Lancashire’s chief fire officer, Justin Johnson, has announced he will be retiring at the end the year after 30 years of service.
CFO Johnson said it had been an “honour and a privilege” to lead Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as the chief for the last five years.
Under his leadership, LFRS was rated outstanding for values and culture by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
It was also named Fire Service of the Year in national awards, something he said he was “immensely proud” of.
Writing on Twitter/X, Mr Johnson said: “After five years as the CFO of Lancashire FRS, I have today announced my intention to retire.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside so many excellent people that make up our outstanding organisation.
“I want to thank everyone in LFRS and my colleagues across the sector that have shared the challenges and successes.
“Over the next few months before my departure, I will continue to work hard for our sector, our people, and our communities and I know Lancashire will remain in a strong position to continue to deliver excellent services.”
In a statement on the LFRS website, Mr Johnson highlighted some of the service’s achievements during his time in charge.
These included reducing the number of fires, injuries, and deaths by 25 per cent, 30 per cent, and 40 per cent respectively; improving the safety and compliance of more than 100,000 buildings and businesses; and being the national leader in the use of drones in firefighting.
READ MORE: Deputy Justin Johnston lands top Lancashire fire service job
Mr Johnson added: “Thank you for the honour of serving as your chief fire officer. It has been the highlight of my career and a privilege I will never forget.”
Councillor David O’Toole, chair of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, said: “Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnson has been an outstanding leader of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
"He has led the service through some of the most challenging times in its history, including the Covid-19 pandemic, but also though periods of great progress and achievement.
“His passion and support for innovation in firefighting resulted in the service being at the forefront of introducing drones and dogs into fire and rescue services, forever changing firefighting and search and rescue operations.
“In his role as vice chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Justin has driven forward improvements and innovation in the sector to the benefit of Lancashire and fire and rescue services throughout the country.
“In Lancashire, he has nurtured a service that truly values individuals, welcomes differing views and ideas, and prioritises health and wellbeing in ways that support people to succeed.
“On behalf of the authority and the service, I would like to thank Justin for his outstanding service.
"He will be missed greatly but leaves a legacy of excellence, innovation, and unwavering determination to make a difference in Lancashire’s communities.”
The chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Mark Hardingham, added: “Justin has long played a significant national role supporting fire and rescue services.
"Over many years he has led the work on fitness standards, drawing in the rigour of academic research and support to underpin the work.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here