Women In Fire: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Social Media

Fire Engineering Podcast Network

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, host Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire, welcomes Chief Latosha Clemons, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Park, Georgia; Deputy Chief Heather Mozdean, Fremont (CA) Fire Department; and Captain Laura Lyons, Des Moines (IA) Fire Department, to discuss how social media shapes the fire service today. They explore the benefits of platforms like Facebook and TikTok for real-time emergency updates, recruitment, and community engagement. They also talk about some of the challenges social media presents: misinformation, blurred professional lines, and the risk of undermining public trust when firefighters post unvetted or inappropriate content. The panel emphasizes the importance of educating members on the ethical use of social media, reinforcing social media policies, and striking a balance between transparency and professionalism. The discussion also covers the evolving challenge of managing off-duty behavior and the cultural shift social media has brought to firehouse dynamics. As technology advances, the conversation stresses the importance of thoughtful social media strategies to promote the true mission of the fire service while protecting its hard-earned reputation. More: https://www.womeninfire.org/