Chris served in the FRS for 32 years, ending his active fire service career as substantive Assistant Divisional Officer in 2014. His service roles included Training & Development, Operational Planning, Corporate Management Team, staff officer and in the Integrated Risk Management Project Team. His final role in service was heading the service’s Technical Rescue team including a national USAR contingent.
He has contributed to national working groups with specific operational functions including the national working at height group, which he chaired for many years. Other specialisms that Chris championed over his career include; USAR, water rescue, confined space, heavy rescue and fire behaviour.
After leaving Leicestershire FRS Chris ran a successful private consultancy, including consulting for the Operational Guidance Programme as a team manager. Here he managed a team of FRS and private sector subject matter experts to produce national guidance.
For more than 25 years, Chris has been an active member of the IFE and holds various branch officer positions with North East Midlands Branch. He’s been a member of the International General Assembly (IGA) since its formation and his nomination and election to the board is one of two positions held by IGA representatives.
In his IFE capacity, Chris has engaged with the IFE Awarding Body, providing knowledge and support on Examinations, Continuing Professional Development, Recognitions and the IGA’s UK working Group. He brokered a MOU with the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO), which promoted and helped establish IFE exams with the four FRS within his branch area and carried out work with the IFE Charitable Education Foundation.
Chris is also a company member for the Fire Fighters Charity and actively promotes and raises funds for this charity.