Warwickshire News Mine

Graeme will take over from Paul Fuller, who was seconded to Warwickshire in February 2009 from Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service.

Graeme was appointed in August 2009 from the role as temporary Chief Fire Officer at Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service and now joins Warwickshire with a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge in strategic and operational management. 

After completing an engineering apprenticeship in the petrochemical industry, Graeme went onto join Cleveland County Fire Brigade in 1983. He served at several busy fire stations and worked in the headquarters staff department as well as an Instructor in the Training Centre. 

In 1991 he moved with his wife and three children to Bedfordshire where he progressed through the ranks mainly working in the areas of Operations, Training and Personnel.  During this time Graeme also obtained a Masters Degree in Civil Emergency Management from the University of Hertfordshire.

In 2000 Graeme was seconded to work in central government with Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate where he was instrumental in a strategic review of the leadership of the service as well as inspecting local authority fire brigades.

Graeme rejoined Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service at the conclusion of his secondment where in 2003 he was appointed to the position of Assistant Chief Fire Officer responsible for Corporate Support. 

In 2005 he was promoted to Deputy Chief Fire Officer holding references for all aspects of the service delivery and human resources.  In 2008 Graeme successfully completed the Cabinet Office Top Manager Programme which is the government’s flagship course in leadership for senior civil servants.

He leads for the Chief Fire Officer Association on the Governmental review of the Civil Contingencies Act and Protective Security arrangements.  He is also involved in a review of the current Leadership and Development models for the Fire and Rescue Service.

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Richard Hobbs said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Graeme to Warwickshire. He has already been working closely with Paul Fuller to ensure that a smooth handover is achieved. I feel confident that he will take forward a strong leadership role in Warwickshire.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for his efforts and professionalism during his time with the service.”

Link to WCC