AVON FIRE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Corporate Services
- Member of the Service Leadership Board
Angie Feeney was appointed as Director of Corporate Services in July 2020, having previously carried out the role on an interim basis. Angie has been with the Service for 13 years and started in the HR department in October 2006.
Angie has always worked in local and central government and, prior to her time with Avon Fire and Rescue Service, she worked in London for the Department for Education and Skills developing national headteacher training policy with schools and Ministers and then working in a variety of corporate service roles including programme management, learning and development and HR.
Academically, Angie completed a degree at University College London, a condensed MBA and is currently completing the Fire Service Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) with Warwick University Business School. She also has a range of vocational qualifications in HR, mediation and coaching.
Angie lives In Bristol with her partner Dave and enjoys travel and walking. In 2019, she hiked up Machu Picchu while visiting friends in South America.
Angie said: "I am delighted to hold the position of Director of Corporate Services. I am passionate about working with Avon Fire Authority, the Service Leadership Board and all of our great staff who provide on-going support to the public and communities we serve.
Operationally Richard is a very experienced officer. He has attended many large-scale incidents including Incident Commander at Grenfell Tower and Parsons Green terrorist attack declaring Major Incidents at both. He has received several awards and commendations both for operational incidents, community engagement, leadership and partnership working. He is also ex RNLI lifeboat crew for which he received a bronze award for bravery.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Service Leadership Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Service Leadership Board
- Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive
Simon Shilton was appointed the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive in April 2022.
Simon began his firefighting career with Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS). For the first 15 years at AF&RS Simon served at all ranks and in a wide and diverse range of roles, including: Station Manager responsible for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Training Manager, Incident Command Trainer. He also spent time as an operational firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations.
Simon spent eight years working for West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, most recently as an Area Commander.
In 2017, Simon re-joined AF&RS as Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Service Delivery Support.
Simon has two children and lives in Whitchurch with his partner and pet dog. As well as enjoying walks with the dog, Simon enjoys clay pigeon shooting and family time.
Simon said: "It is truly an honour for me to be appointed as the next Chief Fire Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service and I would like to extend my gratitude to the Fire Authority for giving me the opportunity to take on this role.
"I fully recognise the responsibility this role brings and although it will no doubt be incredibly challenging, I am grateful to be supported by a strong leadership team and work alongside many talented professionals who work relentlessly to ensure we are the best Service we can be.
"I am committed to working hard to ensure the highest levels of safety for all who live and work in our communities and working side-by-side with our dedicated and hardworking staff, we will continue to Make our Communities Safer and Make our Service Stronger."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Service Leadership Board
- Assistant Chief Fire Officer
Steve was appointed as Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Service Delivery in September 2021.
Following 10 years in the armed forces, Steve joined the Service in October 1995 spending the initial part of his career as an operational firefighter at Brislington, Bath and Southmead fire stations.
Subsequently Steve's roles have included: Training Manager for Operational Training and Incident Command; Vulnerable Adults Manager; Station Manager of Kingswood, Yate, Keynsham, Paulton, and Radstock Fire Stations; as well as Unitary Manager for BANES and South Gloucestershire and the Head of Operational Response.
From 2017-2019 Steve Headed up the Internal Improvement Team, in response to the Services' Statutory Inspection, and Steve has been the Temporary ACFO for Service Delivery since January 2021, prior to that he spent eight months as Temporary ACFO for Service Delivery Support in 2020.
Steve lives in Bath with his wife, Claire, and has two grown up children, Eden and Miles. Steve enjoys cycling, cooking and family time.
Steve said: "Since joining the County of Avon Fire Brigade in 1995, I have been privileged to hold a number of posts. I started my career as an operational firefighter at Brislington, Bath and Southmead, before progressing to several roles, including Station Manager Learning & Development, Vulnerable Adults Manager, Unitary Manager B&NES and South Gloucestershire, and Head of Operational Response, among a few other roles in the past 26 years. It is clear that Avon Fire & Rescue Service is an employer that truly believes in, and supports, the potential in its staff.
"Throughout my career I have seen many changes in the fire sector, both locally and nationally, and I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the Service to influence our journey and develop the next Service Plan for the years ahead. I am truly excited to be a part of the Service Leadership Board as the Service continues through a transformational journey, to ensure we are the very best we can be while remaining an employer of choice within our communities."