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Social Media and the Fire Service

9/25/2014

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Delayed Response: Thoughts on Public Safety from a Frontline Firefighter/Medic

Over the past couple of decades, social media sites have exploded into every aspect of our lives.  For many of us, these networks are a way to stay in touch with people we would otherwise never get the chance to.  For others, it’s a way for their voice to be heard or to stay on top of current events.  Public safety is not immune.  Flipping through posts and tweets has become commonplace around the firehouse table.  From my view, fire and EMS administrations were quick to shy away from this growing online uncertainty, and probably for good reason.

It wasn’t long after this technology arrived we started hearing horror stories about firefighters, paramedics, and cops getting themselves into trouble with their posts.  Seemingly intelligent adults began posting wildly inappropriate pictures or sharing private information about victims that had no business being made public.  Departments’ dirty laundry was aired out for the whole world to see by frustrated, disgruntled employees.  While most workers in public safety recognized the boundaries of appropriate, there was no shortage of shining examples of what not to do.   

Over the same period a big, scary, and grossly misunderstood monster known as HIPAA made its way onto the stage.  Administrations, often overly fearful of a variety of repercussions, began to shy away from the use of social media of any kind.  Most organizations developed policies to encourage and educate personnel in the safe, appropriate use of social media.  A few overreacted, doling out severe punishments to employees that didn’t meet the perceived crimes.

But now we’re a decade into the world of Facebook and Twitter.  The younger generation of first responders has grown up learning the "do's and don'ts" of social networking.  Administrations have had years to develop smart, responsible policies for the use of social media.  While examples of misuse and abuse can still be found, the incidence of first responders performing colossally stupid online stunts seems to shriveling.  In fact, I argue it’s even overshadowed by the good that the internet has proven itself capable of.

The fire service has changed dramatically in the past 40 years.  Jonny and Roy’s squad was the only vehicle in Station 51 not carrying any SCBA at one point.  As recently as the 90’s, some career firefighters were still wearing ¾ length boots and long overcoats going into battle.  Today’s firefighters wear suits rivaling NASA’s space suits.  We’re breathing air from carbon fiber tanks, protected by integrated pass devices monitoring our elapsed time, time left, and temperatures we’re exposed to.  Some manufacturers are even experimenting with integrated thermal imaging and gear designed to monitor a fire fighter’s vital signs…and that’s just on the fire scene.


Since 2001, the fire service has truly become an “all hazards” occupation. After all, who do you call when you don’t know what else to do?  The fire department is sent to anything from unidentified substances to construction site rescues to MVCs involving alternate fuel vehicles.  In all of these circumstances, we embrace technology to help get us manage the problem.

Social media should be no different, but it seems like only a handful of departments truly understand the potential benefits of a strong online presence.  The ICS system includes a spot for a public information officer (PIO) at any large-scale event and some departments across the country have integrated the use of social media into that position.  The Massachusetts State Police regularly post updates and pictures online about large traffic accidents or other incidents that may affect commuters across the state.  Not only do these updates help keep the public informed, they may also help discourage any false information from spreading.
Easthampton Fire Department
Massachusetts State Police
Nearly everyone standing on the sidewalk at a major incident has a cell phone.  If we don’t share the correct information, they will share whatever information they THINK they know for a fact.  For example, imaging a tanker with liquid nitrogen has tipped over and is spilling its payload on the roadway a few hundred yards from a school.  Passers-by are taking pictures of a vapor cloud and posting them online, speculating as to what sort of chemicals are descending on nearby children.  This relatively harmless incident could make its way around the world in a matter of seconds.  Media outlets will grab hold of this story and run.  Without the ability to quickly and effectively relay the correct information, this could create untold headaches for local departments as panicked parents race to the scene and first responders are criticized for years because of their perceived response to this “poisonous gas cloud.”

On the other side of that coin, had there been an actual poisonous cloud, a strong social media campaign can help keep the public informed on road closures, evacuation routes, and collection centers for those who believe they have been affected by the incident.  Don’t be fooled into thinking social media is only for people with nothing better to do.  News outlets are scouring posts and tweets 24 hours a day, looking to scoop up a big story before anyone else.  Social media is simply one more avenue for communication when valuable information needs to be relayed.

