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

Tony Carlin was appointed following a selection process which included a written application, operational assessment and panel interview with members of the Fire Authority.

Tony had been fulfilling the role on a temporary basis, having first joined South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue in 2000. He began his career as a firefighter in North Yorkshire in 1992.

He’s built up a broad range of experience within the fire and rescue service- overseeing areas including community and business fire safety, workforce development, training and data and performance. He’s also acted as a workplace mentor to other leaders within the fire and rescue service.

Fire Authority Chair Cllr Robert Taylor, said: ”The selection process was rigorous and keenly contested. The final shortlist contained officers of exceptional ability, so for Tony to be the pick of those officers is an outstanding achievement. The qualities he demonstrated in selection will be positive assets in developing the strategies to drive the service forward in what is an extremely challenging period for the fire and rescue service ”

 Tony said: “It’s a very busy time for the service- with our first formal inspection in many years underway and proposals now published for how we intend to deal with annual cost pressures of up to £4 million. But despite the undoubted challenges we face, I know that the fire service is home to some of the best and most dedicated members of staff in any of the UK public services, and I am very proud of the role they play in making South Yorkshire safer and stronger.”