In a significant development, firefighters from Northamptonshire are set to visit Westminster on 29th November to express their deep concerns about the ongoing issues within their fire service.

This action comes amid what has been described as “chaos” following the integration of police force and fire service governance under the stewardship of Northamptonshire’s Police Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Stephen Mold.

Firefighters raise alarm over PFCC’s conduct

The core of the firefighters’ concerns lies in the PFCC’s decision to appoint chief fire officers lacking operational firefighting experience, despite widespread public disapproval.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) representatives are organizing a meeting in Parliament, where they have secured the presence of Shadow Fire Minister Alex Norris and are urging Fire Minister Chris Philp to attend.

Matt Wrack, the FBU’s General Secretary, emphasized the importance of the minister’s participation, stating, “The Fire Brigades Union urges Chris Philp to accept the invitation to meet with firefighters from Northamptonshire, and to engage with their serious concerns around the governance of their fire service.”

Adam Taylor’s perspective

Adam Taylor, FBU Executive Council Member for the East Midlands, highlighted the firefighters’ prolonged apprehension regarding their service’s governance.

He pointed out the crucial role of maintaining public trust and the need for respectful treatment of frontline firefighters.

According to Taylor, “Northamptonshire firefighters have been raising the alarm around the governance of their fire service for months.

We’re now bringing the message to Westminster directly and calling upon the fire minister to intervene in the chaos.”

Response from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

In contrast, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, Darren Dovey, welcomed the Government’s White Paper on the fire service’s future.

Dovey expressed his belief in the necessity of sector reform and the importance of attracting and retaining talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

He stressed the significance of focusing on leadership and development, equality, diversity, and inclusion within the fire services​​.

Stephen Mold’s tenure and actions

Since assuming the role of PFCC in 2019, Stephen Mold has made significant decisions impacting the fire service, including the controversial appointment of Nicci Marzec as Interim Fire Chief, which was met with criticism from the FBU for her lack of operational understanding.

Marzec’s tenure was short-lived, ending amid allegations of a personal relationship with Mold, which he denied​​.

Mold’s tenure has also seen the purchase and subsequent sale at a loss of a building for police and fire service vehicle repairs​​.

Mold asserts that his governance has brought stability and modernization to the fire service, including investments in additional firefighters and modern fire appliances​​.

Inspection findings and reforms

An inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in November 2018 found that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) was operating below the safe number of fire engines required to cover the county and had incomplete firefighter training records.

However, subsequent follow-up visits by HMICFRS indicated satisfaction with NFRS’s progress by March 2021​​.

IFSJ Comment

The situation in Northamptonshire serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing fire services in the modern era.

The conflict between traditional firefighting practices and modern governance models highlights the need for a delicate balance.

The firefighters’ plea for governmental intervention underscores the necessity for effective leadership that respects the operational aspects of firefighting and embraces the evolving needs of fire services in terms of technology, diversity, and community engagement.