The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service's statutory responsibilities are set out in the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 stipulating the provision, training and equipping of a service to carry out the following: fire fighting; fire safety law enforcement in public and commercial buildings and public events; fire prevention activities; rescuing people from road traffic collisions; other emergency incidents; and a 'Category 1 Responder' within the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
We employ 242 members of staff that includes 129 retained firefighters, 53 full time firefighters, 29 officer/managerial and 17 support staff. Whilst no members of staff are from black or minority ethnic groups, 5 firefighters are women.
Based throughout the Island we have ten fire stations with a headquarters in Newport. Newport Fire Station is a whole-time facility which is crewed 24 hours in addition to a retained duty system crew. Ryde Fire Station has a whole-time crew during the day and a retained duty system at night. All other stations have retained duty system personnel.
We have a purpose-built Learning and Development Centre adjoining Ryde Fire Station which allows us to carry out bespoke training courses which negates the need to commission generally more expensive mainland based training.
The Fire and Rescue Service is structured under the three main functions of 'Governance and Improvement', 'Prevention and Protection' and 'Operations and Fire Resilience'.
The members of the Strategic Management Team are as follows:
Steve Apter, Chief Fire Officer
Steve joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 1990 as a retained firefighter. In 1991 he became a full time firefighter and has progressed through various roles within the Service over the past 20 years. Steve was seconded to the Government in 2004/05 to work with the Audit Commission to develop the new audit and inspection process of Fire and Rescue Services and on his return, was promoted into the Senior Management Team.
On a national level, Steve Chairs the UK Rescue Organisation which promotes the improvement of specialist rescue standards across the UK and internationally.
Steve recently completed the National Fire Service Strategic Leadership Programme at Warwick University and has an Msc in leadership from Portsmouth University.
Steve is married with three children and enjoys most sports especially cricket and golf and he follows Liverpool FC.
Stuart May, Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Stuart joined the London Fire Brigade in 1989. He transferred to the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 1995.
Stuart recently completed the National Fire Service Strategic Leadership Programme at Warwick University and has an Msc in Project Management leadership from Portsmouth University.
Stuart is married with two children; he enjoys fishing and follows Southampton FC.
Mick Keenan, Head of Operations
Mick manages the Technical Support, Operational Planning and Intelligence and Resilience Service areas of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. He also manages the resources of 5 retained stations on the Island and ensures operational readiness of appliances and personnel within those stations.
Justin Harden, Head of Community Risk
Justin joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in September 1994 as a wholetime firefighter at Newport fire station. He served on both Green and Blue Watch before being promoted in 2002. Since that time he has worked in different roles and departments across the Service.
Justin enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking and surfing and is still trying to find the time to learn to kitesurf properly.
Matt Ford, Programme Manager - FRS Modernisation
Matt joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 2009, after a 16 year career as an Army Officer, where he specialised in IT and project management. He runs an ongoing portfolio of initiatives to modernise the Service, which currently include the transfer of Fire Control to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and the relocation of the Service Headquarters. Matt also retains responsibility for the administration and support staff within the Service.
His first degree was in Business Administration Studies and he has an Msc in the Design of Information Systems from Cranfield University.
Matt is married to Nicky and divides his spare time between sailing and country persuits.
You may find the following links useful:-
Isle of Wight Council - The Isle of Wight Council website provides local information including online services, events and tourist information.
Local Government Association - The Local Government Association is a voluntary lobbying organisation, acting as the voice of the local government sector.
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).
Directgov - the Official Government Website for Citizens - Easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government.
Audit Commission - An independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
Fire Gateway - Developed by the Government in partnership with the Fire and Rescue Authorities to give easier access to services, help improve community safety and save lives.
Arson Prevention Bureau - The Arson Prevention Bureau website provides advice and information to help tackle the problem of arson nationally.
Firefighters' Charity - The Fire Fighters Charity provides a range of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire service personnel and their families.
Chief Fire Officers Association - The Chief Fire Officers Association or CFOA is the professional body representing senior fire officers in the UK.
The Institution of Fire Engineers - Licensed by the Engineering Council, the IFE upholds professional standards within all public and private fire sectors by offering assessment of knowledge, experience and development.
The Fire Service College - Fire safety and emergency management training centre for both fire services and for industry.
FRS On Line - An informative website looking at the future of the Fire and Rescue Service.
Environment Agency - The main environmental regulator for England and Wales. We implement government policy, inspect and regulate businesses, warn people about flooding and build flood defences.
Preparing for Emergencies - A government site giving advice on what you need to know in preparing for an emergency.
- For information regarding regional Fire Control Centres.
