Glenn Askew takes the helm in Devon & Somerset

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s new Chief Fire Officer Glenn Askew is focused upon reform and modernisation and his goal is for the communities of Devon and Somerset to receive the best, most efficient and effective fire and rescue service, ultimately keeping people safe and saving lives.

Having started his fire service career with Cornwall County Fire Brigade in 1990, Glenn moved to the former Devon Fire and Rescue Service in 1993 which later joined with Somerset Fire and Rescue Service in 2007 to form Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. Glenn has held senior leadership roles in both Devon and Somerset and considers himself passionate about all things West Country.

“It is a tremendous honour to serve the communities of Somerset and Devon as their Chief Fire Officer,” said Glenn. “I will do everything I can to ensure we work together to deliver the most efficient and effective service for the benefit of the community. By understanding the changing needs of the communities we serve, seeking to be a progressive and innovative organisation and also recognising that we have limited funds to spend, I believe we can modernise and reform the Service to protect life and save life.”

Glenn introduced Organisational Development into the Service to seek new and improved ways of working and has always championed the preventative approach to dealing with community risk.

Glenn has also been a champion of improving diversity and inclusion within the Service and was a key contributor to the recent recruitment campaign which resulted in over thirty percent of new whole-time recruits being female. Glenn confirmed, “It is a personal goal that the Service represents the communities we serve in all respects. We will continue to reach out to all members of our society to demonstrate that Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service would not only offer a positive place for them to work, but that we also welcome their contribution as we seek to reform and modernise.”

Councillor Sara Randall Johnson, Chair of the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority, said: “We have every confidence that Glenn and the team will continue to drive the Service forward through innovation and collaboration.”

Glenn will be supported by Assistant Chief Fire Officers Alex Hanson and Pete Bond and the Executive Team.