Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service Press Release
Relishing the challenge – Geoff takes on assistant chief role

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has a new assistant chief fire officer

Geoff Sallis, 54, who lives in Tewkesbury, has worked for the Service for 24 years. He was instrumental in developing the TriService concept (having the control room for three emergency services on one site) and the move to the Gloucestershire TriService Headquarters and Control Centre at Waterwells in 2003*. He was also involved in co-ordinating the Service’s response during and after the devastating floods that hit the county in July 2007.

He initially joined White Watch at Gloucester before being promoted to Black Watch in Stroud in 1989. During his career, he has served as a fire safety inspecting officer, a station commander, project manager and as head of fire safety. Following the move to Waterwells, he became head of service delivery and was then made head of support service in 2006. He replaces Alan Hoar, who retired several months ago, as assistant chief.

Geoff said: “It’s early days in my new job but I’m already really enjoying it. It’s a challenge to continue to deliver a service that the public and our staff can be proud of when budgets are under pressure, but it is one that I relish.

“I’ve had an incredible career with the service here in Gloucestershire and I’m still learning and developing all the time. The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far was the 2007 floods. I headed up the decontamination and servicing of our engines and equipment and was responsible for ensuring we maintained as normal a service as possible to the people of Gloucestershire following a week of major flooding.”

Group Director for Community Safety and Chief Fire Officer, Terry Standing, said: “We have experienced major change in recent years and Geoff has been pivotal in helping us adapt our services to meet the changing needs of the county. In his new role, Geoff will be at the forefront of many exciting projects. We are delighted to have him on board as the new assistant chief.”

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Congratulations to Geoff on his new job. These are exciting times for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service with four new fire stations being built, including a fantastic new Life Skills Centre. It’s great news for Gloucestershire that someone as experienced as Geoff will be leading the way in continuing to keep our county safe.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors
* The TriService Centre at Waterwells currently houses the control rooms for the Fire Service, the police and the ambulance service. It handled 1,800 calls to the fire service in the first 15 hours of the flooding crisis.

Issued by: Emma Smith, Gloucestershire County Council Media Team, 01452 426887, emma.j.smith@gloucestershire.gov.uk

7th December 2009