Fire crews disciplined over prank

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An off-duty firefighter took a fire engine without permission as a prank to liven up a friend's birthday party, BBC South East Today has learned.

One firefighter was demoted and two disciplinary proceedings are ongoing, after Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the engine on Sheppey was misused.

The Fire Brigades' Union (FBU) said the behaviour did not represent the professional service people expected.

Emergency fire cover was being provided by another fire station at the time.

Sheppey MP, Derek Wyatt, said although it was a prank, the people concerned let themselves down.

All women like firemen Lesley Moss

Harry Sawyer, from the FBU, said: "The way that these people have allegedly behaved, does not represent the professional service that is expected."

Mr Wyatt said: "I think it was a prank and I think the people concerned deeply regret it.

"They've let not only themselves down but they've also let the force down, and they've let the island down."

The fire engine was taken from Eastchurch fire station in April to a birthday party at a working men's club.

Leading firefighter Andrew Hill was demoted following the prank. He later confirmed to the BBC his appeal against the ruling had failed.

'Impeccable standards'

Lesley Moss, whose 50th birthday celebration included the ride on the fire engine said: "It's just a bit of fun. All women like firemen."

Bill Feeley, deputy chief fire officer from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: "It could be viewed as a prank but our standards are impeccable and we are an excellent fire authority and the public's expectations are significant.

"Our interpretation based on the investigation and the facts is that there was a bit of a misjudgement applied on this occasion.

"We demonstrated we are taking this seriously and we have acted appropriately and fairly."