Mathew Walker appointed Interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Mat, who is currently responsible for Service Assurance and Improvement in West Yorkshire as an Area Manager, joined the Fire and Rescue Service in 2003 after several years playing professional rugby in England, Ireland and Australia.

The 43-year-old father-of-three has also served in Merseyside and South Yorkshire and has been part of the response to a number of major incidents, including east coast flooding and the Salisbury Novichock attacks.

He was selected during a competitive process and will serve as Interim Deputy following the appointment of Jonathan Dyson as Chief Fire Officer for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a promotion which leaves the Deputy role vacant.

The recruitment process for a permanent Deputy Chief Fire Officer will begin shortly, but Commissioner Zoë wanted to ensure there was strategic leadership and command resilience in place, especially at an important time for the future of the Service.

North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said:

“I would like to welcome Mathew Walker to the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and thank all those who expressed an interest in this important interim role.

“Mat’s experience at dealing with challenging incidents, leading and supporting a team through a period of change, and building relationships with partners to develop collaboration made him the right choice at an important time for the future of fire and rescue cover across North Yorkshire and York.

“My three-month consultation on proposed changes to the Fire and Rescue Service is underway and I hope everyone reads, considers and has their say on the new Risk and Resource Model which aims to ensure we have the right people in the right place at the right time with the right equipment.”

More details on the consultation can be found at www.tellcommissionerzoe.co.uk.