GREATER Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is set to welcome its new Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO).

Ben Norman, currently Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will join GMFRS in February 2022, following the departure of GMFRS’ previous DCFO Dawn Docx earlier in 2021.

GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel said: “I am delighted to offer the position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer to Ben Norman following a thorough assessment centre and offer my congratulations to him on behalf of GMFRS.

“Ben will join a proud team of colleagues in Greater Manchester at a pivotal time in our service’s history, as we continue to implement a programme of major change, designed to improve our Service and importantly, the services we deliver to the people of Greater Manchester. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with him.”

Ben has served for more than 24 years in the county, where he lives with his wife and daughters.

He said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been selected to serve the communities of Greater Manchester as the Service’s new Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

"Having worked alongside GMFRS during several incidents and activities over the years, I have every confidence that I am joining a team of colleagues who have huge passion, energy and capability to deliver bold ambitions.”

Ben was involved in the Winter Hill fire in 2018, when both fire services worked closely for several weeks to bring the moorland fire under control.

He added: “I have had the pleasure of working in a diverse range of roles during my 24-year career.

“I am now looking forward to starting my new role early in 2022."