New chief fire officer for the Highlands and Islands
Chief fire officer Trevor Johnson
A NEW chief fire officer for the Highlands & Islands Fire and Rescue Service (HIFRS) has been appointed amid tough economic times for the force.
Trevor Johnson, who has 16 years experience serving with the HIFRS, will take on the role from today, with Mike Holme taking on the position of deputy chief fire officer.
Mr Johnson takes the reins from David Wynne, who concluded his second secondment to the HIRFS on Wednesday, May 4.
Given the current uncertain future for Fire and Rescue Services in Scotland, the Fire Board took the decision to make the appointments on interim basis, pending the outcomes of the Scottish Government’s consultation exercise on Fire Reform.
In a temporary restructure, two members of the Service’s Strategic Leadership Team, Head of Operations, Billy Wilson and Head of Corporate Services, Marcus Jenks, will take on Principal Officer responsibilities, in addition to their substantive roles and become the Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officers, in a move that will see the Service save £70k over a 12 month period.
Highland and Islands Fire Board Convener, Richard Durham, said: "The Service, as with all Scottish Fire Services, faces challenging times ahead and I am confident that Trevor and his team have the skills, experience and knowledge to effectively lead the Service through this period."
Mr Johnson said: "I am delighted to be appointed Chief Fire Officer of Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service There is no doubt that in the current economic climate, the continued development of the Service will present a significant challenge. I believe my experiences over the last 16 years, serving with HIFRS, have enabled me to appreciate the challenges associated with providing emergency cover to the dispersed communities of the Highlands and Islands. I, together with my management team, look forward to working closely with our personnel, communities and Fire Board, to further improve the Service we deliver."
