North Wales confirms two assistant chief fire officer appointments
Iain Hoey
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New appointments strengthen fire leadership in Wales
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) has confirmed the permanent appointments of Justin Evans and Anthony Jones as Assistant Chief Fire Officers.
According to NWFRS, the two appointments were finalised following a recruitment process described as open and inclusive, involving stakeholder panels and interviews conducted by Fire Authority representatives from all six North Wales counties.
Evans and Jones will join Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Helen MacArthur on the Executive Board.
The service said the appointments form part of its ongoing plans to modernise leadership and continue long-term development work across the region.
Background and career history of Justin Evans
Justin Evans began his firefighting career in 1994 with the former Clwyd Fire Service.
He has since worked in several operational and senior leadership roles within North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Prior to his permanent appointment, Evans had been serving as Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
His three decades of experience within the Welsh fire service were cited by the service as a key strength in the recruitment process.
Evans said: “I’m incredibly honoured to take on this leadership role and grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the Service.
“My focus will be on building long-term resilience by investing in the skills and development of our people, ensuring we’re ready to meet future challenges and continue providing a first-class service to the communities of North Wales.”
Operational experience and leadership of Anthony Jones
Anthony Jones began his career with London Fire Brigade before joining Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He served in Cheshire for 19 years, taking on various leadership and incident command roles.
In 2022, he joined NWFRS as an Area Manager, later serving in the position of Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
NWFRS said Jones brings substantial operational experience and a focus on collaboration and innovation.
Jones said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
“Drawing on my experience, I’m passionate about working collaboratively to encourage openness, drive innovation, and help shape the Service’s future direction.
“I look forward to supporting colleagues as we move forward together.”
Selection process and leadership priorities
NWFRS said the recruitment process was open and inclusive, involving a formal assessment that included written submissions, stakeholder engagement, and panel interviews.
Both candidates participated in a stakeholder panel that included representative bodies.
The final interviews were conducted by six Fire Authority members, one from each North Wales county.
The organisation said the process was designed to reflect its commitment to openness in leadership appointments.
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said: “Both appointments are committed leaders who understand that how we work – our culture and our values – is just as important as what we do.
“They share a determination to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and where openness and transparency are central to our leadership approach.
“I am proud to welcome them to the team on a permanent basis.”
Response from the fire authority
Cllr Dylan Rees, Chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, supported the appointments.
He said the selection panel was impressed by the experience and professionalism of both candidates.
Rees said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to confirm these appointments with such outstanding candidates.
“I’m confident they will both meet the challenges ahead and continue to uphold the high standards of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
“I look forward to working alongside them.”
The Fire Authority continues to oversee senior leadership appointments and service governance across the region.
North Wales confirms two assistant chief fire officer appointments: Summary
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed the permanent appointment of two new Assistant Chief Fire Officers.
The appointees are Justin Evans and Anthony Jones.
Both leaders had been serving in temporary versions of the role before being formally appointed.
Evans began his career with Clwyd Fire Service in 1994.
Jones started his career with London Fire Brigade and later worked for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
NWFRS said both appointments followed a rigorous recruitment process.
The process included written submissions, a stakeholder panel, and interviews with Fire Authority members.
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said the appointments reflect the service’s leadership culture and values.
Cllr Dylan Rees welcomed the appointments on behalf of the Fire Authority.
