Public Information Officer

All public education or demonstration requests should be made online.

The Public Information Officer is responsible for coordinating the department's public, media, marketing, and intergovernmental relations. This office is further tasked with the organization of seasonal activities, publicity/marketing campaigns, managing crises, and addressing negative publicity. Other duties involve developing the day-to-day management of all internal and external communication strategies as well as long-term strategies for both. The Public Information Office is also responsible for producing professionally written documents, brochures, summaries, books and manuals, and reports of all pertinent fire department activities as directed by the Chief of Fire Department. The role of the Public Information Officer is quite diverse in that he/she must function in dual or multiple roles to meet the demands for public information in this era. The PIO is intricate in establishing positive relationships with all outside entities and the community. The position's primary goal is to disseminate information and keep the public informed, in conjunction with working with the media to allow this to happen.

Please email John Mehling or call 317-741-4591 with any questions about the Public Information Officer's office at Westfield Fire Department.