A NEW chief fire officer has been appointed for the upcoming combined Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The two services agreed to a merger to save backroom costs in November of last year and will have one chief fire officer rather than the current two.

Members from both Dorset and Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authorities and independent specialist advisers appointed Darran Gunter of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service as the new chief fire officers for the combined service.

Councillor Chris Devine, chairman of Wiltshire & Swindon Combined Fire Authority, and Councillor Rebecca Knox, chairman of Dorset Fire Authority, said: "Darran will continue working closely with Elected Members on the Joint Committee overseeing the combination, and staff in both Wiltshire and Dorset Fire & Rescue Services to create a new organisation, its vision, and its future strategies and priorities.

"We are very grateful to Simon Routh-Jones, Chief Fire Officer of Wiltshire FRS, who has been instrumental in the combination strategy and we would like to thank him for all he has done in getting the project to this stage.

Mr Gunter said “Our combination is by far the most complex and challenging change programme that both Services have embarked on. 

“We are determined to protect and where possible strengthen frontline Services and I feel privileged and very proud to work with two such fire and rescue services. 

“I am extremely grateful for the continued support from Simon Routh-Jones of Wiltshire and the professional team of Members and staff from both Services.”

It is expected that the merger will be complete in April of next year.