PUBLIC INFORMATION
In today’s fast-paced world, news travels fast. It is not unusual for TV viewers to watch a dramatic rescue by firefighters live, while it is actually happening. Because emergency incidents happen fast and unexpectedly, the need for a designated Public Information Officer (PIO) is paramount.
Only a very small portion of the population has direct contact with their local fire departments. For most people the image of the fire service comes from local and national news stories. This underscores the importance of establishing a good working relationship with the media.
 Fire Departments do not exist to “Do PR” but without it, everyone suffers the negative ramifications; it’s harder to attract new recruits, negative publicity causes low morale, new programs fail, and tax payers say no to further increases. This is today’s reality
Firefighting is more than a service, it is a business too. The provision of an outstanding product which is carried out with skill and professionalism is an essential component to a successful business. It is our responsibility to communicate to our customers what our product is doing for them, and to tell them where their money is going and why.
To request a press release be written for a specific incident that the fire district has participated in or will participate in, an easy to fill in PR Form is used to capture all the necessary information. This form can be filled out online and submitted electronically to the PIO.
The PIO endeavors to foster understanding between News Outlets and the Emergency Services Industry, taking an active role in strengthening the ties with local, state-wide and national media. An additional benefit of the PIO position is to ensure that firefighters are able to do their job without disruption of service to the public while at the same time, protecting the public’s right to know.
|
