Fire authority figurehead suspended pending investigations into complaints.
Avon Fire Authority’s chief and deputy chief fire officer have been suspended with immediate effect.
The decision was taken at a meeting of Avon Fire Authority’s Employment Committee Panel on Thursday, July 27, pending investigations into the findings contained within the Statutory Inspection report and complaints made against them.
A fire service spokesman said; “Suspension is a neutral act to protect the organisation and the individuals concerned.
“At the moment these are only allegations which will be investigated in line with disciplinary procedures and processes.
“Avon Fire Authority will be making no further comment.”
In the interim, peer support will continue to be provided by Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and other neighbouring fire and rescue services.
Steps are also being taken with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to find suitable individuals to act as interim chief and deputy chief fire officers.
The spokesman said: “Members of the public can be assured that there will be no impact on our operational capability during this period.”
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