New chief fire officer appointed

MIKE Cashin, deputy chief fire officer of Cheshire since 2007 is stepping up to the top job.
Cheshire Fire Authority has appointed him chief fire officer in succession to Paul Hancock, who recently announced his retirement.
Mr Cashin (49) will take up the post on July 1
Authority chairman Cllr Bob Rudd said: “I am delighted to announce Mark as our new Chief Fire Officer as I know he has all the right qualities to lead our service in the future.”
“Our interview and selection process was extensive and demanding and, while the panel was impressed with the quality of those shortlisted, we know we have the right person for the job.”
Born in Ancoats, Manchester, Mr Cashin began his fire and rescue service career in 1990, joining Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service where he held a number of roles before being appointed Cheshire’s deputy chief in 2007. He lives in Moore, near Warrington with his wife and daughter.
In addition to his responsibilities within Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Cashin is the national chairman of the Fire Service Prince’s Trust Association (FSPTA). Until recently he led the National Prevention Committee for the Chief Fire Officers Association (recently renamed the National Fire Chiefs Council) and during that time led a successful national campaign to change the law to require landlords to have smoke alarms in all their properties.
“It is a real honour to be the new Chief Fire Officer for Cheshire. Since I joined the service I have been, and continue to be, hugely impressed with the level of commitment and dedication shown by all our staff,” he said.
“We are well-known for our innovative approach to reducing the risks facing our residents and businesses and I want to put on record my 100 per cent commitment to further improving the safety and wellbeing of the communities we serve.”
Mr Hancock had been fire chief for nine years.