To whom should officers politely direct questions and interview requests?

The Public Information Officer is the appropriate person to direct questions and interview requests to because their primary role is to handle communication with the media and the public. They are trained to manage information dissemination effectively, ensuring that accurate and timely updates are provided during emergencies or events. Public Information Officers possess specific skills in public relations, media handling, and messaging strategies, which makes them the ideal point of contact for inquiries that may arise regarding departmental activities, operations, and incidents.

While the other roles have important responsibilities—such as overseeing day-to-day operations, safety protocols, or the overall leadership of the fire department—they are not primarily focused on external communications. The Operations Officer manages the logistical aspects of emergency response, the Chief Officer oversees all department functions, and the Safety Officer emphasizes adherence to safety standards. Thus, directing inquiries to the Public Information Officer ensures that the communications are handled professionally and efficiently.