A policing director with experience in counter terrorism has become a county’s chief fire officer, according to BBC News.
Louise Harrison is the chief executive officer of Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. Her appointment comes weeks after inspectors told the service to make “urgent improvements”, saying it relied too heavily on other counties.
The fire service said Ms Harrison “stood out” for her “transformational leadership” record. It also said Ms Harrison had worked alongside fire and rescue services and local authorities “in a variety of roles”.
Ms Harrison worked in policing for 31 years, including at the Counter Terrorism Northwest unit. She also led on the Prevent programme that aims to stop people becoming terrorists. Her most recent role was director of operations at the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) – a police force dedicated to protecting the UK’s nuclear power stations and nuclear materials.
In its latest inspection, the Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services rated Buckinghamshire’s fire service “adequate” for responding to major incidents, but “inadequate” for public safety through fire regulation.
At the time, the fire service said it was actively taking measures to address the issues.
Simon Rouse, chairman of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority, said the appointment of Ms Harrison was an “exciting moment”.
“We are very much looking forward to supporting Louise in her leadership of the fire service, which plays such a vital role in protecting our communities,” he said.
Ms Harrison said: “I am genuinely excited to be returning to the community I grew up in. It means a great deal personally to be able to continue my commitment to public service here.
“I am joining a fantastic team and am confident that we can continue to meet the challenges ahead and continue a journey of positive improvement, delivering a quality service to the communities of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.”
Image source: Bucks Herald
