inquiries. Think about it–management would actually have to PAY someone to work with the public. Huh. Go figure!

Comment on Should a Blogger get fired from her Full Time PR Job? by Gina DiNicolo

Gina DiNicolo — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:02:21 +0000

My entry post was not about the employer or the client. I am a paid defense writer who happens to have created a column (blog) for the Military Officers’ Association. All parties knew of my work and my associations. I stand by the post, which to me, of course, was completely appropriate.

That the client was upset and we parted company is the client’s choice. I’m fine with it.

Shill by day write by night? Of course. These are disparate revenue streams and outlets for different creative energy.

The full post: http://moaablogs.org/inside/2010/07/rimpac-foreign-policy-tool-or-snoozer/

Note, the Navy Times version is somewhat embellished.

Comment on HIPAA Confusion by Steve

Steve — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:40:02 +0000

Ive had excellent relations with local FDs up until about 6 months ago. Maybe a bunch of the departments got new officers or something. But even if a department has regulations, rules or sops that inhibit a photog from doing his/her job, thats a prescription for a law suit and Im about at that point. Make an example of a department or two and make the rest sit up and take notice. In short, its like these small town and rural VFD officers and especially their traffic guys seem to be on a power trip. This most recent incident, the chief tried to laugh it off as just a newbie fire policeguy who didnt know what the rules are…well the chief issued the order over the air, and Ive go it on tape cause I record all county traffic to use for info on news stories. Ive got much better com gear than most small cities have, and little escapes my ears! I guess education is whats needed here. Remind them that just because they were issued a portable radio, doesnt give them superpowers.

Comment on Comma Violations by Jeff Bressler

Jeff Bressler — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:27:49 +0000

Group: Public Safety Professionals
Subject: New comment (1) on “Comma Violations | The Fire PIO”
Jeff, I have a compound headache now, thank you very much! LOL!!!!

Posted by Jerry Clark

Comment on HIPAA Confusion by Doug

Doug — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:15:42 +0000

One thing to note is that this post focuses exclusively on HIPAA; there may be other departmental policies, laws or ordinances which regulate the disclosure of patients’ identities (although, to be honest, I can’t think of any in my immediate area.)

In my opinion, the best way to deal with this sort of thing would be to network and communicate with media and departmental officials prior to this sort of thing happening; unfortunately, this isn’t always possible (or, for whatever reason, welcomed.)

My two cents.

Comment on HIPAA Confusion by Dave Statter

Dave Statter — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:24:12 +0000

I have seen nothing from HIPAA that indicates it is required that first responders prevent anyone from taking pictures in a public place. While I am not a lawyer I think you will find that the First Amendment trumps HIPAA.

My experience is that every organization has its own understanding of HIPAA and seems to treat it differently. Few seem to be willing to separate fact from fiction and come up with policies that make sense and are consistent.

When it comes to cameras some in fire and EMS try to use HIPAA the way some in law enforcement claim national security after 9-11. The result is an erosion of the freedoms that make this country great.

Read this article from the Washington Post two days ago. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/25/AR2010072502795.html?sub=AR

Four or five years ago I did two similar stories on TV where we used young interns to pose as tourists. They wore wireless microphones and had disposable cameras. You should have heard the BS and the threats they got from police officers and various government security about shooting pictures of government and military buildings while standing in public space.

When challenged each agency from the Department of Homeland Security to the Pentagon acknowledged their people were wrong and admitted there is nothing illegal about such picture taking. One of the very few places where you could walk right up to the fence and shoot without being hassled was The White House. But at the Department of Transportation they told us we couldn’t shoot because the Secretary of Transportation was in the building.

Understand HIPAA for what it is and have rules that cover its requirements. But lets stop taking things further because of ignorance or someone’s anti-media agenda.

Dave Statter
dave@statter911.com

Comment on Comma Violations by T. Dan Tolleson

T. Dan Tolleson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:58:13 +0000

HTML, HTML — Is that OK?

As for commas, I always either put them in or take them out according to the rule of clarity: If the sentence is clearer after either taking them out or putting them in, then I do that.

Pretty clear, huh?

Comment on Comma Violations by Jeff Bressler

Jeff Bressler — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:53:53 +0000

Group: Online reporters and editors
Subject: New comment (2) on “Comma Violations | The Fire PIO”
The authoritative source is The Chicago Manual of Style. You needn’t purchase the book, however. You can get a one-month free subscription online.

Posted by Judith Backover

Comment on Should a Blogger get fired from her Full Time PR Job? by Jeff Bressler

Jeff Bressler — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:12:53 +0000

Group: Firefighter, Rescue & EMS Network
Subject: New comment (1) on “Should a Blogger get fired from her Full Time PR Job? | The Fire PIO”
Wow, The first to comment, strange. Last night this topic actually came up in a group that I am active on called ASAP51.

I believe the best general rule of thumb is that if I the reader can connect an incident, story, or even a reference to something that is tied to an employee’s experience while on the job, that information should be declared off limits by a blogger.
Exceptions could include the following, if enough time has expired since an event. The material is not sensitive or illicits an emotional response by someone, then it is probably safe to talk about. However recently in some high publicized cases, the material that caused the firing controversy was definitely to hot to address in the social media setting.

A public safety person is hired for the role of protecting those they serve. The blogging is a secondary role that really unfortunately should take a back seat to the afore mentioned tasks.

Posted by Tom Gottschalk

Comment on Comma Violations by Jeff Bressler

Jeff Bressler — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:09:58 +0000

Group: Online reporters and editors
Subject: New comment (1) on “Comma Violations | The Fire PIO”
Jeff, you might enjoy the Elements of Style by Strunk and E.B. White.

Posted by Stephanie Yamkovenko