A new Deputy Chief Fire Officer has been appointed by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service following "a rigorous selection process."

Michelle Hickmott will take up the DCFO role in June when Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber retires from the service and current DCFO Glynn Luznyj takes his post.

With more than 20 years of experience in the fire and rescue sector, Michelle has previously served  in Warwickshire, London and at The Fire Service College.

She joined Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as Assistant Chief Fire Officer in 2022 and has dedicated her time to "shaping and strengthening the organisation's strategic direction".

Chief Fire Officer designate, Glynn Luznyj, said "I am absolutely delighted for Michelle, as I have full confidence that she will make an excellent Deputy Chief Fire Officer and bring her wealth of knowledge and experience which will be used to make Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service stronger and fitter to deliver public services.

"Michelle has been an excellent Assistant Chief Fire Officer and will help us to continue to build our services for the future – whatever the challenges we may face."

Her appointment is a vital step towards Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service commitment "to strong leadership, continuous improvement, and delivering the highest standards of public safety".

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: "I'm delighted that Michelle has been confirmed as Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

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"With a wealth of experience and a great track record, I'm confident that Michelle has the skills and knowledge to support the Chief Fire Officer in leading the Service through its continued modernisation and keeping the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent safe."