4 answers
Brittain
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
6
Questions
Asked
648 views
How do I become a Fire Department Public Information Officer? What areas have PIOs? What are their specific duties?
I currently serve as a volunteer firefighter in Moosic, Pennsylvania. While I really enjoy the firefighting aspect of the department, I enjoy the public relations activities so much more. Ive done a lot of research into PIOs, and information is hard to come by. I have, however, looked into South Metro Fire Rescue and gotten a lot of information regarding their Public Information Officers. Just a dream job that I am interested in getting more information about! #pio #fire #fire-department #fire-department-pio #public-relations #fire-public-relations #public-relations-officer
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4 answers
Tiffany Daniels Wallace
Communications
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
First, I'd like to thank you for volunteering. It is a critical job that few people truly appreciate until they are in need of your service.
Second, I'd recommend a three-pronged approach.
1. Continue to learn as much about the fire department as possible. Ask your colleagues how and why they joined. What they've learned? What they wish they'd known before joining? What brings them back each day? Their greatest love about the job? In addition to things like how the "business" is run. Cycles, budgets (if possible), funding structure. This information will both help you better understand the people and organization you are a part of AND help supply you with stories. Storytelling is a key skill for any communicator.
2. Reach out to other PIOs you can identify on LinkedIn or other channels. Request informational interviews. Many people will be happy to speak with an aspiring colleague. You'll likely not find two people that followed the same path. Also, don't feel the need to limit your network to current PIOs. Expand to include public relations professionals in other businesses that might interest you. While the topics may be specific, the vast majority of skills are often transferable. The biggest difference is the in-depth understanding of the industry they serve. With personal knowledge of a fire department AND the perspective of a firefighter, you will have a unique and (often more) complete story to tell.
3. It was unclear from your question if your current department has a PIO. If so, request to mirror them. Perhaps propose a project you could help support. If not, speak with your current leaders about potentially providing some pro bono public relations support. Is there a social media channel you could create and/or help draft posts for? Is there a pitch you'd like to make to local media about one of the awesome stories you uncovered during your phase 1 interviewing? Are there fire safety demonstrations for local K-12 kids you could help coordinate? (Caution: Even if you have BIG ideas, start small or very specific to ensure you can execute every aspect you want to and not spread yourself too thin. Build on your successes rather than attempt it all at once.)
Second, I'd recommend a three-pronged approach.
1. Continue to learn as much about the fire department as possible. Ask your colleagues how and why they joined. What they've learned? What they wish they'd known before joining? What brings them back each day? Their greatest love about the job? In addition to things like how the "business" is run. Cycles, budgets (if possible), funding structure. This information will both help you better understand the people and organization you are a part of AND help supply you with stories. Storytelling is a key skill for any communicator.
2. Reach out to other PIOs you can identify on LinkedIn or other channels. Request informational interviews. Many people will be happy to speak with an aspiring colleague. You'll likely not find two people that followed the same path. Also, don't feel the need to limit your network to current PIOs. Expand to include public relations professionals in other businesses that might interest you. While the topics may be specific, the vast majority of skills are often transferable. The biggest difference is the in-depth understanding of the industry they serve. With personal knowledge of a fire department AND the perspective of a firefighter, you will have a unique and (often more) complete story to tell.
3. It was unclear from your question if your current department has a PIO. If so, request to mirror them. Perhaps propose a project you could help support. If not, speak with your current leaders about potentially providing some pro bono public relations support. Is there a social media channel you could create and/or help draft posts for? Is there a pitch you'd like to make to local media about one of the awesome stories you uncovered during your phase 1 interviewing? Are there fire safety demonstrations for local K-12 kids you could help coordinate? (Caution: Even if you have BIG ideas, start small or very specific to ensure you can execute every aspect you want to and not spread yourself too thin. Build on your successes rather than attempt it all at once.)
Mike Steel
Sales
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Brittain, great questions. Unfortunately, I'm not a fire officer but I did find some good info that may be able to help you out in your search.
https://www.firehouse.com/home/article/10619267/fire-public-information-officers
https://www.firehouse.com/careers-education/article/21118155/the-fire-service-pio-training-for-public-information-officers
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/become-a-public-information-officer.htm
https://www.firehouse.com/home/article/10619267/fire-public-information-officers
https://www.firehouse.com/careers-education/article/21118155/the-fire-service-pio-training-for-public-information-officers
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/become-a-public-information-officer.htm
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Brittain
Patti Kelly, APR
Communications
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Patti’s Answer
I worked as a PIO for a trade association for a number of years. While not in the fire industry, I would suggest taking classes on PR, communications, media relations, comms strategy, and social media. Is there a local college or online classes you can take, if a university path isn't for you? Having a basic understanding of the foundational skills is a good place to start. You'll learn a lot on the job, but learning the basics first is so important.
You'll need to learn the media reporting cycles - and when it comes to emergency, fire, crime, etc the news cycle moves fast. You'll need to provide accurate information in a timely manner. Understand the data points the public needs to know - things around safety, crime, avoiding fires, etc. Understand what info the public needs to know proactively (like evacuation routes for every scenario, how to avoid house fires, etc) and reactively (after an event occurs). Study how fire departments disseminate information and understand what tools are needed to get info out effectively. Hone your writing skills. Good luck!
You'll need to learn the media reporting cycles - and when it comes to emergency, fire, crime, etc the news cycle moves fast. You'll need to provide accurate information in a timely manner. Understand the data points the public needs to know - things around safety, crime, avoiding fires, etc. Understand what info the public needs to know proactively (like evacuation routes for every scenario, how to avoid house fires, etc) and reactively (after an event occurs). Study how fire departments disseminate information and understand what tools are needed to get info out effectively. Hone your writing skills. Good luck!
Thank you so much, Patti!
Brittain
Katie Miserany
Communications
8
Answers
Redwood City, California
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Try looking up some PIOs on LinkedIn and reaching out to ask if you can set up an informational interview! Most people are flattered that you're interested in their career and happy to talk on the phone or on Zoom.
Thank you, Katie for the advice.
Brittain