The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) Board and Health Minister Robin Swann MLA have announced the appointment of the organisation’s new Chief Fire & Rescue Officer. Peter O’Reilly QFSM will commence the role on 1 September 2021.
Commenting on the news, Minister Swann said, “I welcome the appointment of Peter O’Reilly as the new Chief Fire & Rescue Officer for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. With over 25 years of experience within the fire and rescue services, I have no doubt that he will provide the necessary leadership to guide NIFRS into the future.”
The Minister also thanked Michael Graham for his valuable contribution as Interim Chief Fire & Rescue Officer.
As Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Mr O’Reilly will have a central role in ensuring continued success and providing additional stability as NIFRS emerges from the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Congratulating Mr O’Reilly on his appointment, Carmel McKinney OBE, Chair of the NIFRS Board, said, “Peter is a committed and dedicated firefighter who will bring a wealth of operational and strategic experience to the role.”
Peter O’Reilly, newly appointed Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, said, “Having started my fire fighting career with NIFRS, I am extremely proud to lead it going forward and work with over 1800 exceptional operational and wider supporting team members as we continue to deliver our prevention and emergency response service to protect our community.”
