The commander of the Fundão Fire Department, José Sousa, resigned this Friday, November 28, from his position following an alleged case of rape committed by firefighters against another professional.
He left a message to the corporation and said it was “with a heavy heart, but with the dignity that the house deserves”.
Eight of the 11 Fundão firefighters detained by the PJ on suspicion of crimes of rape and sexual coercion were suspended, following an internal investigation.
Eleven volunteer firefighters from Fundão, in the district of Castelo Branco, were detained on Tuesday by the Judiciary Police (PJ) for being suspects of two crimes of rape and one of sexual coercion, of which another firefighter was the victim, as a matter of course.
In the letter to which the Lusa agency had access, José Sousa addressed the active members of the Fundão firefighters and explained the decision taken.
“After everything that happened (…) I submitted my resignation from the position of commander. This decision was taken with a sense of responsibility and, above all, with respect for the highest interests of the institution and for all of you, who did nothing to deserve carrying this weight on your shoulders” highlighted José Sousa.
In the message, the resigning commander also asked the corporation to “remain united and support the command that will continue”.
“Follow the direction [da Associação Humanitária] in this difficult period. And, above all, keep alive the essence of who we are: firefighters, brothers and women and men of our word, honor and mission”, reads the letter.
José Sousa also stressed that he never abandoned his comrades, nor “will he ever turn his back on them”.
“I know that this moment causes you restlessness, sadness and revolt, as does me. But I know, even better, that the active staff will know how to rise to the occasion, as they always have.”
“I leave the position. But, I will never leave this family”, he stressed.
After being heard in the first judicial interrogation, the 11 volunteer firefighters were released and eight of them were prevented from entering and visiting the fire station.
The Fundão Court also revealed that firefighters were still prohibited from contact with the victim, also a firefighter.
They are also prohibited from visiting and staying at the victim’s residence and work and from coming within 500 meters of the victim and prohibited from contacting the other defendants and witnesses in the case.
The Court’s decision considered the “evidence collected to date” and considered “the dangers of continuation of criminal activity, disruption of the course of the investigation and disturbance of public order and tranquility were verified”.
Three of these firefighters are also required to make periodic appearances, once a week, on Wednesdays, at the territorial station in their respective area of residence.
Six firefighters are indicted for committing two crimes of rape and one crime of sexual coercion, three others for committing a crime of rape and one of sexual coercion and two for a crime of rape.
The Court also indicated that none of the 11 firefighters made statements during the interrogation.