11/12/2018

NI Fire Service Chief Suspended

The Head of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has been suspended.

Gary Thompson joined the service in 1994 and worked as a part-time firefighter until he became chief in 2016.

The suspension is understood to be a "precautionary" measure, and came into effect on Monday 10 December.

A spokesperson for the NIFRS said: "Precautionary suspension is a neutral action in line with policies and procedures.

"The NIFRS Board, in conjunction with Department of Health, will now consider and put in place interim arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of our service to the public."

The development follows confirmation last month that the service is investigating the involvement of some firefighters in an investment scheme.



(JG)

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