A firefighter sacked for making derogatory comments about a colleague’s son who has Down’s Syndrome is among a number dismissed by fire chiefs in the last ten years. 

According to figures obtained, five firefighters working in Cumbria have been dismissed in the last ten years.

Of those, three were related to misconduct issues, one was absence-related and one was related to capability.

Cumbria's fire bosses said the low number of dismissals showed that most firefighters adhered to 'high standards' and that the service was committed to 'challenging unacceptable behaviour'.

The figures were released by Cumbria County Council following a freedom of information request.

The council refused to provide any more detail about the incidents that led to firefighters being dismissed or which fire stations they were attached to.

In 2018, Ulverston-based firefighter Peter Clives was dismissed for an offensive comment made online.

On the eve of World Down’s Syndrome Day one Barrow and Walney firefighter posted a Facebook status urging his friends and family to wear odd socks to raise awareness.

People across Barrow, Ulverston and Millom, including many of the firefighter's colleagues, donned odd socks in support of the firefighter's son, who has Down's Syndrome.

Mr Clives sparked widespread outrage when he commented on the Facebook post with an offensive comment.

He was later sacked by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service a disciplinary hearing.

Commenting on the figures, Cumbria's chief fire officer said: “At Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, we have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and bullying.

"The Service is fully committed to challenging unacceptable behaviour and has high standards for all employees within the workplace, which are underpinned by our Code of Ethics; putting our communities first, leadership, dignity and respect, equality, diversity and inclusion, and integrity.

“Over the past ten years, the Service has dismissed five individuals which highlights that we attract and retain the very best people and the vast majority adhere to our high standards and Code of Ethics.

"But for those individuals that choose not to, we have robust procedures in place.”