The fire chief candidate preferred by Essex, UK has been announced as Jo Turton

Jo Turton, a candidate with 30 years’ worth of service in local government, is the current front runner to become the new Essex chief fire officer.
Turton has been announced as police, fire and crime commissioner Roger Hirst’s preferred candidate, with Hirst wanting Turton to be working in a combined chief office and chief executive role.
Previously, Turton was the chief executive of Lancashire County Council, but she was made redundant after that post was combined with a finance role earlier in 2017.
Speaking on the matter, the Fire Brigades Union have said that they’d much rather have a uniformed candidate, with Essex’s existing chief fire officer – Adam Eckley – set to retire next year.
After being asked to comment on the matter, Hirst was on hand to say that the Essex County Fire and Rescue service is a hotbed for exciting opportunities, and a number of top drawer candidates applied for the role.
“Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is a large and complex service with many exciting opportunities for collaboration and development,” Hirst said. “Our open and widely advertised recruitment attracted a large number of high-calibre candidates.”
In addition, Hirst said that an openness in relation to collaboration with other emergency services and a positive culture in general would required to thrive in the role, which pays £140,000 a year.
Hirst’s recommendation of Turton has to go to a confirmation hearing of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, which will take place in late January.
Turton, who could start in March 2018, was delighted about the opportunity, and is fully ready for the challenge.
“I am excited about the opportunity and welcome the chance to lead Essex County Fire and Rescue Service into the next phase of its journey,” Turton said.
The chief fire officer will not only be responsible for a population of 1.7m people, but also 51 stations.

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Chris Lingham image - Fire Buyer

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto picture - Fire Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Picture of new Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative - Photo by Aico - Fire Buyer

Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative

Aico has announced the launch of its Platinum Partner initiative, a prestigious recognition programme designed to elevate industry
Picture of Enforcer Volterra sign - Photo by Pierce Manufacturing Inc. - Fire Buyer

Frederick County Prepares for Delivery of Electric Fire Truck

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, has announced that the Frederick County, Maryland Division of
Picture of ship - Photo by Survitec - Fire Buyer

Maritime Protection Secures Record €22.7m Contract

Maritime Protection, a brand of global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec, has been awarded a contract valued at…
Picture of Paul Haynes at Mann McGowan - Fire Buyer

Mann McGowan Strengthen Sales Team With New Appointment

Mann McGowan, manufacturer of high performance intumescent fire, smoke and acoustic seals, has announced the appointment of Paul…
Picture of Rescue Intellitech product - Photo by Rescue Intellitech - Fire Buyer

Rescue Intellitech Launches New Firefighting Equipment Solution

Rescue Intellitech has launched advanced, dual-drying cabinets for PPE which will help fire and rescue services in the UK improve…
Picture of WAGNER product - Photo by Wagner - Fire Buyer

WAGNER to Unveil Groundbreaking Fire Protection Solutions at FeuerTrutz 2025

At the upcoming FeuerTrutz, the leading trade fair for preventive fire protection in Nuremberg, WAGNER will showcase its comprehensive…
Picture of firefighter - Photo by Dräger - Fire Buyer

Dräger Launches New Water Rescue Helmet

Dräger has launched the HPS AquaRescue, a new lightweight helmet for use by emergency services personnel who need to..
Picture of 2025 IWMA Ragnar Wighus Award Winner - Photo by IWMA - Fire Buyer

IWMA Announces Winner of 2025 Ragnar Wighus Award

The Ragnar Wighus Award, a prize bestowed by the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), has this year been won by Azad Hamzehpour…
Handshake

HAIX Launches New Firefighting Boot with EXTRAGUARD Upper

HAIX has unveiled the FIRE EAGLE 2.0 EXG, a firefighting boot incorporating a newly developed upper material aimed at increasing…
Picture of wildfires - Picture by Fire Buyer

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Crosses Atlantic, Reaches Europe

As Canadian wildfire crews continue to confront intense blazes across multiple provinces, smoke generated by these fires is now making its…
Scroll to Top