Someone outside the department recently asked me about ethics in the fire service.  It made me think long and hard about what it really meant, and how your integrity also ties into ethics. 

Webster’s New College Dictionary defines ETHIC as: 1. A principle of right or good behavior. 2. A system of moral principles or values. 3.Ethics.  The study of the general nature of morals and the specific moral choices an individual makes relating to others. 4. Ethics. The rules or standards of conduct governing the members of a profession.

Nothing else really needs to be said about what ethics means to you as an individual.

Webster’s New College Dictionary defines INTEGRITY as; 1. Firm adherence to a code or standard of values. 2. The state of being unimpaired: Soundness. 3. The quality of condition of being undivided: Completeness.

Integrity is the essence of your self worth. It is how you present yourself. It is how you are perceived. It is how you are respected and a measurement of your character. As a public servant dedicated to serve and protect the public, your integrity is held to the highest degree possible. By reason of your job as a firefighter your integrity and the integrity of your crew relates directly to how effectively you deliver quality service. 

Every day in the fire service, we are faced with situations that require our best judgment.   It may be how we handle a particular patient, or how we attack a fire.  Each time we make a decision, we draw on things we have learned in the past, or lessons that have been delivered to us the hard way.   We are fortunate that we have a great group of people out there representing us and making excellent decisions in the field.  

When faced with a difficult situation or decision, the following guidelines can help you make good sound choices:

• Maintain the highest standards of personal integrity and be honest and straightforward in dealings with others;
• Do not participate in any improper activity which is likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the District, the Officers of the District, or yourself;
• Always place the safety of the public and other firefighters above any personal concerns you may have and strive to protect those individuals;
• Ensure that lifesaving and other services are provided fairly and equally to all without discrimination;
• Maintain a standard of mental and physical fitness commensurate with the requirements of your duties;
• Always be mindful of the needs of peers and subordinates and encourage and assist them freely in developing their skills, abilities, and talents to the fullest extent;
• Try to promote creativity and consider innovations that may better enable the performance of your duties and responsibilities;
• Always strive for professional excellence;
• Always be mindful that you represent not only yourself, but also the District both on, and off duty.

When you are faced with a decision or situation that seems difficult, use all of your available resources to make the right choice.  Decisions that you make today, however small they may be, will follow you for the rest of your life.   Something that may seem like the right thing to do at the time can have long lasting effects on not only your efforts here, but your life as well.  Remember that you have one thing that you are totally in control of in your life, and that is your reputation!  Having integrity and making ethical decisions about your actions will make that something that is easily protected.