Peter Heath appointed TWFRS Assistant Chief Fire Officer

Peter Heath has been appointed Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACO), following an extensive selection process.

Peter, who was born in Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, joins TWFRS from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service where he was Deputy Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Head of Response and Resilience.

Tyne and Wear Fire Authority Chair, Cllr Tony Taylor, said:

“There is no doubt that this was a challenging recruitment process, with many excellent candidates all of whom had much to offer the Service as an ACO. However, I have no doubt that Peter’s experience and knowledge will make him an excellent Assistant Chief Fire Officer and a great addition to our Service”.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said:

“I am delighted to be joining Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. I’m looking forward to working with CFO Chris Lowther in leading and driving forward community and firefighter safety, on which I will be placing a strong focus. TWFRS is a fantastic service with wonderful and talented staff. I will work tirelessly to do my best to lead and support them to deliver excellent services to the communities of Tyne and Wear.’

Chris Lowther, TWFRS Chief Fire Officer commented:

“I am sure that Peter’s experience will enrich our Service, bringing a fresh pair of eyes and new views on how we can make this great fire service even better for our communities and staff. He will receive a very warm welcome across the Service and I am very much looking forward to having Peter in my senior team.”

Peter replaces ACO Alan Robson who retired in January 2020 after 24 years with the TWFRS, having joined Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service as an operational firefighter in 1989.

Chris Lowther continued:

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Alan for the professionalism, commitment and dedication that he has given our Service and also for the support that he has given me. I wish him all the very best for the next chapter in his life.”

Tony Taylor concluded:

“I’d like to echo Chris’ comments and thank Alan, from myself and the Fire Authority, for all his hard work. We wish him the very best.”

Notes to Editors

Peter Heath joined Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade in October 1992 and served at several fire stations across Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders as Firefighter, Leading Firefighter, Sub Officer and Station Officer. He also held roles as a Fire Safety Enforcement Officer, training Officer, in Operational Planning as well as range of managerial and leadership roles including a two-year secondment to the Scottish Fire Services College as a Group Manager in the learning development team. In 2013, following the creation of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Peter was Programme Manager and led work on Operational Response and Resilience to ensure readiness for the commencement of the new service on day one.

In June 2019 Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service was graded as Good for Effectiveness; Good for Efficiency and Good for People by the HMICFRS.