News / Avon Fire and Rescue
New chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service
The preferred candidate to take on the top job at Avon Fire & Rescue Service says he is proud and honoured to be selected.
Simon Shilton looks likely to take the role of chief fire officer from Mick Crennell, who is due to retire at the end of March after 30 years with the service.
Avon Fire Authority has announced Shilton as its preferred candidate after a “rigorous recruitment process” and the appointment is due to be ratified at the next full Fire Authority meeting in February.
is needed now More than ever
Currently the assistant chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue, Shilton has been with the service for 28 years and over the course of his career, has held the positions of station manager, responsible for urban search and rescue, incident command trainer and training manager.
Speaking about the appointment, Shilton said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to be selected as the authority’s preferred candidate for chief fire officer. It is a role that I feel incredibly passionate about and following a challenging recruitment process, my enthusiasm and passion for the service is as strong today as it was the day I joined.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate my experiences have given me real insight into the fire and rescue service. I recognise the fire sector, both locally and nationally, have seen many changes and challenges and I am committed to doing and being the best for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, both now and in the future.”
Shilton has previously worked as a firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations.
Brenda Massey, chair of Avon Fire Authority welcomed the appointment, subject to ratification, saying: “We are confident that Simon possesses the skills, understanding and qualities to be the next leader of the service.”
Subject to approval, Shilton will take up the post on April 1 this year.
Main photo: Avon Fire & Rescue Service
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