Les Britzman has nearly 30 years of experience in the profession and will take up the role on 1 April, following the retirement of Jon Le Page.

Les Britzman was Chief Fire Officer and Director of Public Protection with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue until his retirement two years ago. 

Since then he has worked as an industry consultant, supporting tech innovation. He is passionate about both staff development and improving the skills of incident command.

He began his career as an engineer but in the mid 90s decided that his calling lay in public service and started work with the Nottinghamshire brigade.

He climbed the ranks before moving to Norfolk Fire and Rescue to lead the technical and safety teams. He later became the regional head of Fire Protection and Safety.

In 2012 Les Britzman was seconded to the Office of the Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor in London and supported the fire service during the 2012 Olympics and a series of nationwide floods.

He says he is very much looking forward to living and working in Guernsey:

"I will enjoy exploring and getting to know the beautiful Island of Guernsey and its surrounds. I appreciate there will be unique challenges for the Fire and Rescue Service due to being based on an island.

Nevertheless, I am confident that together we will continue to develop and improve from a sound base and ensure we have a service the Island can be proud of."

Jon Le Page, who retires at the end of March, got to know Mr Britzman while they were taking part in a National Fire Service leadership programme:

"We are very fortunate to have attracted Les to this post, as he will bring a great deal of valuable experience to the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service. 

"I am confident that I will be leaving the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service in safe hands under his leadership, and I am sure he will positively develop the Service into the future.”

Mr Le Page retires in late March and Mr Britzman begins work on 1 April.