Fire Policies
Policies are the foundation for all operations in the fire service. From apparatus backing to anti-retaliation, policies set expectations, provide guidance, and protect firefighters and fire departments. This section highlights how fire department policies play out in the real world, while also connecting you with best practices for drafting, updating and ensuring accountability with policies.
Grant experts break down the latest opportunities, strategies, and insider tips to help your agency secure critical funding
Understanding the appointment process for the new U.S. fire administrator and how interim roles step up to support the team during the transition
Effective policies — and effective training to reinforce them — can make or break an agency
Glean key decision-making insights from data based on budget, CAD, incident types, geolocation, weather and policies
Never take photos of patients, snap selfies during operations, or focus more on your helmet cam than the action on scene
This episode of the Smart Firefighting podcast tackles fire service risks, culture and policy impacts
How to leverage online learning technology to manage fire department policy and standards compliance
Assessing whether a fire department can legally write and enforce a “zero-tolerance” policy for audio recording conversations when state law allows “one-party recording
City leaders are reflecting on the department’s policies following two incidents of drunk driving while on duty in just over one week
Harassment is a systemic issue, meaning it’s not simply an isolated issue between two people
Some in the Orange County, California public safety community have pushed to change the policy that restricts when a sheriff’s helicopter can be dispatched
Following news of a firefighter disciplined over patient transport in an engine, Bashoor asks a series of questions if and when this is ever the right decision
Fort Worth Capt. Randy Robinson, who died on Thursday, is one of 180 department employees who contracted the virus
Tony Imbrenda filed a retaliation lawsuit, alleging he was demoted for refusing to fully cooperate with an investigation into graphic photos taken of the crash site
Spotlighting firefighters’ social media habits and adherence to department policies
Tackling key questions about whether a department can uphold a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol workplace policy that prohibits firefighter medical marijuana use, both on- and off-duty
A key concern for chiefs is who’s riding in that front right seat and whether fireground “discipline” is the norm
The study of the Augusta Fire Department made multiple recommendations but stopped short of agreeing with calls for the fire chief to resign
The judge said the Orchard Park Fire District “disparately applied the rules” related to its 10% threshold for responding to fire calls
A civil service commission determined the firefighter-EMT, who accused the department of race discrimination, violated sick leave policy but ordered he be reinstated, suspended and demoted
Nearly one-third of public safety personnel do not get a department-issued face mask, plus other key findings from nearly 4,000 survey responses
3 highlights from our recent survey on public safety mask policies and usage
Tips for fireground communications – and why silence can be golden
Reviewing policies and best practices for public safety personnel wearing face masks on- and off-duty
Critical tips for new officers running incident command, including an acronym to help control the scene
The program should address sound policy, equipment preparation, scene size-up, program implementation and post-incident reviews
Providing alcohol in the firehouse can serve as a mechanism to encourage socialization, but this also creates liability issues
Now is the time to focus on inventory control, non-structural PPE, EMS PPE, and PPE policy and procedures
Risk management expert Gordon Graham details how to combat the five reasons mistakes are made in public safety
Two simple ways fire departments can help members understand proper actions related to taking and sharing incident photos
Understanding the difference between hazing, bullying and training in the academy setting
Applying risk management principles to reduce fire engineer driving risks
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