The role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) has many facets, not the least of which is making sure that when a significant emergency occurs, he or she provides accurate and timely information to the media so that the public remains informed about the scope and nature of the situation.

Current Press Releases

Additionally, the PIO also answers to another constituency---the nearly two-thousand members of DFR, the firefighters, paramedics, investigators, inspectors and the administration. It’s important to make certain that each of these members knows what is going on in the Department, the events that have the DFR’s name stamped on it, the honors and accolades its members have received, stories about individual DFR members, and more.

Because DFR has an impact on so many levels in Dallas, America’s eighth largest city, it’s also important to share stories with the media about the Department. The PIO also creates news releases that are sent to print, electronic and, now, the newest arm of the media, cyber-journalists.

There are many things that the PIO does that the public may not be aware of. But the number one thing a PIO must be is honest and transparent. At the end of the day, PIOs, like those who report the news, must adhere to a policy of truth and transparency. To that end, DFR is committed to making certain that the news that flows from DFR is accurate and honest. Just as firefighters and paramedics make sure they don’t leave a scene until the entire job is done, DFR’s PIOs are committed to making certain that any and all information with Dallas Fire-Rescue stamped on it is as accurate as it is honest.