Fire and emergency services stand at the crossroads. We have always been the good guys, ready to risk our lives for our neighbor. However, things have changed. The taxpaying public demands accountability, even from its heros. The media sensationalizes the smallest of stories involving firefighters. The digital age results in photo and video evidence of nearly every conceivable act of wrongdoing being captured for all to see.

The day when a fire chief could hope to manage indiscretions and improper conduct quietly behind closed doors is gone. Heightened public sensitivity to official wrongdoing makes the risk from false and unfounded allegations just as dangerous to emergency organizations and the careers of its leaders, as truthful allegations. Legal complexities make the investigation of complaints of wrongdoing a critical aspect of the progressive fire and emergency service organization. Yet time and time again we see fire departments struggling to properly address allegations.