Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has appointed Henry Griffin as deputy chief fire officer

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has appointed a new deputy chief fire officer.

Henry Griffin is currently area manager for people and resources at the service and will take up his position in the New Year.

Mr Griffin, who has been with the service for 20 years, has led initiatives such as introducing electric vehicles to the fire service fleet, implementing cultural improvement programmes, and managing major incident responses including for the summer fires of 2022.

His expertise includes strategic planning, workforce planning, and operational training.

Henry, who is married with three children, succeeds deputy chief fire officer Dan Fearn, who has retired.

He said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this role. I am a native of Suffolk and proud to have served with SFRS all my career.

“I began as a firefighter at Newmarket Fire Station and to now be made deputy chief fire officer is a real honour for me.

“I would like to thank Dan Fearn for the service he has given to Suffolk and wish him well in his retirement.

“I look forward to continuing to serve our staff, this county, and its community in a fire service of which I and all my colleagues are proud to belong to.”

Henry was chosen following a selection process of seven sections, culminating in an interview with members of Suffolk County Council.

Chief fire officer Jon Lacey said: “Henry was appointed following a rigorous interview process of an incredibly strong field of candidates, it is no exaggeration to say that competition for this role was intense.

“I am delighted for him personally and I look forward to working with him in his new role, in which I have no doubt he will excel.”

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public protection, said: “I congratulate Henry on his appointment, the quality of the candidates was extremely high. I have no doubt that he will continue to serve Suffolk well in his new role.”