Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has appointed Andy Cole QFSM as its new Chief Fire Officer.
He’ll take over on 1st January 2025, following the retirement of Ben Ansell QFSM on 31st December 2024.
Andy served as an operational firefighter in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area for a number of years, working his way up after joining the Devon and Somerset fire service around 20 years ago.
He is also the Chair of the National Fire Chief’s Council (NFCC) On-call Committee. He received a QFSM in the 2020 Queen’s New Years Honours list for his outstanding leadership and efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Paul Oatway QPM said: “I am delighted to confirm that Andy has been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service following a challenging and rigorous recruitment process.”
Andy Cole adds: “It’s a privilege to be appointed Chief Fire Officer. I take great pride in the service we provide and the dedicated staff who work extremely hard to ensure we deliver this service to our communities and partners.”