Fury as firefighters face disciplinary action for taking children including one boy recovering from cancer for rides on their engine during an open day
By JAKE HOLDEN, UK NEWS REPORTER
Published: 07:11 EDT, 23 July 2026 \| Updated: 07:37 EDT, 23 July 2026
Three firefighters are facing disciplinary action for taking children for rides on their fire engine, including one boy recovering from cancer.
The firefighters are said to have allowed the youngsters aboard the off-duty engine during an open day at the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).
Bosses launched an investigation after the crew was reported, and it is understood the service believes the inquiry should stand because the rides were on a public highway.
One unnamed firefighter said: 'One of the children was a little boy who is recovering from cancer. It made both his day - and his parents. The brigade is always pushing community engagement, then they react like this, which is completely over the top.
'It is a travesty. The engine went no more than a quarter of a mile down the road then circled a roundabout and came back. It was not even two minutes.
'The lad loves fire engines and it is the type of stuff done by many firefighters over the years. This is all part of a recent clampdown on discipline by the service's professional standards department.
'Really, in this case, a bit of common sense should have been applied.
'The case has infuriated the rank and file. They could be given a final written warning or worse, and there is talk of possible industrial action - not striking - but some other action.'
Three firefighters are facing punishment after they took children for a ride in their fire engine - including one boy recovering from cancer. Here, Rochdale Fire Station holds its open day on June 6. It is not confirmed if this was the station at which this occurred
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: 'As a matter of policy, the Service does not comment on individual employee issues, investigations or disciplinary processes, whilst the matter is ongoing.
'Where concerns are raised regarding conduct, they are considered through the appropriate procedures to ensure the standards expected of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service staff are maintained.'
The source added: 'It was an open day so the appliance would have been off the run and would only have been required if we had a huge fire which required multiple pumps.'
The investigation will seek to establish if there were any health and safety breaches and exactly how many rides were given.