As this story demonstrates, both employers and employees, including those in government organizations like fire departments, will continue facing challenges from the increasing prevalence of social media.
Beyond the legal requirements and workplace policies, we know that firefighters and EMS personnel often “live the job,” well beyond their departments, stations, shifts, companies, and units.
When was the last time you saw an attorney wearing a T-shirt with the name of their firm plastered across the back?
While this level of pride is generally a great thing, and a characteristic many employers would love to see in their employees, it also raises a host of ethical issues that are particularly important given the current national debate about government, and government workers (career and volunteer, as most citizens neither know, nor care about, the difference).
We know that we are held to a different (higher) standard than other people.
Like most things in life, that brings both opportunities and challenges.
Hopefully, as a service, we can successfully navigate the uncharted waters of the Internet in a way that respects both our members and the public trust.
