Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed a new Chief Fire Officer (CFO) following the retirement of current CFO Rob Barber.

Glynn Luznyj started his new role this morning (3 June) after his appointment was confirmed at a Police, Fire and Crime panel back in February.

He has been part of the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service team for thirty years, starting as a trainee firefighter in 1996.

Since then, Glynn has progressed through the ranks working at stations across Staffordshire and in teams at the Service's headquarters.

In 2015 he became part of the Principal Management Team and was appointed Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2021.

Glynn was responsible for introducing the Community Sprinkler Project, a partnership initiative, which saw 19 high-rise residential buildings in Staffordshire fitted with sprinklers designed to help protect members of the public and firefighters.

He has also held national roles including the National Fire Chiefs Council lead on smoke detection and Secretary of the Fire Leaders Association .

Speaking of his new position, Glynn said: "I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Fire Officer for Staffordshire and proud to stand alongside our brilliant workforce.

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"My vision for the Service is to create a future where more lives are saved than ever before, the wellbeing of our people is protected, and our Service is transformed to make our communities and environment safer.

"It is essential that we build a fire and rescue service that is smarter, stronger and ready for the future.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Michelle Hickmott will step into Glynn's shoes, becoming the new Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: "Glynn brings a wealth of operational and strategic experience across all areas of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

"I'm confident he has the knowledge and expertise needed to lead the Service through its continued modernisation, building on Staffordshire's reputation while also addressing the challenges facing the sector nationally.

"I'd like to thank the former Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, for all his hard work and leadership in shaping the Service for the future."