Glynn Luznyj is stepping up as Staffordshire's new Chief Fire Officer, succeeding Rob Barber who retires next month. Luznyj began his career as a trainee firefighter and has served as Deputy Chief Fire Officer since 2021. For Gnosall residents, this means a familiar, experienced hand is taking the reins of the service that covers our area.
His vision
Speaking at a public performance meeting in Stafford, Luznyj set out his ambitions clearly: "My vision is to create a future where more lives are saved than ever before, the wellbeing of our people is protected and our service is transformed to make our communities and environment safer."
He acknowledged the service has been attending more incidents recently due to a range of external pressures, but said teams have worked hard to keep response times fast and fire cover strong.
Big changes ahead
The new chief also flagged several significant changes on the horizon for the service:
- A government inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services begins in June
- Governance of the fire service will shift from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to a new Police, Fire and Crime Board
- Local government reorganisation next spring will replace Staffordshire's current mix of district, borough and county councils with one or more new unitary authorities
- Future financial pressures will need careful management
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams welcomed the ambition, while noting that some outcomes are beyond anyone's control. He pointed to a recent large incident at the Big Mill in Leek as an example of the unpredictable demands placed on the service, and said preparation was key.
Adams also confirmed that his own role as Commissioner will be abolished in two years as the new governance arrangements come into effect.
Source: stokesentinel.co.uk
