FY2018 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2018 | Page 31

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:
• 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.
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