A Winnipeg firefighter has been demoted, has had his salary cut, and has been transferred to a different firehall for having a sexual encounter while on duty.

The firefighter was before a Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service disciplinary hearing Tuesday morning, accused of having a sexual encounter with a woman while on duty at the Osborne Street firehall on July 25.

During the hearing, the man expressed regret for his actions and offered a full apology.

"He still can't believe he was this stupid for doing this," said Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, the union representing Winnipeg firefighters.

"I can't believe what he's put his family his friends, and his co-workers through doing this."

The firefighter has had a clean record with the department for more than 15 years, and has even received letters of commendation over the years.

A statement released by WFPS chief Jim Brennan refers to the incident as a "consensual indiscretion" on part of the firefighter. Brennan added the firefighter cooperated fully in the investigation.

Brennan listed the hearing's general findings:

  • One and only one staff person was involved.
  • Service to the public was in no way affected - Station No. 4 answered over 20 alarms on the evening of July 25, and no response was delayed.
  • The indiscretion under review was apprehended swiftly, and reported to the Platoon Chief immediately.
  • No criminal behaviour, nor any behaviour which threatened the public safety, took place in relation to this incident.
  • However, the incident in question constituted a breach of WFPS operational practice, and the City of Winnipeg's Employee Code of Conduct.

The firefighter was also suspended for 28 hours - at a loss of about $1,000.

The Osborne Street fire station is no stranger to sex scandals.

In 2004 four young girls made a late night visit to the hall and were given rides home in a fire truck.

And in the fall of 2008 two paramedics were arrested for trying to solicit sex while on duty.

Watch for the full story Tuesday night on CTV News at 6 p.m.