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Risqué photos: Does the end justify the means?
Some details need to be looked at and resolved before going further with discipline
By Art Hsieh
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Editor's note: There are a couple of points being raised in this story that are pretty straightforward for rendering an opinion. On the other hand, other issues are a bit more challenging. So, turning to our readers, what do you think? Here are Art's thoughts; you can share yours by answering this short survey. |
Members of Jacksonville Fire and Rescue made headlines last week when racy photos revealed some firefighters' questionable behavior at a fundraiser for a fallen firefighter's family. The behavior of the department's members raise both legal and ethical issues.
The legal ones are pretty straightforward: If the department has rules that prohibit the use of its uniforms for any reason outside the workplace, it would seem that there were violations.
Now, is it possible that there no "identifying" emblems or markings that could point to the department? Were there any announcements that the personnel were in fact from the department? Was the event officially sanctioned by the department or by the presence of senior officials?
These are the details that need to be looked at and resolved before going further with discipline.
The ethical issues are more clouded. If this was indeed a fundraiser for a firefighter's surviving family, as described, does the end justify the means? Is more money raised because it was a more risqué event, compared to, let's say, a pancake breakfast? If so, isn't it good to conduct such an event, for the family's sake?
What about the possible perception by the community about its public safety providers? Given the scrutiny on public pensions and criticism of firefighter salaries, does it seem — well, a bit unseemly that firefighters are cavorting around half-dressed onstage?
I'm not too sure about other professionals, but I haven't seen lawyers, doctors and nurses do the same thing at their parties. Well, at least the parties I've been to...
Do we reinforce our own perceptions by condoning such behavior? Most of you know how I lament about our "two steps forward, one step back" approach to becoming accepted professionals within the medical community.
When we say dumb things on Facebook or record videos or photos of patients at their worst moments and then distribute them to everyone on the planet, I simply cringe and hope no one in my response community sees those images and paints the entire responder community with a broad paintbrush.
I'd like to know what you think. Take a moment to respond to the quick survey.
David Young Tuesday, August 14, 2012 12:58:30 PM As a provider in a combined service with 4 separate agencies, I can tell you from firsthand experience that when someone in any of those agencies crosses a line, a) the general public does not differentiate, and b) the media tends to tar with a wide brush. We are expected to police ourselves, and when we don't, the media will happily throw a rope around anyone standing too close. This directly affects public trust, and it makes our job that much more difficult. 
Prudencio Ferdz Salado Avecilla Tuesday, August 14, 2012 5:42:39 PM our commitments are not just service....professionalism and ethical values are also in the package. 
Sandy Russell Tuesday, August 14, 2012 5:43:11 PM It was for a good cause. Let's face it, sex sells. Just about everything on television offers sex appeal. It's not the taboo that it was fifty years ago. But it doesn't stop people from complaining, judging or stereotyping. 
Bion Sanborn Tuesday, August 14, 2012 7:52:29 PM um... where can I get a copy of the pictures? lol.... 
Parker Sheehan Wednesday, August 15, 2012 8:01:47 AM I have been a member of the fire service for 31 years and I have always stressed the tradition we as firefighters/first responders should always strive to uphold. As has been mentioned, "Sex sells", which is certainly true in this day and age...but, should it be used in an unprofessional manner? Firefighters, scantily clad, and/or imitating lewd behavior, is not in my opinion befitting the profession, nor the tradition which it represents. I'm no prude, but I don't feel this type of risque behavior has a legitimate place in such a tradition rich profession as the fire service. A pancake feed might be boring, but at least it shows our better side and doesn't put our morals, or our ethics into question...as long as we keep our clothes on during the event. 
Rick Lagtag Friday, August 17, 2012 7:28:50 PM young people in this profession must realize everything you do in the profession is under the microscope. if it looks bad, feels bad or soumds bad don't do it. the fire and ems service does not need any more scrunity. we need the proper funds to do the best job possible. 
Julia Harris Friday, August 17, 2012 8:16:49 PM Have they absolutely lost their minds? Anyone I know in public service in my area would be fired immediately and blackballed in the whole region if not the state. I would be afraid to go into a bar in street clothes, never mind stripping out of department uniform. While I HATE double standards; the fact is they still exist especially in the male dominated world of the fire dept., so that female really p*sses me off. I didn't become a part of this world so I could pick up men or find a husband and then go to nursing school. This is my life and I've had to fight every step of the way against the prejudice that still exists in this field. Any woman who degrades herself and the profession by doing something like this shouldn't be in it and dragging the rest of us down. And the fact that the men are more likely than she is to get out of this without losing their jobs makes me even madder. Talk about an horrendous lack of judgement on everybodies part. I wouldn't want to work with them or have my tax dollars pay their salaries. 
Carissa Hermoso Elegido Monday, August 20, 2012 7:28:41 AM We should always think that misbehaviour of one member will affect the whole organization. Even if it is for a good cause, they should think that they are still professionals and everything has the limitations. 
Donna Clark Wednesday, August 22, 2012 7:53:44 PM Was this a fundraiser open to the general public or was it a fundraiser amongst brothers and sisters from varying departments? If it was just amongst the public safety family then I do not feel that they did anything wrong. For the city to condem it wld be like them coming into your back yard drunken bbq and telling you stop skinny dipping. If it was for the general public well, hunks and ladders is any different how? Either way use of city issued gear wld be a no no. 
Charlene Mcdonald Thursday, August 23, 2012 3:42:59 PM if they in fact had no logo or squad name , then for all the public could tell it could have been a movie scene or just random people dressed up like firefighters. 
