Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is set to welcome a new chief fire officer in June, with Glynn Luznyj taking over from the retiring Rob Barber. Luznyj, who began his career as a trainee firefighter at Newcastle fire station and has served as deputy chief fire officer since 2021, aims to 'save more lives than ever' during a period of significant change for the emergency service.
New Leadership Vision
Speaking at a fire and rescue public performance meeting in Stafford on May 7, Luznyj outlined his vision for the service. 'As I prepare to formally take up my appointment in June, I am proud to be leading Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service at a time of both opportunity and change,' he said. 'Serving the communities of Staffordshire is a responsibility we take extremely seriously, and I continue to be impressed by the professionalism, dedication and public service commitment shown by our staff every day.'
Luznyj acknowledged that the service has seen an increase in incidents due to external factors, but stressed that teams have maintained fire cover, appliance availability, and fast response times. 'This ensures that communities receive prompt and professional help when emergencies occur,' he added.
Upcoming Changes and Challenges
The service is preparing for several major changes, including the transition of governance from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to a new Police, Fire and Crime Board, alongside wider local government and policing reforms. 'While our financial position is stable in the current year, we are aware of future financial pressures that will have to be managed, and they will influence how we transform the Service,' Luznyj said. 'Careful planning and responsible decision making will be essential to ensure we continue to deliver value for money while meeting the needs of our communities.'
Additionally, the service is entering its next inspection by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in June. Luznyj sees this as an opportunity to demonstrate improvements and high-quality service delivery.
Commissioner's Response
Police, fire and crime commissioner Ben Adams commented on Luznyj's ambitious goal, saying, 'It's a big statement to say you are going to be saving more lives than ever. A lot of that is outside anybody's control, things happen.' He referenced recent incidents like the Big Mill fire in Leek, where the service was busy but no one was hurt. 'Things can happen and it's about being as ready as possible to respond. But I think the sentiment is exactly the right one.'
Adams also highlighted upcoming changes in local government, with councils restructuring next spring. 'My task is for as soft a landing as possible,' he said, emphasizing the need for new councils to stay focused on community safety.
Luznyj concluded: 'My vision for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is clear – to create a future where more lives are saved than ever before, the wellbeing of our people is protected and our service is transformed to make our communities and environment safer. It is essential that we build a fire and rescue service that is smarter, stronger and ready for the future.'
