Deputy Chief Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service announces retirement

Published: 11 December, 2009

After 42 years of distinguished service, Deputy Chief Officer Alan House has announced he intends to retire from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service in April 2010.

Alan began his career in the fire service as a retained duty system firefighter in Brockenhurst. Whilst remaining an RDS firefighter, Alan became a wholetime firefighter with Southampton Fire Brigade, which became Hampshire Fire Brigade in 1974. To name a few of his posts, Alan has been an Officer in Charge of a number of fire stations across Hampshire, Commandant of the Training Centre and Divisional Commander of Portsmouth Division. He has served as a Principal Officer for 17 years and during that time has led Fire Safety, Fire Prevention, Training and Operations. He is the longest serving Principal Officer in any fire and rescue service across the Country.

Alan’s operational knowledge is second to none and despite the demanding priorities of his Deputy Chief Officer role has continued to command fires, whatever the time of day or night. During his later years, he has been instrumental is developing Hampshire specialist response capability in the form of Urban Search and Rescue and has helped to lead the national agenda of civil resilience. His influence and knowledge has helped to ensure that Hampshire has one of the foremost Services in the UK.

Chief Officer John Bonney comments on Alan’s retirement, “During his 42 years with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Alan has made a significant and lasting contribution to not only the fire service in Hampshire but across the country. During his time in the Service, Alan has also been dedicated to supporting the Firefighters Charity and celebrating the tradition and heritage of firefighting. It is therefore fitting that during his last few months he will be focussing on the development of a Firefighter Memorial at our Service Headquarters, which he will unveil on his last day of service. We all wish Alan a very long and healthy retirement.”

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