Positive Media Relations

In the fire service we all carry a tool box throughout our career to help us achieve the goals we have set for ourselves or our department. During our journey we pick things up to add to our toolbox and hopefully we are stopping long enough along the way to learn how to use them to our fullest advantage.

Over the course of time, in my position as a Public Information Officer, I've filled a couple of these toolboxes with both lessons learned from others, as well as, things I have picked up along the way. The media is one of the best tools to keep with you at all times. Whether PR is your full-time job or you hold any other rank within the fire service, having media there to get your side of the story out is incredibly valuable.

Here are some keys to success that I have learned along the way that can help you organization:

1. Sell, sell, sell!