Nikki Watson confirmed as new Northamptonshire fire chief

Former deputy chief constable for Avon and Somerset Police, Nikki Watson, has been confirmed as the new Chief Fire Officer of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue. And the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) has announced the appointment of Kerry Smith as its new Assistant Chief Constable (ACC).

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After a long period of uncertainty about the leadership of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Chief Fire Officer position will now be filled by Nikki Watson, former deputy chief constable for Avon and Somerset Police. She will take up her post from 16 May.

The appointment was held up an IOPC investigation into Ms Watson which has now concluded; it found there was no case to answer regarding allegations made against her. More via Emergency Services Times

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to revamp after £1.8m grant

The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will redevelop one of its airbases after receiving a near £2 million grant.

A contribution of £1.8 million from HELP Appeal will be used to fund the revamp of MAAC’s Strensham base on the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire border. More via Worcester News

IFE makes further progress in its strategy development

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) has published an update on the further progress it has made in its strategy development.

The IFE said its strategy engagement workshop phases are now complete and the next step is to transform the identified themes into strategic objectives. More via IFE

FBU responds to HMICFRS ‘State of Fire and Rescue’ report

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has responded to His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) published its latest State of Fire and Rescue report.

FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said the report “does not add much to the discussion over the future of the fire and rescue service and the issues it faces.” More via FBU

CNC announces new Assistant Chief Constable

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) has announced the appointment of Kerry Smith as its new Assistant Chief Constable (ACC).

Kerry joined the CNC last month and has 30 years of experience as a police officer in several forces. More via Emergency Services Times

Multi-agency working helps give emergency medical care faster

In the East of England, over 360 people have received faster emergency medical help thanks to a partnership between the ambulance and fire services.

Firefighters, trained by East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) can now act as Community Wellbeing Officers (CWO). These officers can respond to urgent medical emergencies until ambulance crews arrive. More via Emergency Services Times