The Chief Fire Officer of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Rebecca Bryant, has today, 31 March 2021, announced her decision to retire in October after 29 years with the fire and rescue service.

She said: "The Fire and Rescue Service has changed in so many ways during my career with the most significant changes being linked to the work we undertake within the prevention arena. I feel very privileged to have been part of that change and the difference made here in Staffordshire through our home safety programme (Safe and Well visits), our schools education programme (Safe and Sound), and of course our incredible Community Sprinkler Project.

"I honestly believe that our Community Sprinkler Project places the county at the forefront of ensuring the safety of firefighters and residents through the installation of suppression systems. Over the next few years I am confident the work in respect of the built environment and the refocusing on technical and legislative fire safety will continue to improve the safety of our residents, visitors and businesses.

"I am also proud that the Service has been an important part of the collective response to the Covid pandemic across the county, supporting our communities, our families and our colleagues at this unprecedented time. It has been a phenomenal joint effort and I firmly believe that there are many positives that can be transferred into improving life for people as we strive to return to normal."

Staffordshire Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, thanked Chief Fire Officer Rebecca Bryant for her years of service, as she announced her retirement: "Becci has dedicated nearly three decades of her life to the fire and rescue service and keeping people safe. I know she has always strived to make a real difference and is driven by the need to protect and improve lives – a duty she takes very seriously.

"She has seen real change during her time in the service, not least the heavier emphasis on prevention work, which I've been lucky enough to see at first hand and which is impressive. The service is facing more challenges into the future and Becci has been vocal in calling for progress and change within the service to respond.

"She leaves the Staffordshire service well placed to continue to grow and adapt to those future challenges. I'd like to thank her for her years of tireless service and dedication on behalf of all the people of Staffordshire and wish her all the very best for her retirement."