03 February 2025 , 22:44
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A deputy fire chief has been suspended from his £122,000-a-year role over an ’anti-gay’ social media post.
Stewart Forshaw is being investigated by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service over an alleged homophobic post dating back to 2012.
The post, which has not been disclosed, was made on Twitter (now X) and an account linked to Mr Forshaw has since been deleted.
In a statement released by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday, Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said: ’I have recently been made aware of a historic social media post allegedly linked to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s deputy chief fire officer.
’Following an initial review of the post in question, I took the precautionary step of suspending the deputy while a full and fair investigation takes place.’
Mr Forshaw was appointed deputy chief fire officer of the service in 2022 and is responsible for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at the service.
He also received an award on behalf of the service for Outstanding Contribution in Public Services by Pride Cymru in 2024.
Ms Docx continued: ’I want to reassure our communities, stakeholders and colleagues that we remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and trust in our Service.
’Transparency and accountability are at the heart of everything we do, and we will address this matter with the seriousness it deserves.
’At this time, it would not be appropriate to comment further as we follow due process.’
Mr Forshaw previously worked for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire fire service.