Wednesday 30 January
The Association of Principal Fire Officers (APFO) would like to
state its support for the Chief Fire Officer in Avon, Kevin
Pearson, who is riding a storm of recent media criticism, over his
and his brigades’ efforts to diversify the workforce of Avon
Fire & Rescue Service. It is APFO’s view that members in
Avon Fire & Rescue Service have acted with integrity in
pursuit of the Fire Authority’s beliefs and values, and the
Government agenda of attracting new people to the fire and rescue
service who may not previously have considered it as a career
option.
APFO is totally committed to assisting the fire and rescue
service in its legal duty to promote equality and diversity. We,
therefore, fully support Chief Fire Officers, who, in line with our
national fire service values, seek to set and maintain standards of
behaviour, which reflect that public duty.
APFO is saddened by the personal and professional attacks that
Avon’s Chief Fire Officer has been subjected to in recent weeks and
will support him and his Service Management Board colleagues as
they strive to maintain and enhance Avon’s exemplar status in the
field of equality and diversity. Creating a truly representative
workforce within the fire service remains a government priority
that crosses party political boundaries.
Chris Griffin the national Secretary of the Association said
“APFO, together with other key stakeholders and individual fire and
rescue services are working tirelessly to eradicate prejudice;
discrimination and inappropriate behaviour. We continually seek to
educate, inform and promote the highest standards of respect and
dignity for all sectors of the fire community.” He concluded, “The
positive action initiatives recently undertaken in Avon will help
us to realise these aims.”