Female firefighter reveals the shocking harassment that forced her to leave her ‘dream job’

A female firefighter was harassed by a manager who demanded sexual favours in return for a promotion.

Tracy Lamb had to leave her ‘dream job’ after four years working for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service when bosses failed to kick out her abuser.

She told ITV News that as a trainee, she was targeted by a manager. He then continued to sexually harass her.

She said: ‘When I asked him about developing my career, he turned around and said ‘well, you know what the currency is around here, it’s [sexual favours]’.

‘And this was said in front of other firefighters as well. I’d asked for two last signatures to get my development folder finished and that would have made me a fully fledged firefighter.

Ms Lamb said the officer was only demoted and moved elsewhere following a police review – but was later allowed to return

‘He got up, walked behind me and I heard him undo his trousers.’ 

She described turning and realising he had exposed himself. When she complained, the officer was cleared of misconduct.

He was only demoted and moved elsewhere following a police review – but was later allowed to return.

Ms Lamb said: ‘I wouldn’t say to any other female to stick your hand up and say this is what’s going on. Nobody in their right mind would, because it was hell. I lost my dream job.’ 

Mark Jones, from the service, said ‘disciplinary policies’ were under review.