Editor’s note: Chief Adam K. Thiel reminds us that when on-scene conflict erupts between police and fire or EMS personnel, we are not helping those we swore to protect.
Firefighter (EMT) versus cop (deputy or trooper) is another all-too-frequent story on FireRescue1 and our sister websites.
In most of these cases it can be very difficult to discern, from afar and usually without all the information, who was “right” and who was “wrong.” So here’s the big question: does it matter?
We may never know exactly what happened in this case and others like it. We do know for certain that during the time the involved parties were embroiled in their altercation the person for whom they shared responsibility (as sworn public servants) wasn’t receiving an optimal patient care experience. Regardless of whether or not her issues were ultimately addressed, watching a shoving match is probably not what she needed at that point.
I’ve certainly had my fair share of on-scene disagreements with our law enforcement brothers and sisters through the years. I’ve also watched in awe as the “sibling rivalry” instantly disappears when either group is in trouble and we all band together to help each other through our own worst days; whether a critical incident requiring close teamwork (aren’t they all, really) or the tragic injury or death of one of our own (whatever their uniform or nameplate says).
So perhaps we can agree that there must be a better way to reconcile our professional differences of opinion and, as one of my former bosses used to say, “move back to the mission.”
Stay safe!
