Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has pulled a post on X about a new female recruit after it received an influx of ‘very unpleasant and upsetting’ replies.
The original post congratulated young female firefighter Millie on passing her basic training course and joining her local station in Dorset.
It said: “Meet Millie, Millie has just joined Wareham Fire Station and has just past (sic) her basic training only last week.
“Millie’s favourite Tool is the big red key, which allows Mille (sic) to smash through doors.”
It included a photograph of Millie in her firefighting uniform and holding her helmet next to a fire engine. However, the positive post attracted degrading comments.
One user commented: “I wouldn’t mind smashing Millie’s door in with my big tool.”
Another posted: “Does Millie have doors I could smash too?”
One man said: “Smash through doors? I’m sure that’s what the other firemen are all thinking!”
The concerning comments sparked the deletion of the post by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service 24 hours later.
A spokesperson said: “A tweet was posted earlier today which has drawn some negative attention.
“This post was made to celebrate the successful completion of a new recruits Basic Skills Course. As you will see from previous posts on X, [Wareham Fire Station] do this regularly to introduce their staff.
“The unacceptable comments turned the post into something very unpleasant and upsetting for the member of staff and [Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service] so it was removed.
“On other socials the comments are really positive & supportive, which is wonderful to see.”
