Area commander Bryan Todd assumes new role in Tayside

A long-serving fire officer with over three decades of experience has taken on a new leadership role for fire and rescue operations across Tayside, as reported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Area Commander Bryan Todd is the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) new Local Senior Officer for Perth, Kinross, Angus, and Dundee.

He will be responsible for more than 20 community fire stations and will oversee collaborations with key partners to enhance community safety.

Todd expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating: “I am looking forward to working with the team, as well as with partners.

“It is such an honour to continue the impressive work they have already achieved.”

A seasoned career in firefighting

Area Commander Todd began his firefighting career in 1990 as an on-call firefighter in Moffat with the then Dumfries and Galloway Fire and Rescue Service.

At the time, he was working as a joiner and responded to emergencies via a pager.

He joined the fire service following encouragement from a local tradesperson who was also a firefighter.

He reflected on his decision: “One of the local tradespersons who was also a firefighter encouraged me to join. I went for it and have never looked back.”

In 2002, Todd relocated to Fife, where he joined the ranks as a wholetime firefighter based at Lochgelly.

He has held various strategic positions within the service, most recently overseeing breathing apparatus training at the East Service Delivery Area training centre in Newbridge, Edinburgh.

Commitment to charity and community service

Beyond his firefighting duties, Area Commander Todd is actively involved in the SFRS partnership with the charity Anthony Nolan.

He was part of the team that received the inaugural Gary Dall Award, named after a friend and colleague who passed away in 2018.

The award recognises groups across Scotland that work to recruit potential stem cell donors.

Reflecting on the award, Todd said: “Gary was a respected fire officer and a friend who faced his condition with courage and determination.

“It was an honour to receive the award with my colleagues on behalf of the team.”

He added: “I look forward to building on the partnership already established in our area.”

Leadership transition welcomed by SFRS

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Stephen Wood, SFRS Head of Service Delivery for the North of Scotland, welcomed Todd’s new appointment.

Wood said: “I am pleased to welcome Bryan as Area Commander and Local Senior Officer for Perth, Kinross, Angus, and Dundee.

“He is an exceptional officer, and we are proud to have him take on this responsibility.”