[11 June 2007]

Councillor Michael Murphy has been re-elected as Chairman of the Fire Authority for ESFRS.

Councillor Michael Murphy (County Councillor for Seaford) has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Fire Authority for 2007/08. He joined the Fire Authority for East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove in June 1997 and was first elected Chairman in June 2001. The most recent Audit Commission Assessment results have confirmed that East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has been achieving all of its targets and performance within the organisation is improving.

The Chairman of the Fire Authority openly welcomed the findings of the latest independent Audit Commission report. On behalf of all Members of the Fire Authority he said, “I am extremely pleased that the Audit Commission, who assess all Fire and Rescue Services in England have confirmed that East Sussex is performing well in every assessment it has made in 2006. These include,

• Operational Assurance - how well we provide services to local people;
• Use of Resources - how cost effective we are for our local council taxpayers; and now
• Direction of Travel - how well we are improving against the ever-harder national performance targets.

To receive a score of ´improving well´ across all three categories is a well deserved testament to the continued efforts of all East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service personnel who work tirelessly to improve services to local communities.”

He went on to add that East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service was absolutely committed to driving down risk within the Communities of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove, “A broad range of preventative work is currently underway within the Service, which concentrates, among other things, on safer driving and access to smoke alarms for everyone, specifically vulnerable people within our community. Our results speak for themselves, but we still have a long way to go and even better results to achieve within the next year.” Councillor Michael Murphy summarised by saying, “I am extremely proud to be working with such a committed and professional team of people within East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.”

Councillor Michael Murphy recently hosted His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, at the opening of the Service Training Centre for East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on Tuesday 29th May 2007. Prince Edward was joined by members of the Fire Authority, the Chief Fire Officer and other local dignitaries. The Service Training Centre will play a key role in the effective training of personnel, offering a range of comprehensive services that, together with the excellent practical facilities and administration block, provide a solid foundation for the centre of excellence.

[Allison Gilson]