THE new top firefighter for Hampshire has been chosen.

Neil Odin will take over from current Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (IWFRS) chief fire officer Dave Curry, who is stepping down from his role after a decade with the service.

The new chief will formally begin his role on January 1, 2018, but a transition process will be in place.

He said:"I am delighted to be taking on the role of chief officer for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

"It is a position that I know carries great responsibility, as our service strives to make life safer for every resident.

"Stepping into the shoes of someone as respected and admired as Dave will be a tough challenge, but I am confident I can bring a new perspective and insight to the role.

"There is no doubt I take on the job at a time of great change in the fire service but I am looking forward immensely to the challenge of ensuring we continue to supply an exemplary service to our communities and to leading such a great organisation."

The new chief joined the service as assistant chief in March 2012, having previously worked at West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for more than 20 years.

Later as deputy chief and director of service delivery, covering community safety, response and resilience he was responsible for firefighting and frontline response, prevention, safe and well visits, business fire safety and community self-help plans.

The 44-year-old has a master’s degree in business administration and holds senior posts with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the commercial arm of HFRS.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Chairman Councillor Chris Carter said: "I am pleased to announce the appointment of our new chief officer.

"I am very much looking forward to working with Neil when he formally takes up the appointment in January and supporting him in continuing the excellent work that has been achieved in making Hampshire and Isle of Wight safer.

“Being at the helm of one of the best and most progressive services in the country is a huge responsibility and in Neil we have the right person to lead the service forward.”