New Assistant Chief Fire Officers appointed to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service

Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority, the body responsible for overseeing the work of the fire and rescue service, has announced the appointment of two, senior posts.

From January, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) posts will report directly to the Chief Fire Officer, filling one existing vacancy and replacing another - the current Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) – occupied by Dave Myers who retires in December

The roles will form part of the strategic leadership team, helping to enhance and improve performance and deliver the Service’s ambition to make Shropshire safer with a focus on response, prevention, and protection activities.

The revised structure creates an opportunity to bring in two outstanding senior officers at early stages in their strategic careers in order to sustain the leadership of the organisation, well into the future.

Simon Hardiman, currently serving as temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer in Shropshire, has been successfully awarded one of the posts and will head up service support.

Mr Hardiman brings 20 years of experience and joined Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2018, following a wide range of previous roles in protection and response.

He has worked alongside the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) communications team in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, is a former member of the UK, International Search and Rescue Team and continues to work on national NFCC health and safety and operations committees, whilst managing the service response to BREXIT, major flooding incidents and COVID-19.

While Dan Quinn, already an Assistant Chief Fire Officer in Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, also brings 20 years’ service, a wealth of protection and prevention experience including the introduction of a risk profiling method to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service known as the ‘Sherman’ approach.

He has also worked on the NFCC’s community risk programme, produced guidance to improve risk management planning and will transfer into the role responsible for service delivery.

Chair of Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority, Councillor Eric Carter said: “I’d like to congratulate Simon Hardiman and Dan Quinn on their new posts.

“The interview process was intense, and each candidate was up against a very strong field, but Simon and Dan bring unique qualities to the Service and I look forward to working closely with them.”

Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton added: “All the candidates were of an exceptionally high standard, but I am confident Simon and Dan will fit perfectly into our senior team and provide excellent leadership for years to come.  

“I know they will work well with our culture and enable the Service to be both effective and inclusive – making Shropshire safer.”

This recommendation, made by the members of Brigade Managers Employment Panel was ratified at full Fire Authority on Monday, 28 September 2020.