THE COUNTY’s leading fire officer has announced he is to retire after more than 30 years of dedicated service.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s chief executive Mark Yates will leave his post in March next year after having the role for six years.
Mr Yates, who lives in Leigh Sinton near Malvern, began his career at Cornwall County Fire Brigade in 1984 and, after 21 years of working in various roles, moved to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to take up the position of Deputy Chief Fire Officer.
During the role he commanded the Buncefield Oil Depot incident, which was one of the largest explosions and fires in the UK since the Second World War. He then joined Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) as chief fire officer/chief executive in 2010.
In addition to his role at HWFRS, Mr Yates is also a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers and leads the national health and safety reference for the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA).
As recognition for his outstanding contribution to the fire service, he was also awarded the Queen’s Fire Service medal in 2010.
“I feel extremely honoured to have led Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service for the last six years and enormously proud of what the service has achieved in recent years.
“Furthermore, during in my time with the organisation I have also had the privilege of working with so many talented and passionate individuals who are dedicated to protecting our communities. The fantastic work that they do, whether its playing a part in prevention or physically saving lives, is truly admirable and one of the reasons I have been so proud to work for the Service.”
“My retirement will also give the fire authority the opportunity to recruit another Chief Fire Officer who should bring fresh views and new ideas, which will only be positive for the future of the organisation and the communities of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”
Hereford and Worcestershire Fire Authority chairman, Coun Derek Prodger said: “During this time, Mark has shown himself to be an outstanding leader whose hard work and commitment has made Herefordshire and Worcestershire safer places to live, work and visit.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank him for his dedication, passion and his considerable contribution to the fire service. I wish him a long and very happy retirement.”
