New kit and new Chief Fire Officer for Macclesfield
By Alex Greensmith
3rd Jan 2023 | Local News
In October, a new Chief Fire Officer was appointed for Cheshire.
And now Cheshire resident Alex Waller, new Chief Fire Officer of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS), recently made his first trip to Macclesfield in the capacity of his new position.
Just before Christmas, Alex met with Macclesfield's MP David Rutley 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. The cost of the kit was not disclosed.
Beyond just Macclesfield, 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.
Alex Waller joined CFRS as a teenage 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 about his appointment Alex said, "Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is bursting with amazing, dedicated staff with a laser focus on helping people and saving lives. I feel proud and privileged to be Chief Fire Officer serving my home county and I look forward to leading a Service that is, without doubt, wholly committed to the safety of Cheshire's residents and businesses."
Born in Widnes where he continues to live with his wife Mandy and two children, Alex joined the Service in 1993 as a 17-year old apprentice.
Speaking after the Macclesfield appointment with Alex, our town's David Rutley MP 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."
Alex succeeds Mark Cashin who retires following a 33-year career with the fire and rescue service.
Mark said of his successor: "Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service could not be in safer hands than Alex's. We have worked closely over the past few years and I know that his vision and energy will continue to develop the Service further in order to maintain and improve what we offer to our communities."
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 on this link.
Macclesfield Fire Station are currently after day time, evenings and weekend cover. Find more about the positions on this link.
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