Finally! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> UPDATE: Fire Chief Bowers Issues Statement
> Regarding Nicole Mittendorff
>
> I would like to take a minute to address the local
> web forum posts that so many of you have been
> discussing regarding Firefighter-Nicole
> Mittendorff. We at Fairfax Fire and Rescue are
> aware of the posts and are looking into the
> matter. I assure you that my department can not
> and will not tolerate bullying of any kind. At
> this time, we are respecting the privacy of
> Firefighter-Paramedic Mittendorff’s family, and
> providing support to the men and women of the
> Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department who are
> grieving under these challenging circumstances. We
> will thoroughly investigate this matter and take
> any appropriate actions needed. However, right now
> we ask that we be allowed to grieve the loss of
> one of our own.
>
> – Fire Chief Richard Bowers
So close!
Unfortunately, like anything else in this world, the trick to nailing PR is timing. This was nearly thirteen hours late. Waiting to address problems just gives people more time to find their pitchforks. Another key element of good PR is keeping the focus on the problem. The final statement in this release turned the attention back on the organization that allowed this culture to thrive in the first place.
The next reasonable step towards resolving this matter is drafting a plan that outlines how change will be implemented in this organization while the investigation is occurring. I recommend getting this together as quickly as possible.
Friends, I want to reiterate that arguing with internet folk will not help. If you would like to express your feelings about this matter, I would encourage you to send them here:
http://www.nancygrace.com/contact.html.
Cyber-bullying is a national issue.