www.mawwfire.gov.uk
The Chief Fire Officer's Message
Welcome to Mid and West Wales Fire & Rescue Service Welcome to our new website, one of the new features is a regular video message from myself Chief Fire Officer, Richard Smith. The purpose of these video messages is to keep you informed and updated on our recent developments in the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
"I am absolutely delighted to become the Chief Fire Officer of such a great organisation, and I look forward to helping shape the future of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service as well as being committed to making all of our communities safer places to live and work in."
Richard joined the Fire Service in Lancashire in 1978, and after progressing to Sub Officer, transferred in the rank of Station Officer to Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1986. During his time in Warwickshire he served in a number of positions until becoming an Assistant Divisional Officer, Station Commander at Nuneaton Fire Station. Richard joined Cheshire Fire Service as a Divisional Officer in 1991 and during his time with Cheshire, served as a Divisional Officer in various posts in Training, Operations and Personnel. Richard was promoted to Senior Divisional Officer in 2000 with the corporate responsibility for Personnel and Training, moving to Mid and West Wales in July 2003 as Deputy Chief Officer.
Mr Smith is married with four children and his interests are keeping fit, football and reading. Richard's father was a Fire Service Officer in Bangor and his brother Simon is currently Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire Service. He therefore continues the strong family tradition of serving in Welsh Fire Brigades. He holds a Masters Degree in Management and has been a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers for nearly 20 years as well as being active within the Chief Fire Officers' Association, where he holds the national lead for fire safety legislation.
His predecessor at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Douglas Mackay, congratulated Richard Smith on his appointment and said:
“I wish the very best to my successor Richard Smith, who I know is determined to carry forward and further develop the progress that this Service has made.”
Commenting on Richard Smith's appointment, the Chair of the Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, Councillor Collin Crowley said:
"Richard Smith has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities whilst working with the Fire Authority over the past 4½ years and I have no doubt that he will continue to provide excellent advice and guidance to Members as Chief Fire Officer."
© Gwasanaeth Tân Ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru | © Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service