23rd July 2008
KFRS announces new Commander for South Kent
A former firefighter who has risen through the ranks at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) to become Area Commander for its South Division.
Andy Merriman takes up the reins of a huge area which ranges from Westerham to Wye, Maidstone to Hawkhurst, and includes 27 stations with 471 staff.
The 45-year-old joined KFRS in 1982 as a firefighter in Medway. His 26 years with the service have involved roles at various stations across the county including, Sheppey, Sittingbourne Faversham and Gravesend.
Having been the Station Commander at Thames-side for six years he was then promoted to Deputy Commander North Division, and most recently temporary Area Commander for the county’s East Division before taking up this substantive post.
Andy said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the South Division team and build on the excellent work of my predecessor, Sean Bone-Knell who is now serving at East Division. We have established some excellent relationships with local agencies, community groups and partners and I will be looking to build on these for the future to ensure that we reach people at risk of fire and maintain a first-class service.
“I am committed to delivering the best emergency service response we can, so will continue to invest in both our community safety work as well as ensuring that our firefighters prepared to deal with any eventuality.”
Chief Fire Officer Bill Feeley said: "I am delighted with Andy’s latest appointment. The whole of the senior management team is committed to improving the lives and safety of the people of Kent and I believe that Andy’s wealth of experience and expertise will be of huge benefit to both KFRS and the local area.”
Andy lives in Sittingbourne with his wife Sarah and six-year-old daughter Madeleine he has two grown up children Thomas and Laura. His interests include the gym, walking and supporting his local football team, Gillingham.
Note to editors: A photograph of Andy is available on request from the press office. Please ring (01622) 692121.
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