The long-awaited merger of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's fire service has been deemed a "momentous point in history" as it officially comes into effect today (Thursday).
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) will work across 61 stations, protecting nearly two million residents.
The newly-formed organisation will see services across Hampshire and the Island work closer together, but those in charge say the move will not mean a change in the way fire engines respond, and no stations will be closing.
It's hoped stations on the Isle of Wight - and on the mainland - will feel the benefits of an estate investment programme, as well as improvements that will see firefighters use modern technology.
The two services have worked closely over the last five years as part of the Delivering Differently in Partnership arrangement.
The new service will see existing relationships built upon.
Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer for HIWFRS, said:
“Today we bring together two organisations with rich histories and reputations of high standards and partnership working, for the benefit of our people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This is an historic day for the fire service.
“Ever since it was decided we would explore combination in 2018, an incredible amount of work has been undertaken by our people working together across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as our elected members who sat on the Shadow Authority.
“I would like to pay personal tribute to the work of our partners within the Isle of Wight Council, whose support and efforts towards the combination was absolutely vital. We wouldn’t have reached this landmark without the collaboration and professionalism shown by their councillors and teams.”
Neil was formerly the CFO for for both Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
The shared senior team was just one of the areas which already linked both services, as well as the control room and Academy training centre.
The decision to combine the two services into a new organisation was made following a public consultation in 2018, and will see a solely fire focused authority govern the Isle of Wight’s fire service for the first time.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Apter, who lives on the Isle of Wight, said:
“This is a momentous point in the history of the fire service across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as our two organisations embark on our continued mission to make life safer for those in our communities.
“As a resident of the island and a former Isle of Wight Chief Fire Officer, I have been able to witness the close links and strong bonds that have formed between our teams working across the Solent.
“Every fire station remains open, every fire engine remains available. We are now set to commence an exciting and innovative programme of investment across our sites, equipment and fleet ensuring our organisation continues to deliver and improve upon the exceptional service we provide to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
The new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority will govern the organisation and has been meeting as a Shadow Authority in preparation for the formal combination that took place at midnight on 31 March.
The Authority was signed off by the Home Office in early 2020.
It will be made up of representatives from Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council.
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