Chris Lowther, the leader of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), has retired after dedicating over 26 years of his life to serving the community. He announced his retirement in March this year from his position as Chief Fire Officer, a role he held since 2017.
Born and raised in Gateshead, Chris’s journey with TWFRS began in 1997 when he joined as a firefighter. He was posted to Gateshead Community Fire Station, serving his hometown. Throughout his career, Chris progressed through the ranks and ultimately became the Chief Fire Officer.
In May, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath was announced as Chris’s successor, and the two have been working together to ensure a smooth transition. With the newly formed leadership team in place, Chris decided that it was the right time for him to retire.
Chris Lowther expressed his gratitude, saying, “It has been a great honour and privilege to serve the communities of the North East and to work alongside such dedicated and professional people.
Phil Tye, Chair of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, paid tribute to Chris’s contributions during his tenure. He acknowledged Chris’s dedication and leadership during challenging times and thanked him for his commitment to the community.
Peter Heath, the new Chief Fire Officer, is ready to take on the role with immediate effect. He aims to continue improving the service, emphasizing decency, inclusivity, fairness, and respect within TWFRS. Peter has already appointed Stewart Nicholson as Deputy Chief Fire Officer, who will join the service next month, coming from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Chris Lowther’s retirement marks the end of an era in Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and the organization looks ahead to continued growth and improvement under new leadership.
