A NEW chief fire officer has been appointed for Oxfordshire.

Rob MacDougall has been appointed as Oxfordshire County Council’s new director of community safety and chief fire officer.

He takes to the helm after being assistant chief fire officer to Simon Furlong who is retiring from his post.

Mr MacDougall said: "Taking on the role will be a huge privilege and a dream position for me.

"I joined the Fire and Rescue Service in 1998, and apart from a short secondment with the Ghana National Fire Service, have enjoyed a wide and varied career here in Oxfordshire.

"I am dedicated to continuing to deliver the best services we can for our residents by doing our core business exceptionally well while continuously looking for new ways to reduce the risk of harm and enable access to opportunities for all to thrive."

As part of the role Mr MacDougall will be in charge of community safety across the county council departments, emergency services, local councils and the voluntary sector.

Oxfordshire County Council chief executive officer Yvonne Rees praised Mr MacDougall's predecessor Mr Furlong for his 'inspirational leadership, support and friendship'.

She said: “Simon’s easy style, combined with an exemplary eye for detail, makes him a fantastic colleague, an exceptional local government officer and one who will be greatly missed in this role."

Mr Furlong added: "The appointment of a new chief fire officer for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service marks the last stage of my fire service career and whilst there is a slight twinge of sadness I am really excited for Oxfordshire as this marks the next phase in its journey.

“I know that under Rob’s leadership Community Safety will continue to improve and deliver the best it can for all our residents."