Social Media in the Fire Service

Well, like everyone else, Fire Departments are joining the trend.  The trend, of being on facebook.   Departments have started to sign on to facebook and make public accounts.  But why?  It’s simple.  Let me explain why departments use facebook and other social media outlets.

·         Facebook saves the department money by replacing a usually website with a free facebook account or page.  Personal websites can cost over $500 to design and a monthly fee to maintain it.  It adds up to precious funds that could be diverted to other accounts. 

·         Facebook allows fire departments the ability to recruit new members more easily and more cost effective.  Many volunteer departments post recruitment information on their page.  Facebook gives them easier accesses to the younger population, ones who they are trying to attract. 

·         Facebook is an awesome tool for sharing public service announcements (PSA).  By posting PSAs, the department will be able to easily share important information that the public would want to read. 

·         Facebook allows non-for-profit agencies, such as volunteer fire departments the ability to fundraise with donations.  With the installation of apps, one can easily donate to the agency in record time.

There is much more, but these are some main reasons.   While all I have written is positive, there are no cons.  .  You can have a picture of medical patient or of a crime scene floating around the internet.  So, department have had to draft new laws and procedures for member.  Check to see if your local fire or police department has a facebook page.  You won’t regret giving them the like!