When, in the opinion of the group, is it appropriate to post LODD announcements. Iam concerned that today, there is a LODD post on the FFN home page. A firefighter named Jon Williams was reported killed in the line of duty, fighting a fire in his home district. There was a posting advising of the death on Mr Williams FFN home page. I have found no information from the Secret List, Firehouse.com, or any Virginia news outlet that contains any information.

Please understand, I am not doubting the reliability of the report. I am however concerned that an LODD can be posted on any members page. This is rapidly becoming a very popular web site for the public safety community. The malicious posting of erroneous information could have very damaging repercussions.

To that extent, prior to posting LODD's in this forum, should members wait for some form of official announcement from the firefighters home department, or be posted with a link that confirms the announcement? The thought that any member can access any members homepage, and post a LODD, is very troubling to me.

Thoughts of the group?