CHIEF fire officer Nigel Hutchinson is retiring this week after 16 years with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Nigel became chief fire officer/chief executive of the fire service in 2005, and was previously deputy chief fire officer after joining the fire service in 2002.

His fire service career began in West Yorkshire in 1983 and during his time there he served in a variety of roles including operations, fire safety and training, holding senior management positions since 1997.

Nigel said: “I have been extremely proud to have served the public of North Yorkshire and the City of York in the role of chief fire officer and chief executive of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for such a long period of time.

"I have had the pleasure of working with some really talented and dedicated people, both within my own organisation and in partner agencies, and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to colleagues for their hard work and support to me over the years.

"I leave with fond memories. However, after more than 13 years in the role and as the service moves into a new period of change I feel that the time is right to step aside.”

His last day before retiring is tomorrow (October 10).

Assistant chief fire officer Jez Rushworth has been appointed as interim CFO/CE with effect from Thursday for a period of three months.