The Chief Fire Officer of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), John Buckley, is to retire in April 2022 after 26 years of service.

John Buckley joined NFRS as a Firefighter back in 1996, having transferred from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service where he was previously an On-Call Firefighter from 1994.

During his time with the service, he has risen through the ranks and has worked at several stations and in various departments, before ultimately being appointed as Chief Fire Officer in 2014.

The Chief Fire Officer has been a passionate fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity, the charity which provides support to fire and rescue service staff and their families. He has spearheaded the annual Chief's Challenge which usually raises over £10,000 for the charity.

Councillor Michael Payne, Chair of the Fire Authority, said: "John has led the Service through challenging times over the past few years, and more lately ensuring that the Service has been at the forefront of supporting communities throughout the pandemic. He has made a huge difference at national level - representing the fire sector on finance and funding related issues as we approach the comprehensive spending review.

"John has led with distinction, integrity and a deep sense of commitment to the communities of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

"I would like to thank John for his exemplary service during his career. I know he remains fully committed to continuing to lead the organisation with his trademark passion and commitment over the next six months."

Chief Fire Officer John Buckley added: "It has and continues to be a real privilege to lead Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. Six months is a long time away and there's still much more that I want to see through while I am here.

"My aim is to leave the Service in the best shape possible to continue our work in keeping the communities of Nottinghamshire safe."

No announcement about Mr Buckley's successor has yet been made.