New Chief Fire Officer Named for Shropshire Fire Service
Simon Hardiman is set to take the reins as Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service’s new Chief Fire Officer from January 2023. This follows the retirement announcement of current CFO Rod Hammerton, who is stepping down after a 30-year career.
Strong Successor to Lead the Flame
Hardiman, who has spent five years with SFRS, impressed in a tough interview process and won approval from the Authority on 18 November. He brings serious fireground experience, starting his career in West Midlands Fire Service in 2001 before moving to Shropshire as Area Manager for Operational Risk Management in 2018.
“I feel very privileged to have been chosen to take on this role and to take the Service forward in the coming years,” said Hardiman. “SFRS is already a high performing Service and I plan to ensure this continues. My vision is to maintain delivery of excellent services to the communities of Shropshire, and to meet new challenges and demands placed upon us over the coming months and years.”
Farewell to a Firefighting Legend
Outgoing CFO Rod Hammerton expressed mixed emotions about his departure.
“Being a firefighter has been the most fulfilling job I could have hoped for, and it is bittersweet to be retiring after 30 years of working with such wonderful colleagues and partners. I have been honoured to be the Chief Fire Officer for Shropshire for the last seven years,” Hammerton said.
“I am leaving secure in the knowledge that the leadership is in good hands. In my time as Chief I have overseen significant improvements to make us a more inclusive organisation that really tries to work with and develop its staff. This will help Simon as he faces the challenges of the next few years, but he has the confidence of the organisation, and I am confident he will do a great job as Chief.”
Authority Backs New Leadership
Chairman Councillor Eric Carter praised the appointment.
“We are thrilled to have chosen Simon Hardiman as the new Chief of SFRS. We are confident he will lead the Service in a positive direction and continue the good work Rod has done over the last six years.”
The official CFO handover is scheduled for 15 December 2022, paving the way for a fresh chapter in Shropshire’s fire and rescue leadership.
