Former firefighters say the work environment at Halifax Fire was at times so hazardous that it forced some to leave the organization.

Former volunteer firefighter Paul Service says he used to love the job, but didn’t like what he was witnessing.

“We had female members that were referred to as ‘the dream team,’” Service said.  

He says he was forced to do a training exercise he couldn't do because of his height.

“When you're there and you're being forced to do something, you know, you can't do, it's humiliating.”

Service says he tried to get help during a meeting at the station level. When he didn't get the results he was looking for, he took his complaint up the chain of command.

“He said, ‘You're not going to like what I'm going to tell you, but you're terminated, you're done,’” he said.

Service appealed the decision and it was eventually determined his termination was as a result of his attempt to complain about harassment.

“You have a duty to act if you witness something that's uncomfortable,” he said.

Liane Tessier left Halifax Fire in 2009 after 10 years of service.

“I was being demeaned,” she said. “I became a captain. My authority as a captain was being disrespected, as well.”

Tessier’s case will be heard by a human rights tribunal within the next year. She's pleased to see others are coming forward.

“It's relief, and it's about time,” she said. “It's grim and it's demoralizing when you're the only woman speaking out.”

Phil McNulty speaks for Halifax Fire. He says privacy legislation prevents him from discussing specific cases, but says there has been a cultural shift within the department since the new chief arrived four-and-a-half years ago.

“I think HRM as a whole has evolved,” said McNulty. “We value diversity, I believe, much more than we have in the past.”

McNulty says the organization has a 12 per cent turnover rate, with roughly 120 people leaving each year, but that terminations are rare.

“Our learning, our education is evolving as society involves. What was acceptable or permissible 25 to 30 years ago wouldn't be stood for now,” he said.  

McNulty also says there is a process in place for firefighters to complain if they see something they think isn't right.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell.