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Fire boss defends conference cash

08 September 2008 20:53
The chair of the Avon Fire Authority has defended money spent on a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality in the Fire Service conference.
Councillor Albert Murphy said the October meeting was a "waste of money" and not the service's priority.

But the Fire Brigades' Union said some staff had died as a result of bullying.

Chairman Terry Walker said Avon Fire and Rescue Service should be praised for taking the lead and the benefits far outweighed the £2,000 cost.

"It is a total disgrace when firefighters take their own lives as a result of how their colleagues treat them" - Pat Carberry, FBU

Terry Walker said: "I was proud to host the LGBT conference and I was equally proud of the true leadership shown by the chief fire officer and others who put the programme together.

"In all my years of association with the fire service, I have never been to a conference that was so well-attended, with virtually every fire and rescue service in the UK sending delegates.

"From my perspective that demonstrates how important and serious such issues are for the modern fire and rescue service.

"It is a shame Mr Murphy chose not to attend, as he would have been enlightened to hear the views of speakers and delegates."

'Beggars belief'

Mr Murphy told BBC News Online he chose not attend the conference because he did not feel it was necessary.

"I know the rights and wrongs and don't need to go to a conference to be told it.

"They are there to run a fire and rescue service. It beggars belief that they are taking up this mantle."

Pat Carberry, from the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU) national gay and lesbian committee, said: "I wish to remind you of the enormous contribution that your fire authority has made by hosting this conference.

"It is a total tragedy to lose a firefighter whilst they are engaged in the emergency services they provide.

"It is a total disgrace when firefighters take their own lives as a result of how their colleagues treat them.

"The consequences of ignoring this issue have allowed this to happen and now hopefully we shall see an end to such instances."

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality in the Fire Service - an absolute taboo? was held in Bristol in 9 and 10 October.

It aimed to increase understanding and appreciation of LGBT equality issues and share good practice.

Courtesy of the BBC