Even without its use on emergency scenes, social media can help keep public safety in the public eye on a regular basis.  First responders no longer wait in the shadows for someone to call 911.  An active online presence can help inform the public about open houses, fire prevention initiatives, the resources available to their community, and an almost endless list of other information.  Organizations such as the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and its affiliates have successfully used social media to help boost awareness of fire prevention, fire fighting, and what firefighters truly do for their communities.  IAFF Locals push this tool even farther, sharing information to help support local businesses, charity events, schools, or even missing animals.

Does your department or organization have a strong online presence? I strongly suggest using this tool to interact with the public we serve. 

Encourage members to contribute by offering suggestions or pictures with your profile’s administrator(s), but be sure to set clear policies and expectations to protect both your service and your personnel.  A strong, responsible social media presence is not difficult to achieve and can be quite beneficial for a number of reasons.

In my next piece, I will be offering ideas for approaches to effective social media campaigns as well as guidelines/policies to consider to keep your campaign on track.  

Be sure to contact me at DelayedResponse360@gmail.com or tweet @TLValle with any ideas you may want me to include or explore.


Copyright 2014 FIREGROUND360°. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the consent of FIREGROUND360° and it's authors.
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Tom Valle earned his EMT certification in 2000.  After graduating from UMass, Amherst in 2001, Tom worked private ambulance in both Springfield and Greenfield, MA while earning his paramedic certification from Greenfield Community College.  He continues to work as a professional firefighter/paramedic in western Massachusetts and serves as the secretary for union’s Local.  Tom is continuing his education by working towards a Bachelor’s in Fire Science through Columbia Southern University.

Tom can be reached directly at 
delayedresponse360@gmail.com
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Homefront: Working With The Right People

9/11/2014

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On the anniversary of September 11th, I’d like to recognize the wonderful people who serve in the emergency services field.  Ten years ago, I met my husband and started to get a peek at the life of a firefighter.  Before that, I had spent many years studying to become a guidance counselor so the only time I encountered a firefighter was when someone would pull the fire alarm in our dormitory, and we had to evacuate.  My eyes have been opened to this field, and I think it is safe to say that there are few jobs like it. 

I have had many jobs in my life…I have delivered newspapers, cleaned hotel rooms, waitressed, tended bar, worked retail, served fast food, directed a camp, and opened mail…just to name a few.  Each time I was hired, I would ask crucial questions like, “What is the pay scale?”  “What hours will I work?” and “What is the dress code?”  After all, those are important things to consider in a new position, right?  

In 2005, I landed my dream job as a high school guidance counselor and I regularly counseled young people on career choices.  We would talk about the “career pathways” and use an online career matchmaker program to help narrow down potential careers based on individual interests. The student would indicate his or her preferences for work environment, geographic location, level of education, and special skills/abilities and the computer program would be able to suggest careers that you might enjoy. It was a helpful program—especially for a 15-year-old kid who had no idea what to do after high school; however, I’m starting to think that our career development process missed the boat in a critical area.  I never once asked a student, “What kind of people do you want to work with?” It’s too bad because it is probably one of the most important pieces of finding a great career and wanting to stick with it.  Who you work with really does matter—especially when you live in close quarters, work long hours, share holidays, and enter burning buildings together.  I have learned, time and time again, that the fire service is full of amazing people.  I doubt that it was ever a thought on my husband’s mind when he took the job years ago.  Like most people, he was focused on location, salary, hours, health insurance, advancement opportunities, and retirement age.  But boy, oh boy, who you work with is critical. 


Just a few weeks ago, I was reminded, yet again, of the terrific people in the emergency services field.  The wife of a local firefighter became suddenly ill, and her condition was life threatening.  Within hours of transporting her to Boston, firefighters had met to discuss the situation and determine the needs of the family.  Child care, lawn care, pool maintenance, transportation, and meals were all coordinated quickly.  In addition, funds were collected for the family, and donations came pouring in.  Firefighters from miles around, many of whom did not know the family, offered to lend a hand and help them.  It was amazing to see, and the support could be felt everywhere.  People volunteered in any way they could, and the fire service did what they do best: help people. 

