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Strategic Management Team

Steve Apter, Chief Fire Officer

Steve joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 1990 as a retained firefighter.  In 1991 he became a full time firefighter and has progressed through various roles within the Service over the past 20 years.  Steve was seconded to the Government in 2004/05 to work with the Audit Commission to develop the new audit and inspection process of Fire and Rescue Services and on his return, was promoted into the Senior Management Team.

Stuart May, Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Stuart joined the London Fire Brigade in 1989.  He transferred to the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 1995.Stuart recently completed the National Fire Service Strategic Leadership Programme at Warwick University and has an Msc in Project Management leadership from Portsmouth University. 

Mick Keenan, Head of Operations

Mick manages the Technical Support, Operational Planning and Workforce Planning areas of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. He also manages the resources of 5 retained stations on the Island and ensures operational readiness of appliances and personnel within those stations. 

Justin Harden, Head of Community Risk

Justin joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in September 1994 as a wholetime firefighter at Newport fire station.  He served on both Green and Blue Watch before being promoted in 2002.  Since that time he has worked in different roles and departments across the Service and is responsible for Intelligence and Risk, Technical Fire Safety and Enforcement, Community Safety and Road Safety. He also manages the resources of 5 retained stations on the Island and ensures operational readiness of appliances and personnel within those stations.

Matt Ford, Programme Manager - FRS Modernisation

Matt joined the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service in 2009, after a 16 year career as an Army Officer, where he specialised in IT and project management.  He runs an ongoing portfolio of initiatives to modernise the Service, which currently include the transfer of Fire Control to Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and the relocation of the Service Headquarters.  Matt also retains responsibility for the administration and support staff within the Service.


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