TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo Fire & Rescue Department facilities were placed on lockdown as a safety precaution due to the backlash following the social media post a Toledo firefighter made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
WTVG reported that all firehouses were under lockdown on Sept. 12. During a lockdown, bay doors are not left open unattended, personnel maintain heightened awareness and emergency responses continue as usual.
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The fire department’s social media pages have been flooded with comments claiming the post was authored by a lieutenant who alleges the fatal shooting was tied to Kirk’s political beliefs and affiliations.
A recent social media post about the recent anniversary of a line-of-duty death has been flooded with comments about the lieutenant’s post and Charlie Kirk.
Many of the comments, ranging from demands for termination to suggestions of cutting funding, call for the department to act.
A spokesperson said no threats were made against fire personnel, but due to the online comments, department leaders instituted a precautionary lockdown to keep members safe.
It is not known how long the lockdown will last.
The department is conducting an internal investigation into the post.
How can fire departments balance social media use, public trust and crew safety? Has your agency dealt with funding threats over politics or online posts? What worked, and what would you change?
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