Empowering Roswell Citizens: Combating Misinformation with the Roswell Fire Department

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Caption: Roswell Fire Department’s Chad Miller, a multifaceted expert serving as Fire and Life Safety Educator, PIO, and Safe Kids North Fulton Coordinator, alongside Molly Oak, an esteemed News Reporter from 11Alive News in Atlanta, are training the Citizens Academy as Public Information Officers at the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Last night, I had the privilege of covering an event that highlighted the proactive efforts of the Roswell Fire Department in combating misinformation within the community. As I witnessed firsthand, misinformation has become a pervasive issue, often leading to confusion and panic among citizens. However, the Roswell Fire Department is taking significant steps to address this issue head-on.

The event, held at the Citizens Fire Academy in Roswell, Georgia, showcased the department’s dedication to educating citizens on the dangers of misinformation and the crucial role of the Public Information Officer (PIO) in crisis communication. Led by seasoned expert Chad Miller, the PIO for the Roswell Fire Department, and Molly Oak, a respected News Reporter from 11Alive, the event provided valuable insights into navigating the complexities of information dissemination in today’s digital age.

MOLLY OAK, a reporter for 11Alive in Atlanta, Georgia, trains the Roswell Fire Department’s Citizens Academy on how to improve the public’s perception of you during a press conference as part of the Public Information Training at the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center in Roswell, Georgia.

As I listened to Chad and Molly’s presentations, it became evident how easily misinformation can be spread through unreliable sources, particularly on social media and through word of mouth. With so many avenues for information consumption, citizens need to verify their sources and rely on trusted channels for accurate updates during emergencies.

The training session at the Citizens Fire Academy went beyond theoretical discussions, offering participants a hands-on experience in the role of community leaders during a mock news conference. Divided into teams, citizens tackled real-life scenarios, learning firsthand the challenges faced by PIOs in delivering clear and concise messages to the public.

Roswell Fire Department’s CHRIS ARCHER, the Fire Marshall, alongside MOLLY OAK, an esteemed News Reporter from 11Alive News in Atlanta, is leading a group through an impending weather event scenario where they will do a practice news conference as the roles of the mayor, fire chief, police chief and other leaders of the community as part of the Citizens Academy at the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center in Roswell, Georgia.

One of the key takeaways from the event was the critical relationship between PIOs and the local media in disseminating accurate information to the community. By working together, PIOs and journalists play a vital role in keeping citizens informed and prepared during crises.

Throughout the evening, Chad and Molly emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in crisis communication. They highlighted the department’s commitment to providing reliable updates through verified channels, such as the department’s website, to combat the spread of misinformation.

RFD Citizens Academy participants are going over their roles for a mock news conference as part of the Public Information Officer Training at the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center in Roswell, Georgia, to help the citizens understand what is involved in keeping the community informed during an impending severe weather event.

As I reflected on the event, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the Roswell Fire Department’s dedication to empowering citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of information in today’s digital age. By investing in education and collaboration, they are not only strengthening community safety but also fostering a more informed and resilient community.

In conclusion, the event at the Citizens Fire Academy served as a powerful reminder of the importance of combating misinformation and empowering citizens to become critical consumers of information. Through education, collaboration, and transparency, we can work together to build a more resilient and informed community in Roswell and beyond.

MARK PACACHA, a workshop participant, addressed the media during a mock news conference training exercise at the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center in Roswell, Georgia, as part of the Roswell Fire Department’s Citizens Academy. This training night was focused on the role of the Public Information Officer.