Longstanding firefighter named Chief Fire Officer

Tuesday 23 July 2019

A multi-medalled firefighter who joined the Fire and Rescue Service 25 years ago has been named as the service’s new Chief Fire Officer.

Paul Brown will succeed Mark James, who retired a year ago after 11 years' service to Jersey to help run his wife’s, Jane James, local ceramics business.

A former De La Salle College pupil, Mr Brown joined the Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter in July 1994. He was promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Fire Officer in August 2008 and has been Acting Chief Fire Officer for the past year. 

Pictured: Mr Brown will be responsible for the "efficient, effective and economical operation" of the service.

Working on behalf of both the Minister for Home Affairs and the Group Director for Justice and Home Affairs, Mr Brown will be responsible for the "efficient, effective and economical operation" of the service to ensure the safety of the island.

Additionally, he will provide strategic command and leadership of the Fire and Rescue Service and also the island’s Emergency Planning function, where his experience of serving as Gold Commander for a declared ‘multi-agency major incident’ in Jersey will come in handy.

Mr Brown received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Fire Brigade’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 2014.  

Commenting on his appointment, Julian Blazeby, Director General for Justice and Home Affairs, said: “I’m delighted to announce Paul’s appointment as the new permanent Chief Fire Officer for the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service. 

“This an exciting time for the service and there are many opportunities in managing an innovative and passionate team that work hard to keep our community safe. 

“Under the Justice and Home Affairs banner, Paul is responsible for Jersey Fire and Rescue Service’s closer collaborative working relationship and co-responding with the Ambulance Service and this partnership is already showing positive wins for the island.” 

Pictured: Mr Brown has been a firefighter since 1994.

Mr Brown added: “I am very proud to have been appointed Jersey’s Chief Fire Officer. It is a privilege to lead the organisation and to support the efforts of the excellent people who make our lives safer.

“The next chapter will involve even more close working with the Ambulance Service, our other colleagues in Justice and Home Affairs, across government, throughout Jersey, in Guernsey and further afield. I am looking forward to the prospect of working together, innovating and sharing opportunities to improve safety, security, stability and prosperity.” 

He also paid tribute to Mark James - who helped introduce a number of fire safety programmes and initiatives such as the Schools Fire Safety Education Programme, called ‘Sparks’, and home fire safety visit and thus reduce the number of fires in the island - saying: “My appointment also affords me to the opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor, CFO Mark James, whose vision and energy have done so much for safety and resilience in our island."