Sacked firefighter accepts settlement

Father-of-five Ian Hale was dismissed for alleged gross misconduct from his job as watch commander at Sedgley fire station along with the rest of the retained crew in 2007.

The details of the allegations against them have never been made public.

All of his colleagues later won back their jobs but not Mr Hale, who earlier this month took his case to a tribunal in Birmingham due to last five days.

Speaking today the grandfather refused to reveal details of the settlement concluded on the second day but said he was satisfied with the outcome. Mr Hale, aged 56, of St Mary's Close, Sedgley, said: "I believe that my dismissal was unfair and with the help and support of the Fire Brigade Union I took my case to a tribunal.

"I cannot give any details of the settlement but I can say I am pleased with the result," Mr Hale added.

"I was pleased to serve the community as a member of the fire service for 34 years and as watch commander at Sedgley for 28 years."

Mr Hale who is married to Nadine and retired from his job with British Gas months before the sacking said the conclusion to the tribunal had finally ended his nightmare.

He added: "It has been an unfortunate experience. The first six months after I was dismissed I felt as though my right arm had been cut off.

"It would have been nice after 34 years to have gone out on a high note.

"I have only really got through it all thanks to the support of my family and colleagues."

West Midlands Fire Service has refused to comment on the case saying disciplinary matters are confidential.

Spokesman Jeremy Sharpe said: "West Midlands Fire Service has a duty to maintain the highest professional standards in its service to the community and takes this responsibility very seriously."

Sedgley fire station in Tipton Road was closed last November despite protests from 12,000 people.