23 July 2019
The Government of Jersey has announced the appointment of a new Chief Fire Officer. Paul Brown will fill the role with immediate effect, after a long career in the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service
A former pupil of De La Salle College, Paul joined the Fire and Rescue Service in July 1994. He was promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Fire Officer in August 2008. He has been Acting Chief Fire Officer for the past year.
Working on behalf of both the Minister for Home Affairs and the Group Director for Justice and Home Affairs, he will be responsible for the efficient, effective and economical operation of the service to ensure the safety of the island.
He will provide strategic command and leadership of the Fire and Rescue Service and also the Island’s Emergency Planning function. He brings experience of serving as Gold Commander for a declared multi-agency major incident in Jersey.
Paul was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Fire Brigade’s Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 2014.
Julian Blazeby, Director General for Justice and Home Affairs, said: “I’m delighted to announce Paul’s appointment as the new permanent Chief Fire Officer for the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service. This an exciting time for the service and there are many opportunities in managing an innovative and passionate team that work hard to keep our community safe.
“Under the Justice and Home Affairs banner, Paul is responsible for Jersey Fire and Rescue Service’s closer collaborative working relationship and co-responding with the Ambulance Service and this partnership is already showing positive wins for the island.”
Paul added: “I am very proud to have been appointed Jersey’s Chief Fire Officer. It is a privilege to lead the organisation and to support the efforts of the excellent people who make our lives safer.
“My appointment also affords me to the opportunity to pay tribute to my predecessor, CFO Mark James, whose vision and energy have done so much for safety and resilience in our Island. The next chapter will involve even more close working with the Ambulance Service, our other colleagues in Justice and Home Affairs, across government, throughout Jersey, in Guernsey and further afield. I am looking forward to the prospect of working together, innovating and sharing opportunities to improve safety, security, stability and prosperity.”
The appointment followed the Jersey Appointments Commission code of conduct.
Employment history
June 2018 to date – Acting Chief Fire Officer
August 2008 to June 2018 – Deputy Chief Fire Officer
March 2008 to August 2008 – Area Commander, Head of Operations
February 2006 to March 2008 – Group Commander, Head of Corporate Support
July 2005 to February 2006 – Assistant Divisional Officer, Training and Specialist Operations
November 2004 to July 2005 – Station Officer, Planning and Resilience
May 2002 to October 2004 – Sub Officer
May 1999 to May 2002 – Leading Firefighter
July 1994 to May 1999 – Firefighter
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