Ethics
Ethics are the moral principles that govern a firefighter’s behavior in service to their profession, department and community.
The Firefighter Code of Ethics, developed by the National Society of Executive Fire Officers, establishes the criteria that encourage firefighters to follow “a culture of ethical integrity and high standards of professionalism.”
The firefighter and fire chief ethics topic contains news, tips and expert-written articles on the importance of understanding ethics, acting ethically as a firefighter, ethical decision-making, the consequences of unethical decisions and actions, and how to lead in an ethical manner.
Investigation
FBI raided the homes of two chiefs accused of taking bribes to fast-track inspections
The former Reese Volunteer Fire Company firefighter faces several charges for setting fire to brush, grass and woodland
Crime
Benjamin Cunha pleaded not guilty to charges related to improvised explosive devices in El Dorado County and Sacramento County
Investigation
Termination of Columbia River Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Joel Medina follows two earlier no-confidence votes from the union
Harassment
An attorney for St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large said the allegations are politically motivated
Misconduct
Public documents from the investigation of Ottumwa firefighters and a captain show policy violations, leadership failures
Misconduct
Seven Cobb County firefighters, including the instructor, discussed answers during testing on apparatus instructor certification
Investigation
A new employee survey accuses St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large of making sexist, racist and homophobic remarks
Kansas City First Deputy Fire Chief Jack Andrade has been a focus in recent years of leadership failures presented by the firefighters’ union
Crime
The former White Deer Fire Department treasurer entered a plea deal accepting probation if the funds are repaid
Misconduct
A report from a law firm hired to investigate allegations about New London Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Paige documented unwanted touching, comments
Public Relations
Former Birmingham students applaud the FDNY leadership for denouncing the use of firefighters against students in civil rights protests
The San Jose Fire Department Engine 4 captain was disciplined for violating public trust and the city’s vehicle use policy
Crime
The Vine Grove volunteer firefighter met the teen when she was part of the department’s junior firefighter program
Embezzlement
An audit showed that North Amityville Fire Department’s disbursements included diamond rings, Christmas gifts, pro sports tickets and trips to Jamaica and Alaska
San Jose Chief Robert Sapien said Engine 4’s fire truck went to the Pink Poodle to drop off a male passenger, then encountered the dancer seen in the 2022 video
“I am not willing to give our health for him,” Sacramento Firefighter Timothy John Keyes wrote on Facebook, according to a disciplinary letter
The NREMT and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are investigating Muncie Fire Department staffers
Investigation
The fire department is investigating, as are Miami-Dade police, who are also looking into a possible criminal angle
Misconduct
In a twist on a spray-painting tradition, the 2021 academy graduates put their academy number on the inside of a Sacramento tank
Investigation
San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien apologizes, keeps the identities of the firefighters in the video confidential but vows to take “appropriate action”
Fire Chief
Norman’s city manager said a former employee’s fraud accusations were without merit
Lawsuit
Casilia Loessberg’s participation in anti-sexual-harassment training empowered her to “fully fight the mistreatment she was enduring,” her lawsuit said
Crime
The abuse happened in at least two Perth Amboy firehouses
Fire Chief
According to police, Wellsburg Chief Scott Kins said he had been responsible for more than 20 drawings and bingos since he took on the role of chief in 2021
Termination
The Westfield crewmembers say they were fired for reporting allegations of sexual harassment by the chief; city attorneys say they broke rules
Investigation
Office of Special Counsel: “The evidence showed many [Niagara Falls] employees — both students and instructors — on leave during the reported training courses”
From Walmart claiming operations made a fire worse to Vanessa Bryant’s $16 million win, these are the stories that stirred discussion this year
A Rialto captain, an FF-medic and an engineer are contesting disciplinary actions taken against them
Luke Cournoyer had been involved in a misconduct case with the police department, but Springfield’s city solicitor said he met all the employment criteria
Public information officer: The firefighter should have worn “a uniform shirt or department-approved and issued t-shirt,” not one with a political message
Leadership
Projecting a professional presence can help negate instances of negative behavior
The Wind Gap Borough Council voted to ask police to charge Logan J. Kocher after he allegedly used taxpayer funds to purchase hundreds of dollars worth of gasoline
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- Firefighters face consequences following troubling social media posts about protests
- Ill. fire chief apologizes for Facebook post about looters