Deputy Fire Officer says goodbye after 32 years

Deputy County Fire Officer Kieran Nolan is retiring after 32 years

The end of June 2010 will see Greater Manchester’s Deputy County Fire Officer Kieran Nolan retire after 32 years serving the people of Greater Manchester. He started his fire service career in 1978 in Greater Manchester, joining Gorton fire station. During his first 14 years service he served at various fire stations as an operational Firefighter, an operational officer, a fire safety officer and also as a Training Instructor.

Since 1993 he has served as a Supervisory Operational Officer specialising firstly in Personnel and Training and later in Fire Service Operations. In June 2003 he became a Principal Officer in Greater Manchester when he took up the post of ACFO (Operations).

On leaving the Service Kieran said: “It has been a privilege to work in and for such a diverse place as Greater Manchester. From my first day walking into London Road Fire Station to my last at Headquarters I have never had a bad day. I learnt something new each day and worked with a wide range of people across our service, a service that beats all others in terms of the commitment and enthusiasm of staff”.

Kieran continued, “My career highs have included the invitation to Buckingham Palace with my wife in 2007, in recognition of national work I have done. Given my time over, it might sound like a cliché but I would do it all again.”

Kieran has been a member of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) National Operations and New Dimensions Committees and Lead Officer for Hazardous Materials, High Volume Pumping and representing CFOA on the European CTIF Haz-Mat Commission. More recently he has represented CFOA on the national steering group overseeing the Civil Contingencies Act Enhancement Programme.

Vice Chairman of the Fire Authority Paul Shannon said, “Kieran has been an influential figure in the Service, playing a key role in improving Firefighter safety and leading ground breaking changes. I wish Kieran a very long and happy retirement”.

In his role as Deputy County Fire Officer, Kieran ensured that day to day operations remained effective whilst at the same time, leading on performance improvement. In the absence of the County Fire Officer, Kieran assumed full responsibility for the efficiency and effectiveness of the Service.