FIREFIGHTER Ben Ansell who has worked his way up the ranks since joining the service in 1994 has been named as the new Chief Fire Officer for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Ansell has moved up from the post as assistant chief fire officer to take the top job after a national recruitment process following the decision by Darran Gunter to retire.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority Chairman, Cllr Rebecca Knox said: “The Fire Authority and I are delighted that Ben was unanimously recommended for the position of Chief Fire Officer after successfully completing the recruitment process.

"Ben is passionate about working to make the people of Dorset and Wiltshire safer and has a strong track record of working with fire authority members to change and save lives. I look forward to working with Ben in the coming months and years and I congratulate him on his new position.”

Mr Ansell joined Dorset Fire and Rescue Service in 1994 as a firefighter, moving on to work in many areas of the service until he was appointed assistant chief in 2012.

His most recent role has been director for operations in the newly combined Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. He will be working with the current chief Darran Gunter and fire authority members over the following months to ensure a seamless transition.

He said: “I am delighted to have been offered and accepted the position of Chief Fire Officer (Designate) for this fantastic Service, I look forward to continuing on our journey as Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, providing the best levels of service to our communities.

"We have a great legacy to build on and, in particular, I would like to pay tribute to the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter and I look forward to working with the senior leadership team to take this great service forward.”