Date: 3rd September, 2024
Ben Ansell QFSM, Chief Fire Officer of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has announced to staff and Fire and Rescue Authority Members his decision to retire on 31 December 2024, having completed over 30 years of Service. Ben feels honoured to have led the newly combined Service since 2016 as Chief Fire Officer and has been humbled by the collective trust placed in him to lead such a fantastic organisation.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Fire Officer, Ben said “I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together as an organisation, particularly during the challenging times we have faced. The decision has not been made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for me to step down and allow for new leadership to guide our Service forward.”
Cllr Paul Oatway QPM, Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority said that “it is a sad day for the Authority and Service to lose such an enthusiastic and dynamic leader but I fully support and understands Ben’s decision to retire after over 30 years of service, having led the organisation as an exceptional Chief Fire Officer and respected both locally and Nationally for the past eight years.”