What do you think of the Homeland Security proposal that firefighters look for and report suspected terrorists?

jonathangrubb,

Thanks for the note. With 30,635 Fire Departments in the United States, not every agency or Firefighter has been given a chance to formally review - and therefore understand, the entirety of what the news media has described.

One thing that is essential, is for us to agree on the difference between anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism.

While counter-terrorism is largeley if not entirely a law enforcement matter (think hi-tech surveillance, covert operations, SWAT-like endeavors by armed personnel), anti-terrorism I would opine, is far different.

While I don't pretend to be an expert on the matter, I would suggest that ANTI-terrorism is a *goal* of every community member, and may take no further effort than a passerby (whether sworn or civilian) reporting a suspicious backpack left on a subway platform.

Think passive vs. aggressive.

Lest I be mistaken, it was the "anti"-terrorism efforts of a British ambulance crew that noted a strange mist within an illegally parked vehicle in London. Their reporting the vehicle for further evaluation prevented a bombing that could have killed hundreds.

Please know that I am not personally aware of any line Firefighters that are seeking a more 'aggressive' role than something your Grandmother might report to the grafitti hotline.

That analogy aside, there are *certainly* ethical issues that we all must consider (again, whether civilian or sworn), many of which relate to the 4th Amendment of our Constitution, and I am not singularly in a position to declare or determine where that issue should be benchmarked.

In the years to come, there will likely be case law that more clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of municipal employees who note unique situations. Hopefully, there will also be a greater understanding that the primarly role of Firefighters is to protect the community from harm, while at all times being accountable for their actions - and dare I say, lack thereof.

As a new LA resident, we hope you will soon visit your Neighborhood Fire Station and give us a better opportunity to address all of your concerns.

Thanks for posing the question, and please rest assured that the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department will do everything possible to remain worthy of your respect and praise.

Yours in Safety and Service,

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department