Facebook and Twitter have created new challenges for the fire service. FIRE CHIEF Editor Lisa Allegretti speaks with Chief Bill Goddard of Howard County (Md.) Fire Rescue, shares tips for older chiefs who are considering entering the social-media landscape.
Goddard also shared his department's social-media policy, which departments can adapt for their own use.
Goddard recommends that departments work with their office of law to ensure the final policy incorporates provisions that do not conflict with local rules or law. Also, a social-media policy a "living document" that may need to be adjusted as determined by ongoing court rulings and federal court opinions.
Howard County Fire Rescue worked closely with its union to ensure all aspects of the policy were consistent with good business practices and addressed issues of concern to the union.
Click here to download Howard County's social-media policy.
