A NEW chief officer has been appointed to lead Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) from the start of next year.

Dave Curry will take over from Chief John Bonney, who is stepping down from his role on December 31 after more than a decade in the top job.

Mr Curry, the current deputy chief officer, will formally take over the high-profile role on January 1, 2015.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of chief officer for Hampshire. It is a position that I know carries great responsibility, as our service strives to make life safer for every resident living in the county.

“Stepping into the shoes of someone as respected and admired as John will be a tough challenge, but I am confident I can bring a fresh perspective and insight to the role.”

He added: “There is no doubt I take on the job at a time of great change in the fire service but I am looking forward immensely to the challenge of ensuring we continue to supply an exemplary service to our communities and to leading such a great organisation.”

Mr Curry was chosen following a two-day selection process at the service’s headquarters in Eastleigh last week.

Hampshire Fire Authority chairman Royston Smith said: “I welcome the appointment of our new chief officer.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Dave when he formally takes up the appointment in January and supporting him in continuing the excellent work that has been achieved in making Hampshire safer and HFRS stronger."

Upon announcing his retirement earlier this year, Mr Bonney, who became chief officer in July 2004, described the Hampshire job as the “the best job in the British fire service”, and HFRS as “an organisation that has become one of the most respected and high performing services in the UK”.