THE fire service in Manchester has a new man in charge.
Jim Wallace is the new Chief Fire Officer, replacing Peter O’Reilly who retired this year.
Mr Wallace is taking over at a time of change as the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service looks to improve after criticism from the Kerslake Report, which looked into the handling of the Manchester Arena bombing.
Mr Wallace said: “I’m delighted to have taken up the role. This is an ideal opportunity to get in and reshape the organisation and I want to capitalise on the loyalty and commitment of staff. It was not a difficult decision and I have been excited to get in and hit the ground running."
The service's Programme for Change is sreviewing the way the service operates and looks at creating a modern fire service that puts the frontline first. Mr Wallace, who spends his spare time flying, said: "The Programme for Change has given us a clear focus of the changing demands the service faces and sets a road map for the future."
Deputy Mayor for Greater Manchester Baroness Bev Hughes welcomed him into his role.
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