New code of conduct for Richmond firefighters
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 4, 2006 | 8:36 AM PT
CBC News
Richmond city council has approved a new code of conduct for firefighters in the wake of allegations of widespread sexual harassment at municipal firehalls.
- FROM MARCH 21, 2006: Richmond's female firefighters walk off job, allege harassment
 Richmond fire Chief Jim Hancock said his members accept the new guidelines. (CBC) |
Anyone violating the code will face discipline, and could be fired.
"At this point I have a pretty good sense that this code will be readily adopted by our members, and the enforcement side of it will be strict and without much leeway," said Hancock.
He also said new guidelines for his firefighters will help his department move forward.
"Morale is pretty low right now, actually. And I think all of us are looking for opportunity to start to move ahead, move onward and upward. And today is that day."
- VIEWPOINT: Sexual harassment burns male firefighters
Richmond city councillors approved the code of conduct at Monday night's meeting, but not without debate. Several councillors felt it was too vague, and not strong enough.
They approved the plan, but only on the condition that it be revisited at the conclusion of an external review of the department launched last week following the sexual harassment allegations.
The results of that review are expected to be released by the end of June.
- FROM MARCH 28, 2006: Sexual harassment charges trigger full review
- FROM MARCH 29, 2006: Female firefighter adds union to lawsuit
- RELATED STORY: Richmond firefighters accused of obstruction of justice
