CFOA President set to retire

Chief Fire Officer Vij Randeniya has announced he is to retire from West Midlands Fire Service later this year. 

A special meeting of the Fire and Rescue Authority last week formally accepted his resignation and agreed his retirement from the service with effect from 15 November 2013. 

The Chief has been employed by the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority since 2000 and was appointed as the Chief Fire Officer on 17 March 2009. 

Chair of the Fire Authority, Councillor John Edwards, said: "The Chief Fire Officer has contributed a huge amount, both locally and nationally, during his 30 years' service. His leadership and commitment will be missed by everyone.”

CFO Randeniya began his career 30 years ago at London Fire Brigade and then moved to Nottinghamshire before joining the West Midlands.

In taking the top job, he became the first Asian to be the head of any emergency service in the UK. He is also President of the Chief Fire Officers Association until September.

After he leaves in November his deputy, Phil Loach, will take over as acting Chief Fire Officer.

We will a full article on Vij's retirement in an upcoming edition of FIRE Magazine - click here to subscribe