New county fire boss is a homegrown boy

New Northamptonshire Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey NNL-160617-110338001

Darren Dovey has been named the new chief fire officer for the county.

The long-serving firefighter takes on the role that has been vacant for a year since the retireent of Martyn Emberson last July.

Darren, who first became a firefighter in 1987, started his career with Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service. He joined the London Fire Brigade in 1999 as station officer and progressed to group manager before transferring to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2008.

Since then he has moved up from area manager to head of service delivery, taking on the role of acting head of service earlier this year before being appointed chief fire officer.

During his career, Darren has responded to high-profile incidents including the 1992 Windsor Castle fire, the explosions at Buncefield fuel depot in 2005 and the London 7/7 terror attacks.

Darren, who grew up in Thorplands, Northampton, and attended Thorplands Lower and Lings Upper Schools, said: “I am extremely proud and humbled to have been given the opportunity to lead Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“My aim will be to continue our tradition of being an innovative and progressive fire service. We will have a number of challenges in the coming years as we look to build a service for the future that fits with the Government’s fire reform agenda and also Northamptonshire County Council’s Next Generation model.

“I’m confident that with the great people who work within this organisation we can do this in a way that continues to give an excellent service to the public.”

County council cabinet member for public protection, strategic infrastructure and economic growth Cllr André Gonzalez de Savage said: “Darren has a wealth of experience in the fire service and is highly regarded here in Northamptonshire by colleagues and staff alike.

“He is the best person to take Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service forward as we continue to create a brigade fit for the 21st century and I’d like to offer my congratulations on his well-deserved appointment.”