Darryl Keen
Hertfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service will have a new Chief Fire Officer from April as the current Chief, Roy Wilsher, is seconded to take up a high-profile national role as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council after 12 years at the top in Hertfordshire.
Hertfordshire County Council has appointed Darryl Keen, the current Deputy Chief, as Acting Director of Community Protection, which includes the role of Chief Fire Officer. He will be responsible for managing an integrated department that brings together Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Emergency Planning and a joint Community Safety Unit, run with the police.
Darryl said, “I am looking forward to taking up my new role at a very exciting time for UK fire and rescue services and Hertfordshire in particular. The legacy that Roy has left is a very strong one and I look forward to continuing the delivery of excellent services to the people of Hertfordshire.”
Darryl Keen joined Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service as Assistant Chief Fire Officer in 2011 and has been Deputy Chief since 2015. He previously worked for both Buckinghamshire and Royal Berkshire fire and rescue services.
Richard Thake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said, “While we’re sorry to see Roy Wilsher leave, his appointment to this high-profile national role is a testament to the excellent work he’s done as Chief Fire Officer and Director of Community Protection at Hertfordshire County Council. It’s a great reflection on Hertfordshire that Roy’s peers believe his experience here makes him the best person to represent and coordinate the UK’s fire services nationally and work with central government to help deliver the Home Office’s programme of fire reform.
“We’re delighted to be able to appoint Darryl Keen as the new Acting Director of Community Protection. He will provide the leadership and experience the Directorate needs as it continues to evolve and I look forward to working with him to keep the people of Hertfordshire healthy and safe.”
Darryl will take up his new role on 1 April 2017.
