The recent appointment of a new Chief Fire Officer for Buckinghamshire, who lacks firefighting experience, has sparked serious concerns from the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has revealed that the leadership will now be headed by an individual selected from the police force, a decision contested by the FBU, which argues that this move compromises both public safety and trust.
This development comes in the wake of an inspectorate report that highlighted leadership issues within the service, citing an “overly reliant” stance on neighboring services and deeming it “inadequate” in safeguarding the public through fire regulation.
In response to these developments, Bucks firefighters are set to stage a rally in Milton Keynes on December 6, urging the fire authority to urgently invest in the fire service.
Steve Wright, the Fire Brigades Union executive council member for the Southern region, emphasized the humanitarian nature of firefighting and stressed the importance of maintaining a separation from the police. Expressing deep concern, Wright pointed out the operational challenges posed by the new Chief Fire Officer’s lack of firefighting experience, highlighting the technical nature of the job that requires years of on-the-job learning.
The Fire Brigades Union has engaged with Buckinghamshire Fire Authority to convey these concerns, emphasizing the commitment of local brigade officials to work constructively to ensure public safety in the county while maintaining a clear stance on the potential risks associated with the appointment.
