Department Policies

Apr. 1, 2013

Commentary

Bad behaviors on social media betray public trust, highlight prejudices

By Billy Goldfeder -- It's dumb for any firefighter, EMT or paramedic to post anything work-related anywhere on the Internet that has any chance of being perceived negatively by anyone. We work for public....More
Mar. 11, 2013

Commentary

3 tips to finding strategic organizational focus for lasting success 1

Recent business literature highlights several key factors for sustainable success: a crisp organization vision that is crafted around a highly flexible planning component; strategic decision-making focused on a fine-tuned performance matrix; and an unrelenting focus on employee health, wellness and safety....More
Mar. 7, 2013

News

Fire Chief

CFAI accredits 13 agencies

Eight fire departments received their Accredited Agency Status, of which six were Department of Defense Agencies. Four fire departments received Re-Accredited Agency Status, and one fire department received deferral status....More
Mar. 4, 2013

Commentary

How personnel practices can reduce the allegations of junior-firefighter abuses

When training personnel who will be working with junior firefighters, explain personal-space boundaries, the need to be professional at all times, the need to be cognizant of hand placement when boosting someone up on a piece of equipment, and so on....More
Feb. 28, 2013

Commentary

How to ensure children's safety during special-occassion rides on fire apparatus

By Drew Smith -- Some fire departments use the recommendations of the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program (NCPSCTP) and have their own carseat technicians measure and install child seats in their fire apparatus for these trips....More
Feb. 25, 2013

Commentary

A guide to time, privacy requirements for nursing mothers

The Fair Labor Standards Act requires that nursing mothers be provided break time to pump breast milk — and public fire departments must comply with this law....More
Feb. 4, 2013

Commentary

Haircut hazing raises other liability issues

Based on the limited public facts available, the “haircut hazing” incident raises a number of issues: What should be investigated, when should it be investigated, and what role does “public outcry” have, if any, with respect to the decision to investigate?...More
Feb. 1, 2013

Video

Fire Chief

How fire chiefs can cross the generational divide with social media

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....More
Jan. 31, 2013

Video

Fire Chief

Finding support for career firefighters who serve volunteer fire departments

Chief Rick Ennis of the Cape Girardeau (Mo.) Fire Department supports his career firefighters’ right to choose how they spend their days off. In fact, Ennis put into a place a policy that not only supports but encourages firefighters to work as volunteers or EMTs/paramedics when not on duty....More
Jan. 29, 2013

Commentary

Checklist helps departments avoid pregnant firefighter discrimination suits

The Consent Decree does not apply to any department other than Davie. However, that does not mean that you should ignore what the decree outlines. Consider it a free (except for Davie) guide to what governmental agencies will be looking for in regards to pregnancy discrimination complaints in determining whether to take the case or not....More