Introduction to Employment Law for the Aspiring Company Officer
Looking to promote? That is great - you have put alot of time and effort, sweat and tears, into getting where you are today. Confident in your operational and tactical experience, you are ready to take the next step, going from buddy to boss. And once there, you will likely encounter a host of challenges that you could not imagine - the dreaded personnel issues. Did you know that most lawsuits brought against Fire Departments are brought by current or former personnel? Do not let that scare you away from climbing the ladder. This session will present the basics of personnel law that you should know as a new company officer, helping you make the transition with confidence both on the fire ground and the kitchen table.
We will review the employment discrimination laws, important at the local, stte and federal levels, regardless of what is happening in DC. Of critical importance, we will discuss and role play scenarios that might come up at the station implicating these laws. Of course, we will briefly tackle the omnipresent threat of crossing the line when posting on social media, an activity any new company officer needs to take seriously. And, along with your promotion, you are the front line liasion responsible for recognizing possible requests for different types of accommodations (disability, pregnancy, religious) or family and medical leave. We will work on deciphering often vague communications or observations which might trigger a duty for you to report up.
You will leave this session with checklists, and likely many questions. But do not worry - those questions just mean that you are the type of considerate officer that your Department needs. It is never too soon to start thinking about and planning for your next role in the Fire Service.
