hampshireA new Deputy Chief Officer for Hampshire has been appointed to support incoming Chief Dave Curry starting from this month.

Neil Odin will step into the Deputy role vacated by new CFO Curry, who is replacing outgoing Chief Officer John Bonney.

DCFO Odin joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service as Assistant Chief Officer in 2011 and was chosen following a rigorous two-day selection process at the Service’s headquarters in Eastleigh this week.

Speaking of his appointment, he said: "It is a real honour to be chosen to serve as Hampshire's new Deputy Chief.

"Our Service is going through significant changes and I am delighted to form part of a strong new leadership team as we face the challenges ahead and continue to keep our communities safe."

Outgoing Chief John Bonney, who had served a decade in the top job, stepped down on December 31, with Mr Curry and Mr Odin taking on their new roles from January 1.

Royston Smith, Chairman of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority, added: "I am delighted with the appointment of Neil Odin as the new Deputy Chief Officer, and I know that he will make a significant contribution to the new leadership team."