Hampshire appoints new chief fire officer

He will take over from current chief Dave Curry, who is stepping down from his role after a decade with the service. Odin joined HFRS as assistant chief officer in 2012 after 20 years working at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. He became deputy chief fire officer in 2014 and will formally start his new role on 1 January 2018. 

Odin paid tribute to outgoing chief Dave Curry, he said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of chief officer for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"It is a position that I know carries great responsibility, as our service strives to make life safer for every resident.

"Stepping into the shoes of someone as respected and admired as Dave will be a tough challenge, but I am confident I can bring a new perspective and insight to the role.

"There is no doubt I take on the job at a time of great change in the fire service but I am looking forward immensely to the challenge of ensuring we continue to supply an exemplary service to our communities and to leading such a great organisation."

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority chairman Councillor Chris Carter added:  “I am pleased to announce the appointment of our new chief officer. 

“I am very much looking forward to working with Neil when he formally takes up the appointment in January and supporting him in continuing the excellent work that has been achieved in making Hampshire and Isle of Wight safer.

“Being at the helm of one of the best and most progressive services in the country is a huge responsibility and in Neil we have the right person to lead the service forward.”