Answer:

The first thing I would do is to gather the facts. The question stated that I saw my fellow firefighter put something in his pocket. I am pretty sure that it is something that fell out of his pocket when he bent over. I am not going to assume that he is stealing something. I believe that firefighters are an honest group of people. I am certain that once I gather the facts, I will find that there is a simple explanation.

Keeping this in mind, I would feel an obligation to investigate the matter. I would approach the firefighter and ask him if he is keeping the valuables in his turnout coat pocket for safekeeping. His response will dictate my reactions. If he tells me yes, I would give him any valuables that I have collected and continue with my duties. This is consistent with what firefighters do on the fire ground during salvage operations. Yes, it is a little unconventional to put something in your turnout coat pocket instead of a salvage bag, but it is what we do nonetheless.

If he looks at me like I am crazy and denies putting anything into his pocket, we would have a problem. I will reiterate that I believe that I saw him put something into his pocket. If he still denies it, I would feel like now I am at a crossroads.

I will tell him what I saw. I will make it clear to him that I have no intention of letting this issue pass without taking proper action. It is important that the captain find out about this situation. It is an uncomfortable set of circumstances but I would not be willing to let it pass without taking the appropriate action. My objective would be to show my fellow firefighter the value of him bringing it to the captain’s attention on his own.

If I am unable to convince him, or he is not willing to tell the captain, I have no recourse but to tell him myself. I know it will make the firefighter look better in the eyes of the captain if he comes forward with the information. If he is unwilling to come forward on his own, I will have to do it myself. Lastly, by doing so it will make it much easier on my relationships with my fellow firefighters.

The firefighter apologizes, says he lost his mind for a moment, and offers to put the item back. He says he is sorry and that he doesn’t know what he was thinking. He asks to keep this between us “brother firefighters.”

I will be sympathetic but firm. I will explain to him that even though I understand that this is a difficult situation, one way or another the captain needs to be informed. I will tell him that it will sound better if he tells the captain himself. I will ask him if he would be more comfortable, I will go with him. Make no mistake about it; if he is not willing to tell the captain, I will.