NSW: Inquiry to discover how firefighter took truck on joyride

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-1999
NSW: Inquiry to discover how firefighter took truck on joyride

The New South Wales Fire Brigade says it's accepted a resignation from an on-duty Sydney
fire fighter who took his friends on a late-night drunken joyride in a fire truck.

Spokesman JOHN HOBAN says the results of the inquiry into the incident will be reported
back to the Commissioner within 14 days.

The 35-year-old fireman's joyride across the Harbour Bridge -- complete with screeching
sirens and flashing lights -- ended when he was caught by police at 4.15am.

He's been charged with high range drink-driving, after recording a blood-alcohol level of
0.155, and bailed to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on August 31.

Mr HOBAN says a key point in the inquiry will be to discover how the station's sole fire
truck could be taken without authorisation, and address the problem of drinking on the job.





Today's incident comes in the midst of an industrial war between the state government and
firemen fighting for increased worker entitlements.

It was a work ban on fighting fires which led to the fireman being one of just two people
staffing the Pyrmont fire station overnight.

AAP RTV jo/sb/mo/kbw/jn

KEYWORD: DRUNK (SYDNEY)

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