Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) have confirmed that Craig Parkin will be their next Chief Fire Officer.

Mr Parkin, who is currently NFRS' Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO), will take up the role next April, after his appointment was officially confirmed on Friday (17 December) by the Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire and Rescue Authority.

The Combined Fire Authority met to consider the recommendation made by their Appointments Committee on 2 December, for the DCFO to replace current Chief Fire Officer John Buckley upon his retirement, after over 25 years' service.

Mr Parkin has been with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue for 26 years – joining as a firefighter at the Dunkirk fire station after serving in the British Army's Royal Engineers for six years. He also served as a firefighter at Stockhill, West Bridgford and Nottingham Central.

Chair of the Combined Fire Authority, Councillor Michael Payne said: "We are delighted to confirm that Craig Parkin will be our next Chief Fire Officer. He is a man of deep integrity who cares deeply about the city and the county.

"I know Craig will do a fantastic job for us and we are really looking forward to working with him to protect and serve our communities."

Chief Fire Officer John Buckley added: "Craig is an excellent appointment. He will provide continuity for the authority and ensure that the Service continues to improve outcomes for the people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire."

Mr Parkin will officially start his tenure as Chief Fire Officer on 16 April 2022.

He said: "I am exceptionally proud and incredibly humbled to be given the opportunity to lead this great organisation and I can't wait to get started.

"From next year we have a three-year plan for how we are looking to make communities as safe as possible, and I'm looking forward to delivering this alongside the Fire Authority and our partners.

"I will ensure that we continue to strive to deliver the best services that we possibly can for the people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, keeping people as safe as they can be."