THE Chief Fire Officer for Essex has said he is “utterly devastated” after being publicly sacked.

David Johnson was fired after a two year investigation into alleged misconduct that has cost the fire service an estimated £1million plus.

It had previously been understood there was no evidence to support ten claims made against him.

But Essex Fire Authority bosses sacked him with immediate effect on Tuesday.

Speaking on Look East, the former fire service boss said: “I have had 28 and a half years in the public sector and it’s been taken away from me.

“It didn’t have to happen. I could have retired but they wouldn’t let me. I don’t understand the malice in doing this to me, particularly when I’m innocent.”

Some of the allegations against Mr Johnson are thought to include booking a luxury hotel room for a conference and not giving enough notice before taking annual leave.

Mr Johnson added: “Well over £1million has been invested in a three-year process to fire me. Is that good use of taxpayers’ money? I don’t think anyone would say it has been.”

“I didn’t suspend myself. I tried to go back to work and I wasn’t allowed.”

The former chief added that he has spent all of his life savings on trying to prove his innocence. He said he now has to “get a job in order to exist.”

A spokesman for the Fire Officers’ Association said: “We are unable to comment on the details of the case brought against Mr Johnson by the Essex Fire and Rescue Authority as David is currently considering his options for the future including the prospects for defending his position via the legal system.

“We are, however, disappointed at the outcome of the internal disciplinary process and concerned it has taken so long for the authority to consider this case.

“The last couple of years have been difficult for David and his family to the extent that his health has suffered considerably as a result of his long-term suspension from duty.”

A spokesman for Essex Fire Service said: “This is not a matter we are at liberty to discuss. Details will remain confidential, as would be the case with any employee.”