Following an extensive two-day interview process, Wayne Bowcock has been appointed Gloucestershire’s new Chief Fire Officer. 

Mr Bowcock started his career as a firefighter for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and is currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, a post he has held since 2014.

In addition to his responsibilities for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, which includes leading on cultural and organisational development, he sits on the National Fire Chief’s Council operations committee and is chairman of the National Fire Chief’s Council training managers forum.

He also chairs the East Midlands Fire and Rescue Operations Committee, which works to make sure national learning is used to improve service delivery across the East Midlands area.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, chairman of the sub-appointments committee and Leader of the council said: “Wayne has both the technical know-how and the strong leadership qualities needed to take the service to the next level. 

"Ahead of Wayne starting I am confident the service will continue to be very well managed by Andy Hermiston who has been Acting Chief Fire Officer since the summer. 

"Andy has done a great job of stabilising the service following a difficult period. I would like to put on record my thanks to Andy for all he has done and look forward to continue working with him, both in his acting and substantive roles.”

Mr Bowcock said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed Gloucestershire’s Chief Fire Officer and corporate director. I am looking forward to working with the dedicated men and women in the service, colleagues across the council and with partners to deliver excellent services for the people of Gloucestershire. My wife and children are very excited to relocate to Gloucestershire in the new year and I can’t wait to get started.”