Social Media

The difference between us and them was that we did it in honor of them. We did it without an airpack, without fear, without trepidation. We did it to help others never forget.

I typically don't have a problem about people whipping out their phones. I just make sure they can take pictures of things they don't need to see. I cannot control them or what they do with it. As for this guy...I wish he would have just shut his mouth...I don't mind looking at videos of fires, but play by play from someone who doesn't have a clue about firefighting is unnecessary and unwelcome.

In case anyone is counting, we HAVE had more than 100 podcasts, but this is our 100th live netcast! In addition to the live netcasts, we have recorded dozens of other shows at conferences and other places! Nowadays there are other options for live fire service podcasting...but lets be clear that we are often imitated but never duplicated!

I just finished teaching two classes in New Jersey on social media for the fire service. My class was similar to the one I taught at FDIC this year but much longer. Both classes ran from 8:30am - 2pm. The class at FDIC was a mere 1 hour and 45 minutes. I couldn't possibly teach everything everyone needs to know about social media in even a week long class.

The Portland Fire & Rescue Department in Oregon has utilized Youtube to spread the word on their hiring process. They use their own firefighters to tell the World about why they are Portland Firefighters. This is a perfect example of using social media to spread the word on recruitment for an upcoming hiring process!

The class will be a lot more in depth and cover much more information than I was able to cover in an hour and 45 minutes at FDIC. The feedback I recieved from FDIC has helped me focus on what the participants are looking for!

While the video clip is short, and the video doesn't offer any useful training or tactical consideration that might be resourceful for other firefighters, there is still a lesson here. This homeowner has suffered a house fire and no doubt lost belongings...yet still took the time to share it with others. The positive effect of this action shows social media in a positive light.