Online Posted Content and Commentary Policy

The Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) uses social media and related internet-based platforms to connect with our community, share timely safety information, and provide updates on VRFA programs and activities. These efforts aim to improve communication, foster transparency, and promote public engagement.

We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the public and promoting a respectful, safe online environment. Social media helps us inform and interact with our community in meaningful and accessible ways.

This policy outlines the guidelines for the use of VRFA’s official social media platforms and sets expectations for public interaction.

By accessing or engaging with any VRFA social media platform, users accept the following Public Use Guidelines:

• Transparency & Public Records: Posts and comments on VRFA pages are public and may be subject to the Washington State Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW). Users should have no expectation of privacy.
• Terms of Service: Social media use is also governed by the terms and privacy policies of the respective platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, NextDoor).

Prohibited Content

The VRFA reserves the right to remove content that includes:

• Off-topic comments unrelated to the post
• Campaign or political advocacy (per RCW 42.17A.555)
• Profanity or offensive language
• Discrimination or hate speech
• Sexual content or links to such material
• Commercial advertising or solicitations
• Illegal activity or encouragement thereof
• Security risks or threats to public safety
• Copyright violations or platform policy violations

Any content removed under these rules will be archived along with the time, date, and (when available) user information.

VRFA social media may link to external sites that provide helpful resources. However:

• VRFA policies no longer apply once users navigate away to external sites.
• We do not control or endorse content on third-party pages.
• Links posted by external users that violate our guidelines may be removed at any time without notice.

VRFA Will Not Link To:

• Pages affiliated with political candidates or campaigns
• Commercial pages unrelated to VRFA services
• Personal homepages
• Religious sites
• Any site violating VRFA’s public use guidelines

All content, including text, logos, graphics, photographs, videos, and livestreams produced by or for VRFA, is the property of the Valley Regional Fire Authority and is protected under copyright law.

Acceptable Use:

• Non-commercial personal use is permitted, with proper credit (e.g., “Courtesy of the Valley Regional Fire Authority Facebook Page”).

Prohibited Use:

• Any commercial use without written VRFA permission
• Any use of the VRFA logo for non-governmental purposes
• Redistribution of third-party material without respecting original copyrights

If you believe VRFA has used copyrighted content without proper credit, please contact our Community Outreach Team for review.

VRFA Social Media: Official platforms authorized by the VRFA for public communication.

VRFA Images: Any images, videos, audio, or digital media created in the course of VRFA operations, including livestreams.

For questions or concerns regarding our social media policies or specific content, please contact our Community Outreach Team.