MYSTERY surrounds the sudden retirement of the county’s deputy fire chief, with the fire service bringing down a wall of silence after media reports.
Deputy Fire Chief Gordon Hunter has served the Essex force for almost 30 years, has held several posts, including stints as station officer at Orsett and Grays fire stations and community commander for Basildon and Castle Point.
Last week speculation grew that he had been suspended over allegations of gross misconduct with one local newspaper reporting that the speculation had been confirmed .
It reported claims suggesting that compromising photographs and videos had been discovered and the force had concerns over his general behaviour.
However, last Thursday the force released a brief statement saying he had retired, adding: “The Service can confirm there are no outstanding investigations against former DCFO Hunter.
“DCFO Hunter headed ECFRS’ Service Delivery Directorate. Interim management arrangements are already in place with t/ACFO Dave Bill and t/ACFO Gary Fleming taking charge of Operations and Community Safety and Resilience respectively.
“The Service will be making no further statements on this matter.”
The retirement appears to be a sudden decision, as earlier last month Mr Hunter gave interviews talking about his plans and role for the summer Olympics, saying: “I need to ensure I can deliver the daily service the public expects, such as keeping roads open following road traffic collisions and responding to emergencies.
“It’s a big challenge, but we’re going to rise to that challenge. “
It is understood that Mr Hunter will be granted employment and pension privileges previously agreed.
Previously, media reports had quoted chief fire officer David Johnson as saying: “Deputy chief fire officer Gordon Hunter has been suspended following serious allegations of gross misconduct.
“The allegations relate to inappropriate conduct at odds with the service’s high standards of values and behaviours, particularly in light of his seniority.
“Suspension is a neutral act that allows an independent investigation to be conducted fairly and without prejudice.”
