FY2017 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2017 | Page 2

M
embers of the Arlington Fire Department understand we have the
responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects proper ethical
behavior and integrity. In so doing, we will help foster a continuing positive public
perception of the Fire Service. The AFD Code of Ethics clearly identifies AFD
member’s conduct expectation as we strive to meet and exceed the expectations
of the community we serve.
Arlington Fire Department members will:
1
• Conduct ourselves, both on and off duty, in a manner that reflects positively on AFD
members, the Department and the Fire Service in general.
• Accept responsibility for our actions and for the consequences of those actions.
• Support the concept of fairness and the value of diverse thoughts and opinions.
• Avoid situations that would adversely affect the credibility or public perception of the Fire
Service profession.
• Be truthful and honest at all times and report instances of cheating or other dishonest acts
that compromise the integrity of the Fire Service.
• Conduct our personal affairs in a manner that does not improperly influence the
performance of our duties, or bring discredit to our organization.
• Be respectful and conscious of each member’s safety and welfare.
• Recognize that we serve in a position of public trust that requires stewardship in the honest
and efficient use of publicly owned resources, including uniforms, facilities, vehicles and
equipment and that these resources are protected from misuse and theft.
• Exercise professionalism, competence, respect and loyalty in the performance of our duties
and use information, confidential or otherwise, gained by virtue of our position, only to the
benefit of those we are entrusted to serve.
• Avoid financial investments, outside employment, outside business interests or activities
that conflict with or are enhanced by our official position or have the potential to create the
perception of impropriety.
• Never propose or accept personal rewards, special privileges, benefits, advancement,
honors or gifts that may create a conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof.
• Never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use or abuse that can impair
our mental state or the performance of our 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 Fire Department members 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 the Arlington Fire
Department, the Fire Service and the public. We understand the failure to resolve or report
inappropriate use of this media equates to condoning this behavior and is unacceptable, for
our primary obligation is to maintain the trust and respect of those we serve.