Australian Firefighter Facing Criminal Charges Over Facebook Post

Posted by: Curt Varone October 23, 2014 1 Comment

A Queensland, Australia firefighter is facing criminal charges over a Facebook scandal involving a “straw poll” where firefighters rated which female coworkers would be best in bed.

Jon Wreford, 33, was charged by police on October 12 with using the internet to “menace, harass or cause offence”. The offense carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison. He is scheduled to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on November 6.

The Facebook “straw poll” scandal is one of several bullying and harassment scandals facing the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Another involved the portrayal of female officers as well known people ranging from supermodel Elle McPherson to Adolph Hitler.

Wreford has been suspended from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 40 years of fire service experience and 30 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) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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