Former fire chief joins police authority ranks

Barry Dixon

A fireman who spent seven years as Greater Manchester’s chief officer has joined the ranks of the local police authority.

Barry Dixon, 59, beat 10 others to fill Greater Manchester Police Authority’s (GMPA) current Independent Member vacancy.

Mr Dixon, who holds the Queen’s Fire Service Medal and a CBE (Commander of the British Empire), was Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer for seven years, when he retired in 2009.

Barry was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal (QFSM) in 1999, Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007, and made a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in 2008

He said: “It’s a bit of a change going from firefighter to police force scrutiny but I’m really pleased to have been successful and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

“I spent 42 years in the fire and rescue service so I’ve got a good idea what it’s like being on the sharp end of operational work in the emergency services. I think this insight will be a real asset when it comes to challenging and scrutinising Greater Manchester Police.”

There are nine Independent Member posts within GMPA, as well as 10 Councillor seats. Mr Dixon replaces Gloria Oates, who sadly passed away in 2010.

GMPA Members approved his appointment at a recent meeting (21 January) following a recruitment and interview process. His post begins with immediate effect.

Some of the work Mr Dixon will be involved in as a GMPA Member includes setting the budget for Greater Manchester Police, deciding priorities which the Force must work towards, studying all aspects of policing and consulting with local people about important police issues.

Mr Dixon said: “I think it’s important to put something back into the community and that’s why I applied to become a GMPA Independent Member - it provides a real opportunity to influence policing on behalf of everyone.

“I realise this is no easy job, particularly in these times of financial uncertainty, but I’m no stranger to challenge and am 100% committed.”