On the 30th November 2011, Andy Marles retired as Chief Fire Officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Upon his retirement and reflecting on his career Andy said;

“On a personal level I am sad to leave this great organisation but on the other hand I know I leave it in great shape, with a great team at the top, able to deliver a fantastic service to the public of South Wales due to all the dedicated staff that we employ.”

He continued “I have enjoyed every minute of my time in this great family of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.  Each and every one of my colleagues has played a vital part in delivery and making this Fire and Rescue Service one of the best in the UK”.

“We have come a long way since amalgamation of the three former brigades in 1996, but as 2011 draws to a close we have outperformed our last year’s achievements in so many ways.  I am confident that my colleagues will continue with this vital work as they all have that basic desire to care for the public and each other.  Finally can I just say thank you to each person I have worked with throughout my career and every member of staff for their continued contribution”.

Chairman, South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Anthony Ernest said; “Throughout his career within South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Andy has made a significant contribution and been highly influential in many of the major projects and challenges faced by the Service”.

“His straightforward approach and personable character has earned him the highest of respect from everyone that he has worked with which has meant he always has the ability to keep people on side and ‘get the job done’”.

He continues “Andy is a highly dedicated and professional Chief Fire Officer as well as being an extremely likeable person and will be greatly missed by all Fire and Rescue Authority members and Service personnel.  I am sure I speak for everyone when I wish him a well earned and well deserved long and happy retirement”.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Huw Jakeway who succeeds Andy as CFO on 1st December 2011, has great admiration for Andy explaining;

“Andy has been an inspiration to many people over the years. He has led the organisation with pride and has given us all a very strong community ethic that encourages us to do what is right for our communities”.

“Andy will be a tough act to follow and I on behalf of the whole organisation would like to thank him for his personnel commitment to the Service and communities of South Wales.  We wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement”.

With the retirement of Andy Marles on the 30th November 2011, South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority has decided to maintain a traditional structure at the top of the organisation on a temporary basis whilst they await any views Welsh Government might have as they develop a new Framework for Fire and Rescue Services in Wales.

To this end, from 1st December Huw Jakeway will be temporary Chief Fire Officer, Sally Chapman - temporary Deputy Chief Officer, Phil Haynes - Assistant Chief Officer, Rod Hammerton - Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Andy Thomas temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

Talking of his new position Huw said “I am extremely delighted and proud to be appointed as the temporary Chief Fire Officer within South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.  I have a great team and colleagues to support me and I look forward to the new challenge and opportunities that my new role will offer”.

Chairman, South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Anthony Ernest said; “May I be the first to congratulate Huw Jakeway to the role of temporary Chief Fire Officer in this great organisation. Huw has been and will continue to be, a member of the top team here in South and the Authority is incredibly fortunate to have such a team.  Andy Marles will be sorely missed and I wish him all the best for the future, and I am sure Huw will step up to the mark and be an excellent Chief Fire Officer in this dedicated organisation of almost 2,000 staff”.