"I have been considering early retirement for some time. I had seriously considered taking this option a year ago, but felt I should see the 'Comprehensive Review of the Provision of Fire Cover in Warwickshire' through, which I have done.

"I also wish to spend more time with my wife who recently suffered a heart attack and is not in the best of health. I too have to go into hospital for a serious knee operation which, the experts tell me, will take at least six months recovery time. I feel that a six month break from the service would be an unacceptably long sick absence for a Chief Fire Officer to be away from his post.

"I feel it is now the right time to hand the reins over to someone else to oversee the longer term development of our excellent fire and rescue service in Warwickshire."

BACKGROUND DETAILS:

• Mr Redford joined the Fire Service as a Firefighter at East Ham Fire Station, London in 1962
   
• He gained promotion to the rank of Sub Officer in London Fire Brigade
   
• He transferred to Essex Fire Service in 1968 where he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer in 1974
   
• In 1975 her transferred to Suffolk Fire Service with promotion to the rank of Divisional Officer
   
• Mr Redford joined Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1979 as Divisional Commander based at Nuneaton Fire Station and in charge of the northern division of th county
   
• He moved to Service Headquarters as Deputy County Fire Officer in 1982 and was promoted to County Fire Officer in August 1988
   
• