Councillor Prad Bains has been appointed as the new Chair of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Authority.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority (HIWFRA) is the supervisory body responsible for ensuring that the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) performs efficiently and in the best interest of the public and community it serves. It is made up of made up of 11 elected members representing Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton councils.
Councillor Bains brings 8 years of public service as a councillor and his experience as a previous on-call firefighter to the role.
Speaking following his appointment, Councillor Bains said:
“It is a great honour to be appointed Chair of the Fire Authority. As a former on-call Hampshire firefighter this organisation is something that I truly care about, and I am determined to make a positive contribution as Chair of the Fire Authority over the year ahead, ensuring Hampshire and the Isle of Wight continues to have an efficient and effective service that helps make life safer for everyone.”
As Chair, Councillor Bains will lead meetings of the Fire Authority, provide strategic oversight and help ensure the Service continues to deliver against its priorities while responding to the changing needs of local communities.
Councillor Karen Lucioni was appointed Vice-Chair.
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer, welcomed the appointment, saying:
“The Fire Authority’s role is to provide good governance and scrutiny of the Service, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve and make the best use our resources. Their role is particularly vital as nationally we fight for fairer funding for fire and rescue services and locally we navigate the changing democratic landscape for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“On behalf of everyone at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, I’d like to congratulate Councillor Prad Bains and Councillor Karen Lucioni on their appointments as Chair and Vice Chair of the Fire Authority. I look forward to working with them over the coming year.”
Councillor Bains succeeds Cllr Rhydian Vaughan who was thanked at the Authority meeting for his leadership and contribution during his tenure.
