New Chief Fire Officer announced for Norfolk

Tim Edwards has been appointed as Norfolk's new interim chief fire officer.

The appointment follows existing Chief Fire Officer Stuart Ruff's announcement of his intention to retire from the service, which he has been at the helm of since the Spring of 2019.

Chief Fire Officer Edwards joined Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service at the age of 16 in 1988 and served on various watches as an operational firefighter before rising up the ranks. Most recently he was appointed Assistant Chief Fire officer, in November 2019, and has taken responsibility for leading the assurance side of the service.

CFO Edwards said: "I am privileged to be leading the organisation through the next few months, in what will be a challenging but significant chapter for our service.

"Having started my career here in Norfolk, it is an honour to be appointed to this role. I am committed to the safety of Norfolk and its people and looking forward to continuing to work with our fantastic teams across Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, our partners and colleagues at Norfolk County Council."

The Service's other Assistant Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman has also been promoted, to interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the next six months.

Mr Ruff said: "Being the CFO of Norfolk has been an honour and privilege. I would like to thank all of the great people who make up our proud service for their commitment they make every day to the people of Norfolk and for the kindness and happiness they have given me."

In addition to driving service changes, Mr Ruff has led the response through many operational challenges, including extreme heatwaves, snow blizzards, flooding and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic. On leaving the fire service, Mr Ruff will also leave his role as chair of Norfolk's Resilience Forum.

Norfolk County Council's Head of Paid Service Tom McCabe said: "I want to congratulate Tim on his appointment. Nobody knows Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service better and Tim is committed to making the service the best it can be."

"I would like to thank Stuart for his commitment and dedication over the last four years, leading our Fire service in making Norfolk a safer place. As well as supporting Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service in its usual duties, Stuart's leadership has spanned a national pandemic during which many of our Fire Officers supported other agencies in safeguarding the public."

Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, said: "Our fire and rescue service is highly regarded by both organisations and residents across Norfolk. Stuart has led the service through a very difficult time, for which we are all very grateful. I would like to wish him well for the future.

"Tim has been doing some fantastic work in assisting Stuart for the last few years and I am confident he has the knowledge and experience to seamlessly carry on this excellent work. I would like to congratulate both Tim and Scott on their new roles and look forward to working with them further."

CFO Edwards interim post will be for the next six months, during which time a permanent appointment will be made.