Winston Churchill said: “Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”
Following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, two firefighters and a police officer failed to heed the lessons of recent history. Instead of staying silent, tying their fingers or turning off their devices, they took to social media to share with the world their thoughts on the incident that claimed the life of one man, a firefighter, and left three others, including the former president, injured.
What was the history lesson they didn’t learn?
This number of firefighters and fire officers who found themselves facing consequences After making light of George Floyd’s murder or promising to run over protesters in the summer of 2020, it’s just as disturbing now as it was then. Those firefighters were either fired, suspended, or decided to resign (likely before being fired) from their departments. This isn’t ancient history or an isolated incident in a far-off community. These suspensions, firings, and resignations were trending news in every corner of the country all summer long.
Can I still learn from history?
Of course, you can learn from history and prepare for next time. We can be sure that there will be another national or global incident, and the frenzy of heated opinions, shouting, and red-hot partisanship will tempt you to get involved. But before that happens, I implore you to: Read the words of Assistant Principal Billy Goldfeder:
“You did not take any oath related to posting comments that can destroy your career or reputation on social media, so do not lose your position, your membership or your career for it. Many have done it and many regret it.”
Below, watch this video from Chief Marc Bashoor on the life- and work-changing effects of social media posts. Bashoor reminds viewers that they are not granted “the right to freedom from consequences, the right to a job, or the right to a specific employer.”
Then, set a reminder to read Goldfeder’s article and watch Bashoor’s video at least once a year. Better yet, assign training tasks to both departments, along with a review of the department’s social media policy and the consequences of violating the policy.
Does the public want me to post on social media?
Yes. The public wants to see the training you have completed. They want to hear about the steps your department is taking to make your community safer and read the community risk reduction messages that save lives and improve quality of life. Citizens want you to be present, face to face (not through a keyboard) at community functions, events, and parades. They even want to know about the sacrifices you make to serve the community and the mental and physical toll of your job. They also want to know what the department needs to better serve the community.
For everything else, as Bashoor says, it’s time to put down the keyboard and put the phone in your pocket. Before posting on social media, especially about political and social events that resonate in every corner of society, “think twice and walk away once.” Bashoor warns firefighters that they must build trust rather than compromise the public trust that firefighters have spent decades building in their community.
If you’re looking for a creative way to waste that great career as a firefighter, here’s the answer: be irresponsible and reckless on social media.
