They were supposed to help the crashed passengers. They stole from them instead.
Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle confirmed that 14 firefighters, including supervisors, have been detained for allegedly making off with valuables from the Fly Jamaica aircraft that crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport early yesterday morning.
Gentle said that the detained ranks consisted of the entire team of firefighters, including supervisors, who were stationed at the CJIA.
He said that some ranks who rushed to the scene even though they were off-duty, are also in custody.
Some of the alleged culprits have over 15 years’ service. There were also junior ranks with three to five years’ service.
The stolen items included tablets, cell phones and colognes, which were stolen from the pilot and passengers. Some of the items have been recovered.
“Fourteen ranks are currently in police custody and there will be criminal proceedings and also departmental action,” an upset Chef Fire Officer told Kaieteur News.
The theft was reportedly unearthed after the pilot of the crash-landed aircraft reported that some of his personal items were missing from the cockpit.
After an investigation was launched, one of the ranks handed over two cell phones that he had already stashed in his vehicle. “That was when we realised that it was more serious,” Gentle said.
“They were dishonest; there is no long and short of it. We unreservedly apologise (but) this is not (the behaviour of) the rank and file members of the Guyana Fire Service.
This is clearly a fringe element of the Fire Service…persons, including supervisors, who could forget morals and principles.”
It is the second time in recent years that the Fire Chief has had to express concern at the behaviour of some dishonest ranks.
In May, 2016, four firefighters were arrested for making off with cell phones from the home of Traffic Chief Dion Moore, after responding to a fire at Moore’s residence.
One of the phones was found under the seat of the fire tender they were in when police stopped the ranks at a roadblock.
What a disgrace. This is a public shame for their country. Who rob from ppl in a plane crash.
Fire dem and charge dem! Mek sure dem cyaah go inna no more firefighting job or of any sort. They care zero about the ppl.. damn teef! unnu supposed to a put out fire an help di ppl.