Two Volunteer Firefighters Face Dismissal Over Racist and Abusive Hazing Incident
The disciplinary council of the Hérault department’s fire and rescue service (Sdis 34) has recommended the dismissal of two volunteer firefighters following allegations of sustained harassment, racist abuse, and threats against a young colleague. The incidents, which occurred in 2020 at the Gigean barracks, came to light after an internal investigation and a disciplinary hearing held on January 12, 2026.
The case centers around the ordeal suffered by a volunteer firefighter of North African origin, who was under the age of 18 at the time of the abuse. According to Eric Florès, the departmental director of Sdis 34, the internal commission of inquiry uncovered a pattern of deeply disturbing behavior.
The investigation revealed that three firefighters engaged in racist and, disturbingly, pedophilic commentary within a WhatsApp group, alongside direct harassment of the young recruit. Perpetrators filmed the abuse, targeting a young man described as passionate about the rescue services, who has since left the fire service. Online conversations contained explicit racist insults and direct threats. A particularly egregious act involved the creation of a photomontage featuring the victim’s 10-year-old sister in a sexually suggestive manner.
Further evidence included the sharing of graphic images, such as a photograph of a man with a severe head wound, which was linked to the young firefighter. The victim was also photographed while bound in handcuffs, and in another instance, forced to repeat abusive phrases under threat of a knife: “fuck my sister, fuck my mother.”
The disciplinary council, meeting in Vailhauquès near Montpellier, demanded the dismissal of two of the firefighters involved. Kleber Mesquida, the president of Sdis 34, is expected to ratify the decision shortly, effectively ending their careers with the department. Both firefighters were represented by legal counsel, who argued the actions constituted hazing and pointed to the victim’s decision not to file a formal complaint.
Notably, the victim, who had previously participated in the Jeunes Sapeurs-Pompiers (JSP) program – a youth training initiative for aspiring firefighters aged 11-18 – chose not to pursue criminal charges. He reportedly wished to move past the traumatic experience and has since distanced himself from the fire service. When contacted, he expressed a desire to forget the ordeal.
A third firefighter implicated in the case, who also serves as a municipal police officer, resigned from his position last September after being questioned about the allegations and will not face the disciplinary council. While the two dismissed firefighters have the right to appeal the decision to the administrative court, the case has been forwarded to the Montpellier public prosecutor’s office for potential criminal prosecution.
“That someone could treat someone like that pisses me off!” stated a senior official involved in the disciplinary process. “This type of behavior must be eradicated. People who act like this have no place in the fire department.”
According to Eric Florès, the details of the abuse were not reported to the Hérault firefighters’ management until late 2024, delaying the investigation. He emphasized the importance of addressing such behavior swiftly and thoroughly.
Florès also stressed that the actions of these individuals should not overshadow the dedication of the approximately 5,000 men and women who serve with distinction within the Hérault fire brigade. He affirmed that the department is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all its members.
