Fire and rescue service boss to retire in 2025

Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's chief fire officer has announced he will retire next year.

Neil Odin was appointed to lead Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's fire and rescue services in 2018 and oversaw work that meant it became one organisation in 2021.

His career as a firefighter started in Hampshire in 1991 and he spent just over 20 years in West Sussex before returning to Hampshire to become assistant chief fire officer in 2012.

He said he feels "extremely privileged" to serve in his current role and has worked with "some exceptional people" in the service and with other people outside it.

Mr Odin, who will retire in autumn 2025, is also the chairman of the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation, in which the country's rescue services develop skills and improve rescue standards.

"I would like to thank all our firefighters and staff for the hard work they put in day and night to help keep our communities safe," he said.

"Their professionalism and dedication are the reason we have a fire and rescue service to be proud of.

"I am sure my successor will bring with them a fresh outlook that will help the service to continue to thrive, and I know they will find Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a great place to work, and that they will receive a warm welcome from the staff, partners and communities."

Rhydian Vaughan, the chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority, said the search to replace Mr Odin has begun.

"I would like to offer our thanks to Neil for his service to our communities," he said.

"His professional manner and the highly effective way he has led the service is to be praised.

"While they will be tough boots to fill, we are now starting the process to find candidates to be our next chief fire officer."

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.