The fire service chief has ordered an internal inquiry after a former firefighter who reportedly failed to return two metal badges that identify him as such that are part of his uniform that were lost when he was putting out a fire 26 years ago.

According to daily Politis, Karaolis, who recently retired, was asked to pay for the lost badges, a total sum of €23.80, as they are considered the property of the fire service. In a letter to justice ministry, the firefighter slammed the fire service for their treatment after a lifetime of service.

“I barely made it out alive when I was called to put out a fire in Kalo Chorio 26 years ago and I lost my two identifying badges,” Karaolis wrote.

“Throughout my years of service, I was also awarded with several honorary distinctions for my actions while on duty.

“However, on May 26 a letter from the justice ministry, co-signed by the fire service, asked me to pay €23.80 for the two badges. This is a disgrace and I am asking the Cypriot people to reflect upon the issue for themselves,” he concluded.

Karaolis also mentioned the Mari incident, ironically calling on the fire service to send him the bill for lost equipment sent to the families of the firefighters who lost their lives during the blast at the naval base in 2011.

The fire service responded to Karaolis on Tuesday, explaining that every firefighter is asked to return all equipment on retirement.

“Karaolis broke the rules when he failed to report that he lost part of his equipment while on duty,” it said.

The statement also criticised the firefighter for publicly describing an internal fire service procedure.

“Had he reported the loss of the badges, the matter would have been discussed and solved. He had 26 years to do so, especially since every fire station conducts twice-yearly checks of every firefighter’s equipment.

“There was no reason to publicly disclose an internal procedure and write a letter to the justice ministry, which is not involved in such matters.

“In relation to the mention of the Mari incident, we find the reference unacceptable, as it reopens old wounds while he compares his situation to a tragic day in which many firefighters lost their lives while on duty,” the fire service concluded.