13 August 2009

The search has begun for Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's next Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive. It follows the retirement in June of Damian Smith after a career of more than 30 years, including nearly five years in the top post.

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority immediately appointed Bill Feeley from Kent Fire & Rescue Service as interim Chief Fire Officer to lead the organisation until the end of the year while it sought Mr Smith’s permanent successor.

Councillor David Rowlands, Chairman of Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority, said: "We recognise the forthcoming appointment as a key opportunity to continue to improve our service to the communities that we serve.

"It is a time of great challenge for the Fire and Rescue Service. New legislation, resource pressures and high expectations about our services mean that we need to be innovative and smart about how we go about our business.

"This is a challenge that we are really rising to in Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes. We are committed to building upon and creating better, more efficient outcomes for the communities that we serve. The Audit Commission have rated us as fifth best authority with regard to improvement and we are driving forward a range of national projects in addition to being an active partner in and beyond our boundaries.

"The Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, working closely with elected members, will have the opportunity to make a real difference and to lead in shaping the future of the service.

"This is a post that will sit at the head of the operational and strategic complexity that our ambition demands, holding responsibility for leadership and internal management."

The post is being advertised nationally by the Chief Fire Officers' Association. Further details for potential candidates are available in the recruitment section of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's website here.