Richard Clarkson and Ian Pedrick had more than 60 years' of life saving experience behind them when they were fired from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) after the incident in Bolberry Down near Salcombe, Devon.Oh dear! Were they racist? Sexist? What could possibly have caused such immediate action?
Richard and Ian, who followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by becoming a member of the coastguard 42 years ago, were part of a team sent to the scene of a runaway car.
But when they got there the crew stood down because the vehicle had stopped further down the slope and no lives were in danger.
The pair decided to change out of their coastguard uniform and used Richard's personal Land Rover and equipment to tow it back from the cliff edge.*blinks*
But because the coastguard vehicle had not been brought back to the station they were both still on duty and moving the car was not in their remit.
They were deemed to have committed a technical breach even though they has not used the coastguard's Land Rover or any supplied equipment.If you're thinking this sounds a little familiar, you'd be right. Yet more slavish devotion to 'the rules' rather than a pragmatic approach with people who are, after all, volunteers.
I wonder if the MCA is also now headed by an expensive CEO from the professional charity sector?
'If we had taken the coastguard Land Rover back to the station none of this would have happened.'Yes, it's that barmy. Or rather, to be expected when the people in charge are no longer hired on the basis of their dedication but rather on how well they parrot the required progressive agenda.
The owner of the car, who has not been named, said he was 'appalled' the two men had been sacked and described the dismissal as a 'total overreaction'.As will everyone who reads about it.
The MCA said it would be 'inappropriate to comment at this time'.Translation: "We've got to have time to get our PR Team on this quickly!"
My wife hates me to exclaim the last great taboo 4-letter word, but surely it applies here.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, Anon, I have to say that when arseholes are in 'jobs' way above their capabilities, they'll resort to rule books and think of how they've saved the world.
ReplyDeleteAround our house, are several wooden clubs, made from a special hardwood. I keep these in strategic places, so that I can seriously maim anyone who dares get in here!
I reckon a broken wrist or nose will suffice, and I won't have a problem with the feds, as the clubs are all firewood, and I'm nearly 72!
As your lady wife is quite right to expect dignity on places like here, I'll say it for you: -
'Oooooh, go away...'!
They are at it again
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-devon-48893054
"...but surely it applies here."
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed, and if this wasn't a family blog...
"...and I won't have a problem with the feds, as the clubs are all firewood, and I'm nearly 72!"
That just makes you an easier target for them!
"They are at it again"
Dear god, what a bunch!