Glynn Luznyj welcomed as new Chief Fire Officer

We have welcomed a new Chief Fire Officer (CFO) this week, following current CFO Rob Barber’s retirement.

Glynn Luznyj began his new role today (Wednesday 3 June) after his appointment was confirmed at a Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February this year.

Glynn has spent his whole career at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, starting as a trainee firefighter in 1996, with his first station posting at Newcastle Fire Station.

Over the next two decades, he progressed through the ranks working at stations across the county and in teams at the Service’s headquarters, before joining the Principal Management Team in 2015. He was appointed Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2021.

Glynn has held national roles including the National Fire Chiefs Council lead on smoke detection and Secretary of the Fire Leaders Association. He also spent seven years working at a national level on themes including Fire and Health partnerships.

In Staffordshire, he was responsible for introducing the Community Sprinkler Project, a partnership initiative which has seen 19 high-rise residential buildings fitted with sprinklers to protect residents and responding firefighters from the risk of fire.

Speaking of his new role, Glynn said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Fire Officer for Staffordshire and proud to stand alongside our brilliant workforce.

“My vision for the Service is to create a future where more lives are saved than ever before, the wellbeing of our people is protected, and our Service is transformed to make our communities and environment safer. 

“It is essential that we build a fire and rescue service that is smarter, stronger and ready for the future.

Following Glynn’s appointment as CFO, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Michelle Hickmott will become Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: “Glynn brings a wealth of operational and strategic experience across all areas of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

“I’m confident he has the knowledge and expertise needed to lead the Service through its continued modernisation, building on Staffordshire’s reputation while also addressing the challenges facing the sector nationally.

“I’d like to thank the former Chief Fire Officer, Rob Barber, for all his hard work and leadership in shaping the Service for the future.”