Guernsey appoints new Chief Fire Officer

Guernsey's Home Affairs committee has appointed a new Chief Fire Officer for the island's Fire & Rescue Service.

Les Britzman will take on the role from 1 April 2025 following the retirement of Jon Le Page, the current Chief Fire Officer.

Talking about his new role Les said: “I am delighted that I will soon be joining the team at Guernsey Fire and Rescue.

"I appreciate there will be unique challenges for the Fire and Rescue Service due to being based on an island. Nevertheless, I am confident that together we will continue to develop and improve from a sound base and ensure we have a service the island can be proud of."

Les has served in several fire services in the UK in a career spanning more than 27 years and has most recently worked as a consultant.

Les began his working career as a professional engineer but decided to switch to public service instead. He started his fire career in Nottinghamshire in 1995 as a Recruit Firefighter.

He went on to hold positions at Norfolk Fire and Rescue, he completed a two-year secondment in London before retiring at Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue.

Away from work, Les is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys touring the UK and Europe.

Jon Le Page, the outgoing Chief Fire Officer, said: "We are very fortunate to have attracted Les to this post, as he will bring a great deal of valuable experience to the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service.

"Having gotten to know Lez when we were both students of the National Fire Service Executive Leadership Programme in 2011/2012, I am confident that I will be leaving the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service in safe hands under his leadership, and I am sure he will positively develop the Service into the future.”

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