Three members of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are under investigation after allegedly allowing a group of children, including a cancer-stricken boy, to ride a fire engine during a community open day.
Details of the incident
The firefighters were reported after the rides took place on a public road, which the service believes could have put the children in danger. The engine traveled about a quarter of a mile, circled a roundabout, and returned within two minutes.
An unnamed firefighter told the Manchester Evening News: "One of the children was a little boy who is recovering from cancer. It made both his day - and his parents'. The brigade is always pushing community engagement, then they react like this, which is completely over the top."
Reaction from colleagues
The source added: "It is a travesty. The engine went no more than a quarter of a mile down the road then circled a roundabout and came back. It was not even two minutes."
He said: "The lad loves fire engines and it is the type of stuff done by many firefighters over the years. This is all part of a recent clampdown on discipline by the service's professional standards department. Really, in this case, a bit of common sense should have been applied."
The case has infuriated the rank and file. They could be given a final written warning or worse, and there is talk of possible industrial action - not striking - but some other action.
Service statement
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "As a matter of policy, the Service does not comment on individual employee issues, investigations or disciplinary processes, whilst the matter is ongoing."
"Where concerns are raised regarding conduct, they are considered through the appropriate procedures to ensure the standards expected of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service staff are maintained."
The source noted: "It was an open day so the appliance would have been off the run and would only have been required if we had a huge fire which required multiple pumps."
