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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2024
Emergency Services Praised For Response To Bus Crash
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has commended the swift and effective response of emergency services and hospital staff following a major bus accident in County Down today.
Emergency Services Praised For Response To Bus Crash
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has commended the swift and effective response of emergency services and hospital staff following a major bus accident in County Down today.
01 December 2025
NIFRS Honours 113 Employees For Decades of Service
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) held its Long Service and Good Conduct Awards ceremony on Thursday, 27 November 2025, at its new Learning & Development College (LDC) in Belfast. The event was held to honour 113 employees who have completed significant service milestones of 20, 30, or 40 years.
NIFRS Honours 113 Employees For Decades of Service
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) held its Long Service and Good Conduct Awards ceremony on Thursday, 27 November 2025, at its new Learning & Development College (LDC) in Belfast. The event was held to honour 113 employees who have completed significant service milestones of 20, 30, or 40 years.
24 February 2025
NIFRS Honours 131 Employees For Long Service And Good Conduct
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has recognised 131 employees for their long service and good conduct. An awards ceremony was held at the NIFRS's new Learning & Development College (LDC) in Cookstown on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
NIFRS Honours 131 Employees For Long Service And Good Conduct
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has recognised 131 employees for their long service and good conduct. An awards ceremony was held at the NIFRS's new Learning & Development College (LDC) in Cookstown on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
03 December 2021
NIFRS To Receive Additional £20.5m
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is to receive an additional £20.5 million to help address the financial challenges it is currently facing. The additional funding will help alleviate the pressures on the service from rising energy costs as well as overtime and other costs linked to the delivery of the frontline emergency response.
NIFRS To Receive Additional £20.5m
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is to receive an additional £20.5 million to help address the financial challenges it is currently facing. The additional funding will help alleviate the pressures on the service from rising energy costs as well as overtime and other costs linked to the delivery of the frontline emergency response.
09 December 2013
NIFRS Releases Christmas Safety Message
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has released an appeal to remind the public to be aware of fire safety over the Christmas period. NIFRS said that over the Christmas period last year (20 December 2012 – 6 January 2013), fire crews responded to 1,096 emergency incidents across Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Releases Christmas Safety Message
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has released an appeal to remind the public to be aware of fire safety over the Christmas period. NIFRS said that over the Christmas period last year (20 December 2012 – 6 January 2013), fire crews responded to 1,096 emergency incidents across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.