Must Read

So here’s your chance. Write out a draft policy on social media/networking for members of your department. Chances are good that most of you don’t already have one in place. Be serious about it as your work might be a catalyst for change, and could help prevent your department from experiencing some of the problems we’ve read about – and will continue to read about. Check our you current disciplinary process to be sure your draft policy is fair and legal.

I am currently working on a story and one of the intriguing details is that a current firefighter WAS a convicted sex offender. The person was pardoned and is not a registered sex offender. The offense was bad (they all are). The offense happened 30 years ago prior to the current laws that protect us from these criminals. Should he be allowed to be a firefighter?

I must say that I am very pleased with my LEO: The Fire Within shirt! Other than being made in Honduras, I couldn't really find anything to pick apart. The sizing, fit, and feel of the shirt was very nice and I plan on wearing the shirt more in the future. However, if I were one of the LARGER firefighters I might find issue with the fact that LEO does not offer XXL or XXXL. I know some guys who would never fit into a XL!

Attached are a couple of photos of our new dining table. It was designed and constructed by one of our firefighters here at our station, FF Charles Osvold. This table is located at Marion County Fire Rescue Station #21 “The Sleepless Knights”, the busiest house in Marion County, Florida. We are listed in Firehouse magazine as one of the nation’s top 100 busiest stations. The table measures twelve feet long by four feet wide.

Chief Kelly Edmison will be joining John Mitchell, Art Goodrich, and myself Thursday night live at 9pm on Firefighter Netcast. Chief Kelly Edmison has been in contact with Dave Statter discussing the latest developments in Obion County that effect all of the Municipal FD's in the County.

Greg's father is a Saginaw, Michigan firefighter. His father's Captain ends up being his saving grace when he suggests Greg to head to California to become a seasonal firefighter. Greg leaves everything behind to begin a journey that ends up being the beginning of his new life. This story really hit home with me. While I am not a wildland firefighter, nor do I live on the west coast, I left home at the same time I was getting all my life together to become a paid firefighter.

The new look is that of a classier more professional feel. The days of almost completely naked women are behind us. Now you can enjoy real women firefighters who enjoy still showing off their bodies and might not have as big an issue with job security.We can all respect that! To be honest with you, I am not sure exactly why they have changed the format. I can guess that it has something to do with being more professional, less controversial, and more representative of the class of our American Women Firefighters.

Firefighters should not be using social media while in the operations of an emergency incident! Also, Firefighters should be concerned about what they are saying via social media and how it will be inferred by the readers! I have heard it said that if your mom or Chief would not want to hear you say it then don't say it!

My time at FDIC was a blast. We managed to pack the week full of friends, fun, and work (Firefighter Netcast). The people I have met through this blog, twitter, facebook, etc. will stay with me for a long time. Our occasional chance to meet is always fun!

If you have not seen it yet, Firefighter Netcast is the home of live radio and podcasts on the internet. We were at FDIC and recorded many great topics with great guests. The guests include Chris Naum, Billy Goldfeder, Ray Gayk, Tim Sendelbach, Mike Kirby, Scott Shaw, Fred Simon, Tiger Schmittendorf, and Tom Merrill.