Association worried as Fire Service without deputy chief

The Fire Service is reportedly facing an unprecedented leadership gap, due to the lack of a deputy chief fire officer for almost a month.

Fire Officers Association president Keone Guy yesterday said the deputy chief proceeded on vacation leave on July 25, leaving the post vacant. He added that the appointment of a replacement falls under the remit of the Service Commissions Department, which has indicated that a recommendation is before its board, but no decision has yet been made.

However, Guy warned that the prolonged vacancy is already placing additional strain on Chief Fire Officer Andy Hutchinson, who has assumed some of the deputy’s responsibilities.

“The situation is unprecedented,” he said.

“The deputy chief is responsible for addressing grievances within the service, as well as commanding large-scale emergency responses. To not have an officeholder for almost a month is quite concerning.”

He added that while the chief fire officer has been managing grievances in the interim and no formal complaints have yet been raised, the absence of a deputy chief risks creating delays.

“The chief already has a heavy slate of responsibilities. Asking him to carry the deputy’s role as well is unsustainable. So far, the chief has been handling grievances, but the deputy’s role should not be diminished or understated,” Guy stressed.

“Officers expect their issues to be dealt with quickly, and without a deputy in place, there is bound to be a slowdown.”

He noted that while no specific complaints have yet arisen from officers, the absence of a deputy chief could affect the timely handling of issues and operational command during major incidents.

Guardian Media contacted Chief Fire Officer Hutchinson and the Fire Service’s public relations department for comment but received no response. Calls and messages to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander also went unanswered.