Let's be specific about names. Our site leader has established a site priority to respect privacy and confidentiality of all site members and their families as well as firefighters, fire officers, retirees, dispatchers, EMS personnel, EMTs and first responders. This is particularly important for security reasons, medical privacy and possible legal concerns. We do not want complaints made to or made by departments and outside organization.
A few site members disregard our site concern by posting family information, personnel addresses (with mailbox pictures), detailed medical information, personal information about job disciplinary actions, substance abuse problems and other information items that are private, unnecessary or inappropriate. As site Administrator, I receive complaints and delete indiscretions when appropriate. Most site members are respectful and considerate - but we ask all to be sensitive and considerate and comply with our site policy and guidance.
Posting the names of senior level incident commanders, senior officials or individuals who are publicly acknowledged in the news, media, reports or radio traffic is not a problem and has been specifically approved by our site leadership.
There are, however, concerns primarily in personal stories and posts in our General Section and News and Information About Members Section. These are some examples:
1. Medical information: We encourage all members to post information if someone is sick or ill - but please comply with normal confidentiality and privacy concerns. Detailed medical information requires family permission before posting.
2. Family information: Please do not post private family pictures of other members unless you have permission. It is OK to post pictures and information that is already public (e.g. - social media, web sites, etc) or pictures from group events (e.g. - retirements, ceremonies, etc) where attendees are aware that pictures are being taken and shared.
3. LODDs: No LODD details for any department should be posted until official Department confirmation is made.
4. Obituaries: All official and posted information related to the deaths of site members, department members, retirees, buffs and fire-service friends is encouraged.
4. Incident details: We encourage all members to share information they hear by radio or witness about incidents but use discretion about deaths, injuries, accidents and decision-making. As stated above, it is OK to post names of senior leader incident commanders if publicly known or announced.
5. Personal Introductions and Biographies: Welcoming new members is encouraged but discretion must be used before posting "life stories" and detailed biographies without permission. It is best to post short welcoming information and let new members introduce themselves.
6. Names: The site requires a "site name" to be selected. Our site encourages the use of "site names" when posting general information about other members instead of actual names. Use of actual names, however, is OK when posting historical events, eyewitness stories and job memories.
Our site is intended to share fire service-related news and information for the benefit of all members and site guests. We encourage participation and remind all members to recognize that posts are viewed by thousands of site visitors. Please respect all our terrific members and use discretion when posting information that might be personal and confidential. Thanks to all.