South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority (SYFRA) has appointed a new Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

Simon Dunker was appointed following a competitive selection process which included a written application, leadership team interview, interview by staff group and trade union representatives and presentation and panel interview with members of the Fire Authority.

Sheffield-born Simon joined South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) as a firefighter in 1998. He is currently Area Manager responsible for service delivery, community safety and emergency response. He has previously led the service’s Joint Community Safety Department with South Yorkshire Police and its resilience, planning and contingencies section.

Fire Authority Chair Cllr Charlie Hogarth, said: “This was a really competitive process, with applicants from right across the country. But the whole panel was greatly impressed by Simon’s commitment to service improvement and his obvious passion for South Yorkshire, its fire service and its communities. We are confident this appointment will help SYFR to continually improve its service to the public.”

Simon said: “I am really pleased to be appointed to this role. I have always felt extremely proud to serve this fantastic county and I look forward to continuing to improve the service and support its people in my new role of Assistant Chief Fire Officer.”