West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Retires West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Fire Officer Allan Hughes is retiring after 31 years. Allan, who is Director of Human Resources, served at a number of fire stations and departments throughout the brigade before becoming ACO on January 4, 2000.
Allan’s most notable achievements during his career include the modernisation and redevelopment of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s International Training Centre, including the building of the new Technical Rescue Training Centre, the development of the ‘Fire House’ and the creation of the Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management. “I am proud not only of the way we have improved the facilities we have, but also the improvements to the way we train and develop our staff,” he said.
“I am particularly proud of the progress made in equality and diversity, both locally and nationally, and the fact I was founder and chair of the National Equality and Diversity Professionals Group for the Chief Fire Officers’ Association. It gave me the opportunity to help shape the new national Equality and Diversity Strategy.”
New Deputy Chief Fire Officer Appointed
The Chairman of Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Derek Davis, is pleased to announce that Chris Enness, currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, will be joining Staffordshire to take up the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer. This move follows the appointment of the current Deputy, Peter Dartford, to the role of Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive. Mr Dartford takes up his new role on April 7 following the retirement of the current Chief Fire Officer, Alan Doig, who will be leaving the service after 32 years.
Mr Enness, 44, was successful at an appointment board held at Fire and Rescue Service HQ, against stiff competition from across the country. Prior to joining North Wales, he previously served in Essex Fire and Rescue Service, including a secondment to the Fire Service College, teaching management related subjects.
Shropshire Fire Officer Retires
Shropshire fire officer Phil Brooks has retired after a public service career spanning 40 years. A district officer for north Shropshire based at Shrewsbury fire HQ, Phil joined Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1978 and worked across the county in operations, training and community fire safety. Before becoming a firefighter he spent ten years as a policeman in the Lancashire Constabulary and West Mercia based at Kirby and Shrewsbury. Phil, who lives near Shrewsbury with his wife Brenda, has two Shropshire born sons; Gareth, who is a police officer in Blackburn and Ryan, a London firefighter. “I’ve enjoyed the Fire Service. It has been great. It is like a family and it will be sad to go,” said Phil, who plans to spend time with his family and his newborn first grandchild Alice. Chief Fire Officer Alan Taylor said: “Phil should be proud. We will certainly miss his professionalism and I have lost count of the members of staff who have approached me to tell me how much they will miss his infectious enthusiasm for keeping the people of Shropshire safe from fire.”
Brave firefighter honoured by The Queen
London Fire Brigade Firefighter Angus Campbell has been presented with The Queen’s Gallantry Medal following his actions at the attempted bombings in London on 21 July 2005. The award is granted for gallantry of an exceptional order and recognises his actions at the incident in which he led passengers to safety before challenging would-be suicide bomber Ramzi Mohammed. London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said: “Angus displayed exceptional calmness and bravery in extremely dangerous circumstances. He quickly identified the seriousness of the situation and at risk to his own safety made every effort to help other passengers. The training that London firefighters receive prepares them to think quickly and take action when faced with challenging incidents. Angus demonstrated these skills and is a credit to London Fire Brigade.”
The Queen's Gallantry Medal was introduced on 20 June 1974 and is primarily awarded to civilians for acts of bravery. Last year Angus was awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation which is the highest award with the brigade. Angus, who was presented the award at Buckingham Palace on March 4 by Her Majesty The Queen, said: “It is a great honour and I am enormously proud to receive the award, though I believe that any other member of the brigade would have reacted in the same way.”
New Assistant Chief Officer for West Yorkshire
Martyn Redfearn has been appointed as the new Director of Human Resources for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Martyn is promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
ACO Redfearn joined the fire service in 1983 and was initially posted to Dewsbury. He subsequently served in Slaithwaite, South Elmsall, at the brigade’s Birkenshaw training centre and in Bradford before becoming Divisional Officer (Fire Safety), Area Manager (Personnel and Training) and latterly Area Manager responsible for Operations Policy and Planning. “I am delighted to announce Martyn’s appointment. He has a breadth of experience across West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and has already proved himself capable of operating at the highest level,” said Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase
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