Fire assistant chief ‘delighted’ at new role

SOUTH Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s (SYFR) new assistant chief fire officer says that despite ‘significant challenges’ they will continue to provide a first-class service.

John Roberts, who joined SYFR in 2009 from Merseyside Fire and Rescue, began his role on 1st January and replaces Neil Hessell following his retirement.

John, 36, was previously an area manager for the Sheffield and Barnsley districts, and headed the service’s Emergency Response directorate.

He said: “I am delighted to be appointed assistant chief. This fire service quite rightly has a reputation as one of the finest in the country, and although we are facing some significant challenges, I believe we can still continue to deliver a first-class service to the people of South Yorkshire.”

Chairman of South Yorkshire Fire Authority Coun Jim Andrews said: “There was an extremely strong field of candidates for this post, both from within South Yorkshire and from across the country. The number of applicants reflects the esteem in which our service is held nationally, and the fact that John was successful is testament to the pedigree of the officers we have at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.”