Councillor Robbie Payne has been appointed Chairman of Cleveland Fire Authority.

The Hartlepool councillor was officially voted into the post by his fellow Fire Authority Members at the annual meeting last Friday [8 June] with Councillor Brian Briggs of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council voted in as Vice Chair.

Councillor Payne has served on Cleveland Fire Authority for nine years and replaces Councillor Jean O'Donnell who steps down after two years at the helm. 

He said: "I am honoured to have been appointed Chairman of Cleveland Fire Authority and would like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Councillor O'Donnell for her outstanding contribution to community safety in such challenging times.

"I am looking forward to working with Brigade Officers and Elected Members in exploring new and innovative ways of delivering our services to ensure that we continue to make a positive difference to every local citizen's safety and quality of life."

Posted 11/06/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com