Fire fighters and EMS workers serve in one of the most visible, yet misunderstood professions. Common misconceptions about the emergency services force fire and EMS personnel into positions where they are denied safe staffing levels, effective apparatus, and updated safety equipment. Fire fighters nationwide routinely face discipline when they speak publicly about job-related concerns and needs. Despite clear First Amendment protections, IAFF members have been suspended, demoted, and even fired for merely speaking at a city council meeting, writing a letter to the editor in their local newspaper, or even posting criticisms of their jurisdiction on social media. 

The IAFF urges Congress to pass the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act, which would ensure fire fighters can keep their fundamental rights to free speech and allow them to recover lost wages if they are unfairly disciplined for speaking out in their personal capacity.