Les Britzman named as Guernsey’s new Chief Fire Officer

Thursday 09 January 2025

Guernsey's new Chief Fire Officer has been appointed - with Les Britzman taking on the role upon the retirement of Jon Le Page in April.

Mr Britzman has worked for a number of fire services across the UK, with his career spanning more than 27 years.

He worked on fire services during the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and helped with national emergencies such as countrywide flooding.

Mr Britzman joins Guernsey’s Fire and Rescue Service having recently spent time working as a consultant following his retirement from Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service where he served as Chief Fire Officer and Director of Public Protection for three years.

Outside of work he is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys touring the UK and Europe and says he has ambitions to explore Iceland and Eastern Europe. He has also volunteered extensively in New York City and London for homeless and mental health charities.

On his appointment, and new role, Mr Britzman said he is looking forward to moving here.

“I am delighted that I will soon be joining the team at Guernsey Fire and Rescue. I am very much looking forward to meeting the many new faces of the people that serve and support the fire and rescue service.

“I will enjoy exploring and getting to know the beautiful Island of Guernsey and its surrounds. I appreciate there will be unique challenges for the Fire and Rescue Service due to being based on an island. Nevertheless, I am confident that together we will continue to develop and improve from a sound base and ensure we have a service the Island can be proud of.

“I would like to thank Chief Fire Officer Le Page for his support and sound stewardship of the Service and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the people of Guernsey.”

Deputy Rob Prow, the President of the Committee for Home Affairs, has spoken highly of the latest hiring for Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service, welcoming Mr Britzman to the role.

“We are pleased to have been able to appoint Les to this role and I look forward to welcoming him to Guernsey, where he has already said he is keen to build more of an outdoor lifestyle," he said.

"With a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years, Les is well-equipped to lead the Service into the future. I am confident the fresh perspective he has gained from working across diverse areas in the UK will prove to be of immense benefit.

“I also wish to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Chief Fire Officer, Jon Le Page, for his many years of dedicated public service. He has provided professional, and inclusive leadership to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. I have no doubt that Les will continue his hard work.”

Retiring Fire Chief, Mr Le Page had also been impressed by his replacement's experience and skills.

"We are very fortunate to have attracted Les to this post, as he will bring a great deal of valuable experience to the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service," he said.

"Having gotten to know Les when we were both students of the National Fire Service Executive Leadership Programme in 2011/2012, I am confident that I will be leaving the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service in safe hands under his leadership, and I am sure he will positively develop the Service into the future.”