Firefighter Code of Ethics
Background
e Fire Service is a noble calling, one which is founded on mutual respect and trust between reghters
and the citizens they serve. To ensure the continuing integrity of the Fire Service, the highest standards of
ethical conduct must be maintained at all times.
Developed in response to the publication of the Fire Service Reputation Management White Paper, the
purpose of this National Fireghter Code of Ethics is to establish criteria that encourages re service
personnel to promote a culture of ethical integrity and high standards of professionalism in our eld. e
broad scope of this recommended Code of Ethics is intended to mitigate and negate situations that may result
in embarrassment and waning of public support for what has historically been a highly respected profession.
Ethics comes from the Greek word ethos, meaning character. Character is not necessarily dened by how a
person behaves when conditions are optimal and life is good. It is easy to take the high road when the path
is paved and obstacles are few or non-existent. Character is also dened by decisions made under pressure,
when no one is looking, when the road contains land mines, and the way is obscured. As members of
the Fire Service, we share a responsibility to project an ethical character of professionalism, integrity,
compassion, loyalty and honesty in all that we do, all of the time.
We need to accept this ethics challenge and be truly willing to maintain a culture that is consistent with the
expectations outlined in this document. By doing so, we can create a legacy that validates and sustains the
distinguished Fire Service institution, and at the same time ensure that we leave the Fire Service in better
condition than when we arrived.
Firefighter Code of Ethics
I understand that I have the responsibility to conduct myself in a manner that reects proper ethical
behavior and integrity. In so doing, I will help foster a continuing positive public perception of the re
service. erefore, I pledge the following…
• Always conduct myself, on and o duty, in a manner that reects positively on myself, my department
and the re service in general.
• Accept responsibility for my actions and for the consequences of my actions.
• Support the concept of fairness and the value of diverse thoughts and opinions.
• Avoid situations that would adversely aect the credibility or public perception of the re service
profession.
• Be truthful and honest at all times and report instances of cheating or other dishonest acts that
compromise the integrity of the re service.
• Conduct my personal aairs in a manner that does not improperly inuence the performance of my
duties, or bring discredit to my organization.
• Be respectful and conscious of each member’s safety and welfare.
• Recognize that I serve in a position of public trust that requires stewardship in the honest and ecient
use of publicly owned resources, including uniforms, facilities, vehicles and equipment and that these
are protected from misuse and the.
• Exercise professionalism, competence, respect and loyalty in the performance of my duties and use
information, condential or otherwise, gained by virtue of my position, only to benet those I am
entrusted to serve.
• Avoid nancial investments, outside employment, outside business interests or activities that conict
with or are enhanced by my ocial position or have the potential to create the perception of impropriety.
• Never propose or accept personal rewards, special privileges, benets, advancement, honors or gis
that may create a conict of interest, or the appearance thereof.
• Never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use or abuse that can impair my mental
state or the performance of my duties and compromise safety.
• Never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, marital status, national origin,
ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition or handicap.
• Never harass, intimidate or threaten fellow members of the service or the public and stop or report the
actions of other reghters who engage in such behaviors.
• Responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities
in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor or embarrass my organization, the re service and the
public. I also understand that failure to resolve or report inappropriate use of this media equates to
condoning this behavior.
Developed by the National Society of Executive Fire Ocers
