New Chief Fire Officer announced for West Midlands Fire Service
Simon Tuhill from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service has been appointed as Chief Fire Officer.
Last updated 14th Nov 2024
West Midlands Fire Service have announced that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Simon Tuhill, has been appointed as Chief Fire Officer.
Following the decision by Warwickshire's top officer Ben Brook to remain in Warwickshire, the authority approached Tuhill, who was delighted that the opportunity had re-emerged and had no hesitation in accepting the role.
It's been a turbulent journey to landing a top fire officers at WMFS, after the saga with former interim appointment Oliver Lee, who criticised the authority's governance before resigning and further being sacked.
Simon Tuhill said: “It is an honour to take on the leadership mantle of West Midlands Fire Service – truly, too good to turn down. The opportunity to lead, manage and develop a service so dedicated to protecting the West Midlands is very special and I am so pleased to be accept this opportunity.
“WMFS has an excellent reputation for its prevention, protection and response capabilities and it will be a privilege to walk through the door as the Chief Fire Officer for the first time.
“I know how hard staff have worked in difficult circumstances throughout 2024.”
Simon continued: “I feel I am well placed to lead the service through this current period of uncertainty. I commit to always keeping our staff at the heart of my decision making, because the people who work for WMFS, and their dedication, are what make it special.
“I’m so excited to work in such a diverse and vibrant place as the West Midlands. Having been based in similar diverse parts of our capital city during my time in the London Fire Brigade, I know how important the fire service is in helping keep the most vulnerable in society safe, and the special connection we have with our communities is something I cherish and will continue to champion.
“I know there are a range of challenges facing the service in the coming months, I look forward to working with the Home Office and Local Government Association to help improve oversight and scrutiny”.
Having been identified as the successful candidate by the Appointments, Standards and Appeal Committee, tit will be confirmed in a meeting by the Fire Authority on 25th November.
Cllr Rizwan Jalil, Chair of the WMFRA Appointments, Standards and Appeals Committee, said: “Our appointment of Simon is something I am very pleased about. The recruitment process was very competitive and closely run and Simon was an extremely talented candidate, and we are pleased that he has accepted this role.
“Through his experience across London, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire he has built a formidable portfolio of experience while keeping staff the centre of his work. I believe he will take WMFS forward and be an inspiring leader for our staff.”
Cllr Catherine Miks, Vice Chair of WMFRA said: “Simon interviewed exceptionally well, setting out a clear vision for what he sees as the priority for the service – its people. He has a wealth of experience in the fire service, and I look forward to working with him.
“On behalf of WMFS, I want to reiterate that we fully respect CFO Brook’s personal decision to remain in Warwickshire, whilst recognising it did lead to further uncertainty.”
Simon does have links to the West Midlands as he secured a Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Public Services from the University of Warwick.