New deputy fire chief appointed in Hampshire

Steve Apter has been chosen as the new deputy chief fire officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Currently London Fire Brigade Deputy Commissioner, he has almost 30 years experience as a firefighter.

He has been in command at incidents including the Westminster Bridge terror attack and the aftermath of Grenfell Tower.

He is the national lead for the fire service on counter terrorism.

Steve was previously Chief Fire Officer of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire.

The announcement was made by Councillor Carter at a Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority meeting in Winchester on Thursday.

Steve will take up the role later this year ahead of current DCFO Andy Bowers' retirement in June.