AVON Fire and Rescue Service has named its interim chief fire officer following the release of a damning government inspection which led to the suspension of Kevin Pearson.

Mick Crennell from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, was appointed for a six-month contract at a meeting of Avon Fire Authority’s employment committee panel on Wednesday, August 9.

The announcement follows a turbulent time for the service, with the Home Office’s Statutory Inspection painting the picture of an “old boys club”, highlighting cases of bullying and cover-ups, working to the benefit of senior leadership rather than the public.

Since its release, Mr Pearson and his deputy were both suspended, with governing body Avon Fire Authority turning to the National Fire Chiefs’ Council for assistance.

Mr Pearson, who has been on sick leave since before June, retired in 2009, only to return the following day with his pension abated.

He then took a pay reduction of 22 per cent, but was able to bring it up to the former amount by drawing from his pension, as well as being given access to another pension on top of his £111,000 firefighter’s pension scheme.

He was also given a £10,000 pay increase two years ago, to £142,020 with no explanation.

Prior to joining Avon Fire and Rescue, Mick Crennell was the deputy chief fire officer at Mid and West Wales (MAWW), a post he has held for two years, having joined from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service where he started his career as a Firefighter in 1992.

Cllr Donald Davies, chairman of Avon Fire Authority, said: “I’m grateful to the National Fire Chiefs’ Council for their support in assisting us in bringing in an interim chief in such a short timescale.

“I’ve already had a number of meetings with CFO Crennell and I’m confident he has the skills and leadership qualities the Service needs at this moment.

“When the Home Office report was published last month I asked that we are judged by our actions not just our words. Just three weeks on we are already working to an approved action plan and have an interim Chief Fire Officer in place who will lead the changes we need to make in the immediate future.

“We are also in the process of establishing an Independent Improvement Programme Board to monitor progress towards our goals and provide regular reports to the public, Avon Fire Authority and the Home Office. The board will be chaired by Huw Jakeway who is the Chief Fire Officer at South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and the Vice Chair of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council.

“We will not undo the mistakes of the past in a single stroke, but through the positive action we’re now taking we have started that journey to improvement.”

Speaking following his appointment CFO Crennell said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join this proud service at such a critical time. The past few weeks will have been both disappointing and unsettling for the public and staff - as someone new and independent to the Service it will be my role to restore that trust and confidence.

“Whilst I don’t underestimate the task that lies ahead, having already spent a few days in the Service I know there are many excellent uniformed and support staff who are committed to making the changes that need to happen.

“I’ll be working closely with the Chair of the Fire Authority and other key stakeholders to ensure we now concentrate our efforts in the right areas to deliver the improvement action plan that’s now in place.

He added: “Avon Fire and Rescue Service has always provided a fantastic emergency response service to local residents – that has never been called into question. The public can therefore continue to have the ultimate confidence in our blue light service should they ever need us.”

Avon Fire Authority is continuing to receive peer support from the Local Government Association and the National Fire Chiefs’ Council will continue to provide peer support to the officers of Avon Fire and Rescue Service.

Roy Wilsher, chairman of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, said: "We welcome DCFO Crennell’s interim appointment which, we are sure, will bring a period of stability and continuity to Avon Fire and Rescue Service. 

“We fully appreciate that this is a very challenging time for all of our colleagues at Avon. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise there is a commitment to professionalism and keeping their communities safe.”