Lying About Spotter Costs 2 British Firefighters Their Jobs

Two firefighters with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are out of their jobs following a minor backing accident that damaged a wall. They were accused of lying about the use of a spotter.

David Woollam and William Lindfield were waiting with their apparatus while three firefighters investigated a flood damaged property. FF Woollam attempted to turn the vehicle around and while backing it struck the wall of a home. Brigade policy requires that a spotter be deployed whenever vehicles are backed.

FF Lindfield told investigators that he was serving as a spotter, while FF Woollam claimed he began backing before he realized a backer was not present on his backup camera. Woollam claimed he then mistakenly left the vehicle in reverse striking the wall.

Investigators concluded that the pair had lied. FF Lindfield was terminated and FF Woollam opted to take an early retirement.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Louisiana Firefighter Charged With Setting Firehouse On Fire

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has brought arson charges against a firefighter for setting a hurricane-damaged firehouse on fire. Jamison Smith, 18, is charged with simple arson for the fire that destroyed the Iowa Volunteer Fire Department’s former main station.

Albany Prevails at Second Circuit in Discrimination Suit

An Albany fire captain who claims he wrongfully was denied a promotion to battalion chief following an off-duty incident, has lost his appeal to the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Captain Jeremy Clawson claims the City of Albany rescinded a civil service promotion he earned in 2019 on account of a disability and his race.