Teen firefighting volunteer taped to truck was regularly targeted by Eaglehawk colleagues, CFA finds
Updated
The assault of a 17-year-old girl at a central Victorian fire brigade last year was "not an isolated event", but an example of cultural problems at the station, the Country Fire Brigade (CFA) has found.
An investigation into the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade was launched in December after footage showed the young female volunteer being dragged under a fire truck and sprayed with water.
The CFA confirmed brigade captain Hayden Allen quit before he could be disciplined, but said he would be the subject of disciplinary action if he tried to re-join the service.
The inquiry found the girl was targeted repeatedly by some of her colleagues, and in one instance was taped to a fire truck.
Two volunteers have been suspended.
The CFA found that the attack was part of a "pattern of poor behaviour" at the station. It also found:
- There were cultural problems at the brigade, including a lack of discipline and respect
- The consumption of alcohol was a contributing factor in at least one of the incidents
- The brigade was let down by significant leadership deficiencies by its then-captain, who was involved in a number of incidents and displayed a lack of responsible leadership.
The CFA said a number of changes would be made at the station following the investigation, including disciplinary action against four members of the brigade.
Steps would also be taken to "improve leadership and cultural issues", the CFA said.
"CFA does not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination and all volunteers and staff are encouraged to utilise the range of wellbeing service provisions available to them, including the Complaints Hotline," the CFA said in a statement.
"It is vitally important that cultural problems inside the organisation are addressed and young CFA volunteers are supported and encouraged to continue the good work of CFA.
"CFA must collectively take a stand and work together to ensure that we grow into a modern and inclusive organisation for the future."
Topics: work, law-crime-and-justice, fires, bendigo-3550, vic
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