In this era of Facebook and Twitter, firefighters are using status updates to log recent calls, to share fundraising or public events or to share what they are having for lunch.
Others have crossed the line of good taste and fire department policy, as is the case of the Houston firefighter who finds himself under investigation for Facebook posts. In this Trending Topics, we look at other social media bad behavior that has landed firefighters in hot water. And, we look at steps firefighters can take to avoid slipping up in the virtual world.
All ten of these stories have one thing in common: they’re a great reminder to use caution before you decide to click that “post” button.
Check them out and add your thoughts below.
 | Firefighter’s Facebook post about Islam sparks investigation The firefighter was placed on administrative duty after posting a questionable image. |
 | Firefighter’s Facebook post about drowning victim sparks probe The firefighter allegedly posted on his Facebook page that they were searching for a “drunk Mexican.” |
 | SC firefighter-medic fired over Facebook video post Department Director calls the video derogatory and said Jason Brown had “displayed poor judgment.” |
| Vegas firefighter investigated for Facebook post about ‘shooting’ commissioner The firefighter said she wanted to shoot Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak. |
 | N.M. firefighter’s Facebook post under investigation The firefighter joked on Facebook about police killing suspects; he said he would join the police if they had a “criminal population reduction unit.” |
 | Ind. fire chief resigns over racist Facebook posts The chief deactivated his Facebook account immediately after; he later submitted his resignation. |
| Mass. firefighter fired over Facebook posts, images Veteran firefighter’s postings deemed a violation of department conduct. |
| Wash. firefighter on probation for Facebook message to patient The firefighter is on probation after sending a Facebook message with sexual innuendo to a woman he treated during an emergency response in 2012. |
 | 5 DC firefighters on desk duty after critical Facebook post The temporary reassignment of that many firefighters is affecting staffing levels. |
| No punishment for firefighter’s vulgar Facebook comment Fire chief says that the posts violated no policies. |