The Fire Brigades Union understands a settlement has been reached between former Cheshunt firefighter Ashley Brown and Hertfordshire County Council concerning his dismissal after giving 25 years exemplary, life-saving service to the people of Hertfordshire.
The terms of settlement are to remain confidential between Hertfordshire County Council and Mr. Brown but it is understood Mr Brown will not be returning to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Whatever the agreed terms are, the FBU hope it brings some relief to the harrowing experience Ashley and his family have endured since his dismissal in December last year.
Keith Handscomb, FBU executive council member for East Anglia, said: “This may bring Ashley’s unfair dismissal claim to an end but the bad smell around this case remains as pungent as ever. Only last week the FBU shared deeply concerning information with the Council about some dubious and seemingly inappropriate communications involving managers at the highest levels in what was supposed to be a fair and impartial process.
“We wish Ashley and his family all the best as they try to rebuild their lives. But serious misgivings remain about the conduct of the original disciplinary proceedings, conflicting statements about the role of the chief fire officer and contradictory proclamations from the Council about their power to intervene.
“So the focus of the campaign now shifts from seeking justice for Ashley to ensuring the Council does not duck the wider concerns still hanging over the heads of every firefighter serving in Hertfordshire today. The disciplinary procedures must be overhauled and the Council should immediately reinstate the right for firefighters to have appeals against dismissal heard by county councillors. They are the people elected to represent the best interests of the people of Hertfordshire and who are ultimately responsible for looking after the firefighters they employ.”
