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Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Cook as its new Chief Fire Officer, who will take on the role later this Spring, following current Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton’s’ retirement.
With a distinguished career in the fire and rescue sector, Matt brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, he joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter in 2001 before transferring to London Fire Brigade (LFB). Following this, Matt served as Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service where he led People and Corporate Services before being appointed as interim Deputy Chief at the Service in September 2023. Matt now joins Avon Fire & Rescue Service following his tenure as Deputy Chief Fire Officer at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, where he led significant collaboration workstreams, including the Safer West Sussex Partnership.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue Service. It will be a privilege to serve such a dedicated Service, leading not only our committed firefighters and staff but also serving the people, businesses, and visitors across North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and Bristol.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Avon Fire Authority, its Chair, and Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. Simon’s leadership and distinguished 30-year career have left a lasting impact on this Service, and I wish him all the very best for the future.
“I look forward to working alongside the dedicated people that make up our Service and the wider community to ensure we provide the very best Service we can. I am committed to ensuring we remain resilient, responsive, and innovative, always striving to deliver the highest level of Service for the communities we serve.”
Interim Chair of Avon Fire Authority, Paul Goggin, welcomed Matt Cook to the Service, he said: “Matt’s extensive experience and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal leader for Avon Fire & Rescue Service. His commitment to innovation, public safety, and workforce development will be instrumental in driving the Service forward.
“On behalf of the Fire Authority, our communities and the Service, we would like to thank Simon Shilton for his invaluable contributions, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours, and we look forward to a new chapter under Matt’s leadership.”