The fire service industry has changed over the years with more and more female fire personnel joining the ranks. It has become increasingly necessary for fire service leaders to set the standards of behavior in the workplace.

Fire stations need to provide a safe working environment free from harassment of any kind.

• Chiefs, officers, and commissioners should strive to provide a safe, respectful, and inoffensive work environment.
• The leaders must implement a workable and straightforward anti-sexual harassment policy.
• Personnel should be provided training on the content of the policy.
• Adequate and timely responses to concerns and complaints is a must.
• Appropriate discipline for those found to have violated the policy needs to be part of the implementation of the policy.

For more tips on preventing sexual harassment for VFDs, talk to your agent or underwriter. 

Policyholders at Utica National can get more risk management information at the Customer Care center. 

_{NOTICE: This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group ("Utica National") are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica National shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.}