dcfohindmarchTyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's second highest fire chief has announced he is stepping down this summer.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Hindmarch, 55, will retire on 19 July 2013 after 36 years at the Service.

Fantastic career in Tyne and Wear
During his time with the Service ge has worked at every fire station within Tyne and Wear.

Appointed Deputy in 2008 DCFO Hindmarch currently has responsibility for Human Resources (HR), learning and development.

Speaking about his retirement he said: "It has been an absolute pleasure working for the Service. I've had a fantastic career and enjoyed every single day.

"However, I decided sometime ago I did not want to become a Chief Fire Officer. Its now time to start a new chapter of my life and I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family. There is no doubt I will miss the people the most. However, I know the Service is in very capable hands."

Control room relocation
DCFO Hindmarch's final project will be overseeing the successor to the mobilising system and the relocation of the control room to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Headquarters in Washington.

During his career DCFO Hindmarch has been in charge of a number of incidents. One of the most notable was the fire at Distillex in North Tyneside in 2002. Smoke from the fire could be seen for miles around and 25 fire engines were called to the incident where gas cylinders were exploding like fireworks.

Made a huge difference to the Service
His Chief Fire Officer Tom Capeling said: "John will be a huge miss to the Service. The Service has benefitted greatly from his wealth of knowledge, expertise and skills.

"There is no doubt that John has made a huge difference to the Service, especially in equality and diversity and ensuring this is a great place to work. I would like to wish him all the best for the future and personally thank him for the support he has provided me since becoming Chief Fire Officer." 

Cllr Tom Wright, Chairman of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority added that DCFO Hindmarch made "a lasting impression on the Service".

Posted 11/04/2013 by richard.hook@pavpub.com