MP Welcomes New Chief Fire Officer

Macclesfield’s MP, David Rutley, recently met Alex Waller, new Chief Fire Officer of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS), to welcome him into his post and to discuss local priorities.

The key initiatives discussed included the support the fire service can provide local residents during the winter months and the important new equipment available at Macclesfield Fire Station.

During the visit David had the opportunity to see the new Scorpion High Reach Extending Turret (HRET), a fire engine that has the ability to deliver water and foam from height, which is crucial when dealing with building fires and fires in industrial yards. The turret rotates 360 degrees and can reach up to 20 metres vertically and 14 metres horizontally, and water can reach distances up to 100 metres, which will be invaluable for challenging incidents and saving lives.

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service has also recently benefited from new wildfire equipment to not only increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the officers in tackling these fires, but also to improve their safety and well-being. The lightweight boots and safety garments, alongside new compact pumps will make accessing and tackling wildfires much easier.

CFRS has recently launched its winter safety campaign, helping to keep residents safe over the festive period and beyond. The campaign is encapsulated in a specially developed book titled ‘Robin to the Rescue’, which contains information on issues including cooking safety and the safe use of electrical items. The book can be downloaded via the following link: https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/news-events/latest-news/robin-to-the-rescue

Mr Waller joined CFRS in 1993 as a 17-year-old apprentice firefighter and he has a distinguished record of service for 29 years in a variety of roles and ranks in all parts of Cheshire, most recently as Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO). As DCFO, Mr Waller led on strategy, helped to transform services and improve firefighter safety and is the North West strategic lead for Prevention.

Speaking after the visit, David said, “We are all very grateful for the hard work and dedicated service of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service team in and around Macclesfield. They provide vital support within the community, particularly during cold winter months. It is good to see Mr Waller in his new role, given his wealth of experience and local knowledge. The new equipment that has been made available in Macclesfield will help the team better tackle fires and emergencies, and keep more people safe over the years ahead.”

Pictured - David Rutley and Alex Waller, new Chief Fire Officer of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service.