South Wales Fire and Rescue Service appoints Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan as Chief Fire Officer
Iain Hoey
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Fin Monahan steps into Chief Fire Officer role at SWFRS
Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan OBE DFC PhD has officially taken on the position of Chief Fire Officer (CFO) for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS).
According to SWFRS, Monahan’s appointment follows an extensive selection process where he emerged as the preferred candidate, receiving full support from both staff panels and the Service’s Commissioners.
Monahan brings an extensive background to the role, including a decorated career as a fast jet fighter pilot and senior leader with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Ministry of Defence (MOD).
He holds a PhD in organisational culture from the University of Birmingham, focusing on leadership and team cohesion within uniformed organisations, alongside two master’s degrees from the University of Nottingham and the University of Madras.
Commissioners endorse Monahan’s vision for SWFRS
The Commissioners for SWFRS expressed their full support for Monahan’s appointment, highlighting his distinguished background and leadership skills.
They issued a statement welcoming his selection: “We are exceptionally pleased that Fin Monahan accepted the position of Chief Fire Officer, and we are truly excited about his appointment.”
They added: “As we welcome him into the Service today, we look forward to working together to make SWFRS the very best place it can be for its people, and the communities of South Wales.”
Monahan himself acknowledged the responsibility, stating: “I am honoured to be entrusted with this important role, and I’m grateful to the staff, unions, stakeholders, and the Commissioners for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their confidence in me.”
He committed to fostering an inclusive work environment, aiming to build cohesion and mutual support to better serve the 1.5 million residents of South Wales.
Strategic experience and commitment to transformation
Monahan’s experience in leading teams under complex conditions is seen as a significant asset as he steps into his role at SWFRS.
His background in military and civilian leadership will support the Service’s ongoing Transformation Programme, an initiative led by Dominic Mika, SWFRS’s Director of Strategic Change and Transformation.
Mika welcomed Monahan’s appointment, commenting: “This appointment is an important moment for the Service. It brings further stability, leadership, and direction.”
The Transformation Programme, launched earlier in 2024, aims to reinforce operational excellence and foster an inclusive culture prioritising public safety.
Monahan’s leadership is expected to drive continued improvement across these initiatives, building on the Service’s existing efforts to enhance operational capabilities and reduce community risk in South Wales.
Training and collaboration to address SWFRS challenges
In preparation for his role, Monahan will complete the Wales Gold Command (MAGIC) course, designed to equip senior leaders with the skills required for managing large-scale emergencies.
Additionally, he will participate in firefighter training to gain practical insights into the challenges faced by frontline personnel.
This hands-on approach is intended to deepen Monahan’s understanding of the operational dynamics within SWFRS, facilitating more informed decision-making and collaboration with staff at all levels.
Monahan will work closely with the SWFRS Commissioners as he begins the process of appointing a permanent Executive Leadership Team.
Together, they aim to build a culture of respect and inclusivity within the Service, strengthening its mission to keep South Wales safe by reducing risks and supporting team cohesion.
Monahan’s strategic approach includes fostering respect, inclusivity, and excellence across SWFRS, ensuring that all personnel feel valued and empowered to carry out their roles effectively.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service appoints Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan as Chief Fire Officer: Summary
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has welcomed Air Vice-Marshal Fin Monahan OBE DFC PhD as its new Chief Fire Officer.
Monahan, a former RAF leader with a distinguished military background, was selected after an intensive recruitment process supported by the SWFRS Commissioners and staff panels.
With academic credentials in organisational culture and extensive leadership experience, Monahan aims to foster an inclusive work environment, improve public safety, and support ongoing initiatives within SWFRS’s Transformation Programme.
His upcoming training will include the Wales Gold Command (MAGIC) course and firefighter operations training, providing him with practical insights to address the unique challenges faced by the Service.
Under Monahan’s leadership, SWFRS aims to strengthen its commitment to safety, risk reduction, and team cohesion for the 1.5 million residents it serves across South Wales.