We live in a fast-paced world, full of distracting technology, and thousands of lucrative career choices.  Most jobs come with far less risk and much more money but thankfully the right people have found the emergency services field.  Thank you for your service!  


​If you enjoyed reading this piece, you may want to check out my other articles by clicking here.

Copyright 2014 FIREGROUND360°. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the consent of FIREGROUND360° and it's authors.
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Loren Davine, M.Ed., C.A.G.S., is the Executive Director of NoFires, Inc. and a former high school guidance counselor. She is also a full-time mom and the wife of Deputy Fire Chief Jon Davine. Loren has been a member of Pioneer Valley Crossfit since 2008 and offers a unique perspective to our community on family, fitness, and fire safety for juvenile firesetters. 

Loren can be contacted at: nofiresjfis@gmail.com for questions about the NoFIRES program or to make a referral. 

All other inquiries can be made to: lorendavine@gmail.com
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Straight Talk: NEVER FORGET

9/10/2014

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Cover art by Alex Smith

On September the 11th 2001, cowards took innocent lives in the name of religion.

Over 3000 people killed. Including 343 FDNY firefighters and 72 New York City Police and Port Authority officers. We watched, as a nation, jetliners crashing into the World Trade Center, one into our Pentagon, and one taken down by passengers, who sacrificed their lives to save many more. We watched our country being attacked, not knowing what would be next.

Observing the 13th anniversary, many memories come back to me. I was a Lieutenant with the Holyoke Fire Department when the attacks unfolded. I watched the news, knowing that this was a bad situation and only going to get worse. My training and experience told me that this would be a day of many lives lost.

When the Twin Towers fell, I knew, as so many others did, those firefighters were dead, because, as the slogan goes, “we run in while you run out.”  There was no doubt that we were in there, trying to save lives, though the conditions were grim.  The horrific videos and pictures from that day showed Americans only a glimpse of what had happened to our country.

Since that tragic day, we, as a country, have pulled together to stand against terrorism, to show we will not be afraid to live our lives as normal. We built memorials, held tributes, and honored our fallen brothers and sisters.

This week, we will once again honor all who died that day, and who will continually pass-on due to 9/11 fire ground related illnesses.

We will give speeches and recite the timeline.  We will ring a bell to honor those who gave their lives to save others.  We will read passages, salute the flag, and hear a 21-gun salute. 

The fire service will NEVER FORGET, will you?

God Bless America



Copyright 2014 FIREGROUND360°. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the consent of FIREGROUND360° and it's authors.
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Chief Bob Authier graduated Holyoke Community College majoring in Criminal Justice in 1989. He started his career as a firefighter with Holyoke Fire Department in 1991. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2001, Captain in 2003, achieved Deputy Chief in 2005 and earned EMT in 2008. Chief Authier became Chief Fire District No.1 for South Hadley Fire Department in 2011 and became the accredited Fire Chief in 2013 where performs his duties today.
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Basic Communications and Interoperability Video Series

9/3/2014

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In an effort to help local first responders have a better understanding of communications in the Western Massachusetts Region, the Western Region Homeland Security Council has released its new video series detailing communications systems, assets and resources available to the region. This series of 12 short videos is a follow up to the Basic Communications and Interoperability series that was delivered to the region last year. Please take a moment and watch the series, and pass it on to anyone you feel could benefit from it.

Dennis Nazzaro
Communications Specialist
 

The Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council’s Basic Communications and Interoperability Video provides western Massachusetts first responders an overview of public safety communications systems and assets in use throughout the region and the Commonwealth. The series provides a foundational understanding of radio communications. A set of twelve videos completes the series.


WRHSAC Basic Communications & Interoperability Video Series #1 Introduction

To watch all twelve videos visit Western Region Homeland Security Council website here!



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