Ex-RAF Ace Takes Top Job at South Wales Fire Service
South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority has tapped an extraordinary new leader. Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan OBE DFC PhD, a decorated Royal Air Force veteran, is set to become the next Chief Fire Officer after a tough recruitment battle.
From Fast Jets to Firefighting—A Unique Choice
Fin Monahan brings a stellar military career to the fire service. He’s flown fast jets, led operations worldwide, and worked as a senior RAF and Ministry of Defence commander. While based in Yorkshire, he managed rapid-response teams covering Northern England, Southern Scotland, and the Isle of Man, including mountain rescue units.
Not your typical firefighter, Monahan commanded a fire station and trained in firefighting and breathing apparatus for aircraft carrier missions. Currently, he directs ‘Defence Futures’, the MOD’s strategic think tank at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.
New Boss Set to Shake Up Fire Service Culture
Commissioner Carl Foulkes, who led the appointment panel, said: “We needed an exceptional leader to drive vital cultural and organisational changes. The Morris Review urged us to look beyond the fire sector for senior roles. We cast a wide net and were thrilled by the diverse talent that came forward. Fin Monahan stood out as the perfect fit.”
Monahan holds master’s degrees from the University of Nottingham and University of Madras. He earned a PhD in Organisational Culture from the University of Birmingham in 2018. A published author, he specialises in building morale and cohesion in uniformed services.
Vision for South Wales Fire and Rescue
Monahan says: “I want every staff member—from firefighters to support teams—to feel proud and valued. Together, we’ll rebuild an organisation that’s welcoming, supportive, and safe. That unity is crucial to protecting South Wales’ 1.5 million residents.”
Monahan will officially take charge once security clearances are complete. Until then, Stuart Millington stays on as interim Chief Fire Officer to ensure a smooth handover. The leadership overhaul will continue as Commissioners and Monahan work to appoint a permanent Executive Team ready to face the challenges ahead.
