We have appointed a new Deputy Chief Fire Officer following an extensive recruitment process.

John Roberts, who is SYFR’s current Assistant Chief Fire Officer, will step up to the new role on 1 April 2015, when the current Deputy, Mark Shaw, will retire.

Mr Roberts, aged 39, initially joined SYFR in October 2009, becoming Assistant Chief in January 2013, after beginning his career at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in 1997.

Fire Authority Chair, Cllr Jim Andrews, said: “I would like to congratulate John on his appointment. We had some excellent applicants for this role from up and down the country. The panel was particularly impressed with John’s achievements in South Yorkshire in recent years, and his vision for the future of our Service.”

Chief Fire Officer, James Courtney, added: “John has been an excellent addition to South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue since he joined us in 2009. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in enhancing the services we provide to the South Yorkshire public.”