Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service has a new Chief in charge
29 Aug 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
The new Chief Fire Officer of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, Graeme Binning, has officially taken up his new role.
He’s taken over the reins from outgoing Chief Paul Hedley who has retired after 36 years in the Service.
Graeme, 50, joined NFRS in 2020 as Deputy Chief Fire Officer and has developed and improved the service over that time.
During his time with NFRS he has lead on some hugely significant service improvements and strengthening NFRS’s position as an integral and valued part of the County Council.
Prior to joining NFRS Graeme gained a wealth of experience in a range of fire and rescue services in England and Scotland spanning two decades.
He started his career in the fire service back in 2001 as a firefighter in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. Later he found himself back across the border working in several areas of the former Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service before the creation of a single Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2013.
He said: “It is a real honour to be the new Chief Fire Officer and to serve our beautiful county and the people of Northumberland.
“I joined the fire service when I was 28 and have been fortunate to work with and learn from some brilliant people. It is an incredibly rewarding career which has presented so many varied experiences and opportunities over the last 22 years. To lead a County Council Fire and Rescue Service presents so many opportunities to demonstrate the value of the Fire and Rescue Service beyond fires and emergencies.”
Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council said: “We welcome Graeme and, although he has some very big boots to fill by following Paul his excellent predecessor in the role, I know he will serve the Service and the County Council with great wisdom and leadership.”
Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet member for Looking after Our Communities said: “Heading the NFRS is a huge responsibility, but we know Graeme well and know he has the experience, quality and calibre to lead this vital emergency service. Northumberland is in safe hands with Graeme at the helm.”
Graeme also encouraged people to think about a career in NFRS, whatever their background.
He said: “My early career was in classical music. I received an education at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and played with some of the most famous orchestras in the world, before embarking on a complete change in career.
“No matter what your current career is, whether you are male or female, or whether you are looking for a full time or on-call role, if you have the passion to work hard as part of a team to serve your community - the fire service could be for you too.”
Mr Binning is a proud husband and father to his wife Jodi and daughter Molly.