New chief officer for East Sussex Fire and Rescue

Mark Matthews will take over as chief fire officer in January 2025

The incoming chief fire officer for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says he is "proud" to take up the role.

Assistant chief fire officer Mark Matthews will replace current chief executive Dawn Whittaker when she retires on 1 January.

Mr Matthews first joined East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter in 1998.

He said: “I am extremely proud and privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to lead the service I am so committed to."

Mr Matthews also praised Ms Whittaker, who has been in post since 2016, saying her "unwavering contribution and brave leadership, both nationally and locally, has been an inspiration to many of us across the service and the sector".

He said: "I intend to build on our strong history and, with support from colleagues and partners, continue to adapt to the needs of our communities to keep them safe.”

In 2022, Mr Matthews was given the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, an award for public service workers.