Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has started the process for finding a new Fire Chief to take over at the helm after  Chief Officer Alasdair Hay announced his retirement. Alasdair Hay’s  36 years of service will come to an end in March 2019.

Alasdair Hay, Chief Officer SFRS

Scotland’s Fire and Rescue Service is the largest in the UK and has been going through significant changes since its formation as a single unit in 2013.

 Chair of the SFRS Board, Dr Kirsty Darwent said:

“After a career spanning more than three decades in the fire and rescue service, Alasdair has indicated that the time is now right, both for him personally and for the SFRS, to begin preparations for his retirement.

“It is clear that it was a great privilege for Alasdair to hold the position of Chief Officer for more than five professionally rewarding years.

“Be assured that Alasdair’s drive and commitment will remain unchanged – and it will be very much business as usual until he hands over to his successor next year.”

The SFRS Board will now begin the formal recruitment process, ensuring there is an effective period of transition.

Dr Darwent continued:

“Alasdair has led the creation of one of Scotland’s most respected and valued public services.

“It is therefore only right and proper that we are committed to attracting the very best Chief Officer to continue to lead this truly fantastic organisation.

“They will build upon the strong foundations he has laid over the past five years as the Service seeks to transform to do more to protect communities.

“This includes training and equipping firefighters to respond to terror attack and severe weather related flooding while assisting a growing elderly and vulnerable population increasingly calling upon support to stay safe.”

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