AVON Fire & Rescue Service has announced a new chief fire officer to take charge of the organisation.
Matt Cook was most recently the deputy chief fire officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
His new employers say he “brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role,” which has a salary of £164,351 per year.
He will take over from Simon Shilton, who is retiring after 32 years as a firefighter, in the coming weeks.
Mr Cook joined Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service as a firefighter in 2001 before transferring to London Fire Brigade.
He has served as assistant chief fire officer in Oxfordshire before being appointed interim deputy chief in 2023 and then moving to West Sussex as deputy chief fire officer.
Mr Cook said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chief fire officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
“Simon’s leadership and distinguished 30-year career have left a lasting impact on this service, and I wish him all the very best for the future.
“I look forward to working alongside the dedicated people that make up our service and the wider community to ensure we provide the very best service we can.
“I am committed to ensuring we remain resilient, responsive, and innovative, always striving to deliver the highest level of Service for the communities we serve.”
Interim Avon Fire Authority chair Paul Goggin said: “Matt’s extensive experience and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal leader for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
“His commitment to innovation, public safety, and workforce development will be instrumental in driving the service forward.
“On behalf of the Fire Authority, our communities and the Service, we would like to thank Simon Shilton for his invaluable contributions.”
The leadership change was announced shortly before the publication of a consultants’ report to the fire authority, which found morale at the fire service control room at Lansdown, Bath, was at “rock bottom” and the department is at risk of a mass exodus through resignations.
The consultants said there had been allegations of bullying, discrimination and misogynistic language, and staff also complained of heavy workloads and lack of opportunities for career progression.
Mr Shilton said the service has developed a “staff-led action plan” to address concerns and “positive changes are already taking shape”.
He said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that all staff in our control and communications team feel valued, supported, and heard.
“Our leadership team is fully committed to driving this transformation, and we are passionate about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of the service.”