Welsh Fire Chief Suspended Over Social Media Post
A Welsh fire chief has been suspended following an investigation into a social media post believed to be linked to him. The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service announced that its deputy chief fire officer, Stewart Forshaw, has been suspended as a precautionary measure.
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx released a statement saying, “I have recently been made aware of a historic social media post allegedly linked to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s deputy chief fire officer. Following an initial review of the post in question, I took the precautionary step yesterday evening of suspending the deputy while a full and fair investigation takes place.”
The statement emphasised the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and trust in the service. It highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, promising to address the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
The specific details of the social media post, including the platform on which it was shared, remain unknown. According to BBC Wales, Forshaw had joined the North Wales team in 2022, coming from the Greater Manchester Fire Service where he held significant roles.
Before his tenure in Manchester, Forshaw had a long career with the Cheshire Fire Service spanning nearly three decades. His responsibilities with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service included matters of equality, diversity, inclusivity, culture, welfare, and safeguarding.
This suspension comes amidst preparations for a joint report on the culture within the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The findings of this review are scheduled to be published soon.
Earlier, an ITV Wales investigation revealed concerning issues within the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, with 35 whistleblowers coming forward. One whistleblower alleged instances of “sexual harassment and physical assault” within the service.
The investigation and subsequent suspension of the deputy chief fire officer are significant developments within the Welsh firefighting community. The service’s commitment to addressing these issues with transparency and accountability underscores the importance of upholding the public’s trust in emergency services.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders and the community will be watching closely to see how the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service navigates this challenging situation. The outcome of the investigation and the joint report will likely have lasting implications for how fire services in Wales address internal issues and maintain public confidence.