A FIRE officer who starred in a charity calendar has been sacked for sending a pornographic email aftre a brigade-wide probe.
Watch manager Mark Sapple - who once featured in a calendar of 'beefcake' fire officers - was axed after a four-month probe. Firefighter Christopher Moss, who was based at Stalybridge, and Mr Sapple were both sacked for forwarding hardcore pornographic material.
11 other officers were disciplined for passing on 'inappropriate' material of an adult nature.
Sources said the brigade had been 'rocked' by the revelations - and added that said the sackings could be 'just the start' of a wider disciplinary sweep.
The investigation began when Mr Sapple, who worked at the Fire Service training centre in Manchester city centre, and Salford-based community safety officer Jan Finch were suspended on full pay for allegedly sending an 'inappropriate' email.
Mrs Finch allegedly sent the e-mail to Mr Sapple included a graphic image with a humorous caption of an unknown woman with a body piercing. Mr Sapple is then said to have forwarded it to other people.
Among those who allegedly received it was a woman member of the brigade's staff. As she looked at it, a senior officer who was standing by her also saw it and decided to make a formal complaint to management.
The suspensions triggered a lengthy inquiry in which e-mails Mr Sapple and Mrs Finch had sent were traced to other officers, whose e-mails were also examined when further, even more graphic, material was then discovered.
It is understood the emails - which included images and video - were condiered so explicit that police were asked for guidance. However, it was decided none of the material was illegal.
Mrs Finch has been given a final written warning.
A senior manager at Rochdale Borough headquarters has been demoted to firefighter and two other members of staff based at fire service HQ in Pendlebury have been demoted one rank.
Five other staff have been given a final written warning, and one a written warning. An officer based in Salford, has also received a written warning.
Deputy County Fire Officer Kieran Nolan said: "Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service acted swiftly to initiate an internal investigation, keeping the trade unions fully informed at all stages.
"Our service is held in high regard by the people of Greater Manchester and those businesses and organisations that work with us. Our reputation is built on the professionalism, integrity and respect of our staff and the work they do.
"The behaviour of these individuals is extremely disappointing, but I can assure the public that we will always take the appropriate disciplinary action against those who fail to meet the professional standards that is expected of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service."
All 13 of the fire officers declined to comment but have the right to appeal against the disciplinary action. Despite attempts to contact them, no one was available for comment from the Fire Brigades Union.
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selfexiled (26/10/2009 at 09:18)
There is something we are not being told here or perhaps the bosses sacked the recipent for not sending them a email.
Angie33 , Manchester (26/10/2009 at 09:21)
Panzer 391, Salford (26/10/2009 at 09:22)
C.O. Jones (26/10/2009 at 09:34)
Was it really a justifiable sacking offence?
MPs gravy train, UK (26/10/2009 at 09:38)
When will people learn that work PC's are for work. Its not rocket science is it? You'd be sacked in some parts of the private sector just for using a PC for personal matters, never mind sending porn
Knowsleyman, Paphos (26/10/2009 at 09:53)
Having said that the level of punishment handed out does not appear very equal at all.
The WOMAN that started it all just gets a slap on the wrist. No justice there!!!!!!
Panzer 391, Salford (26/10/2009 at 09:55)
Careless Whisper (26/10/2009 at 09:57)
Seemingly Ignored, Heald Green (26/10/2009 at 10:17)
In my mind, sacking a highly trained firefighter for this sort of boyish prank is a waste of public money.
Swamp Donkey, Shadybridge (26/10/2009 at 10:21)
theoracle1981, manchester (26/10/2009 at 11:10)
What planet do you live on? I cant believe the comments you come out with sometimes! To suggest that firecrews only have themselves to blame for being attacked is just outrageous!
You should be ashamed of youself!
Angie33 , Manchester (26/10/2009 at 11:22)
Opinion Man (26/10/2009 at 11:27)
James S (26/10/2009 at 11:41)
Deano58 (26/10/2009 at 11:43)
C.O. Jones (26/10/2009 at 11:43)
That is the most random pile of tripe i have seen on this website and their is an awful lot to compete with..
Knowledge Poverty, WIPE OUT THE FERAL SINK ESTATE WHITE TRASH SCUM (26/10/2009 at 11:51)
still unfair - the originator should have gone too.
I think this is a good example of some of the double-esque standards you get in the public sector. i.e. the racy nude beefcake fireman for charidee calendar is fine, cos its for charidee, but then some folk do something stupid and out the door you go.
I think the thing is that public sector workers have to learn is that their employers will always be as judgemental as they need to be when the situation arises, never commit anything to paper or electronic media if you wouldn't want it traced back to you.
And sadly, trust no one. Especially not people who work in 'Human Resources'
hjk (26/10/2009 at 11:56)
cjs73 (26/10/2009 at 12:14)
Your comment is absolute nonsense in so many ways.
Al Capone of Atherton, Atherton (26/10/2009 at 12:16)
Why was the woman who sent it not sacked? This should be investigated.
CorneredAllTheLuck, Tameside (26/10/2009 at 12:26)
Gustaf Sanderson (26/10/2009 at 12:36)
Careless Whisper (26/10/2009 at 12:39)
Firstly: Like I said the fire-fighters do an excellent job- but with them drawing attention to themselves in other ways. i.e. Keep whipping off their kit. Could someone please explain to me why being a fireman means that they have to appear semi naked on calenders etc? There are a lot of attractive female nurses of whom work in our hospitals. I have never come across a nude nurse calender yet etc.
d1v1s1onby0, Wigan (26/10/2009 at 12:42)
As an IT professional I have encountered more than a few cases like this and the above statement is used repeatably to protect the person who has actually received the email and complained about it.
Aside from that, I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to deny everything and engage a decent solicitor, it is practically impossible for anyone to conclusively who actually sent an email in a work environment.
Sacking these people under these circumstances is a joke when you also promote them in a calendar with sexual overtones.
Angie33 , Manchester (26/10/2009 at 12:48)