Avon Fire & Rescue Service is proud to announce the appointment of Luke Gazzard as the new assistant chief fire officer for service delivery.

Luke, who brings more than 25 years of dedicated service and experience in AF&RS, assumed the position this month.

Luke will be leading on the services' operational response, including all operational firefighters, control operators and the prevention and protection departments. 

Avon Fire and Rescue Service provides emergency and protection services to the communities of Bath & North East Somerset, as well as Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire - so Luke’s new role is no easy feat.

Speaking upon his appointment, assistant chief fire officer Luke Gazzard, said: "After a tough recruitment process, I'm excited to have been successfully appointed as the assistant chief fire officer for service delivery.

"As I take on this new role, I'm keen to ensure that people, professionalism and pride are the golden thread through everything I do. Throughout my career, I've seen many changes in Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the wider sector, and I'm looking forward to working closely with all of our staff to influence our journey as we move forward. As I join the Service Leadership Board, I'm excited to be a part of the strategic change as we work towards being the best Service that we can be."

Luke has been an integral part of the service, rising through the ranks thanks to his dedication, professionalism and expertise.

Talking about his career, Luke said: "I joined the Service in 1999, starting my career as a firefighter on Avonmouth Red Watch, I then worked at Southmead, Bath and Patchway before becoming a station manager in learning and development. I also worked in risk intelligence, and most recently, I was the area manager head of operational response before heading up the service improvement team for the last 12 months."

Chief fire officer Simon Shilton welcomed Luke to the role, and said: "We are thrilled to have Luke accept this position within the service. Luke brings a wealth of experience to the service leadership board, his passion and dedication to the sector will be vital in driving our service forward.

"After a robust and competitive recruitment process, in which both internal and external applications were invited, Luke performed incredibly well. He demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership commitment to our community and our staff. I look forward to working with him closely to make our Service stronger and our communities safer."