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Chief's Blog
Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter

2nd May 2013

This blog post is helping me celebrate my 1st anniversary as a blogger – Happy birthday to me! I wish I could say that to celebrate I attended the SC Magazine Awards 2013. I did attend, but it was nothing to do with my blog (next time!)
 
I was informed that these awards are the equivalent BAFTAs in relation to IT security provision! I attended as I was programme sponsor to a project amongst South West FRSs to roll out a secure information network and access, across our fire and rescue services and thereafter with our partners. As a result we were nominated for Information Security Project of the Year and to my surprise but obvious delight achieved the top award against a very tough and respected competition.
 
 
During April we have also seen the inauguration of the new High Sheriff, Catriona Payne. During my office as Chief Fire Officer, I have been fortunate to work with some outstanding and supportive High Sheriffs and was privileged last year to work with Jeremy Pope. I am delighted that Catriona has already spent a day with us and has big plans for the Fire and Rescue Service through her year as High Sheriff! You might have kept up to date with it on my Twitter feed (@DorsetFireChief).
 
If you do follow me on Twitter, you will know that at the end of last week, I also spent two days in Cheltenham where I co-ordinated the CFOA annual learning and development managers seminar. This was a really successful two days with nearly 100 delegates listening and learning to some really innovative developments and next steps of learning, development and leadership throughout the sector, and indeed other partners.
 
This week I have spent a couple of days working on business associated with the Local Resilience Forum. We have come an awful long way as a forum in the last couple of years, undoubtedly inspired by ensuring our preparations for the Olympics was top drawer. We are now keen to build on this legacy and further strengthen emergency planning in the future. The Fire and Rescue Service has a key role in this.
 
Finally, this week Wales had the accolade of being the country only surpassed by Africa as having the most lions. PS, this is a joke, if you don't get is, speak to a Rugby Union fan. 
 
On leave next week - speak soon!
 
Darran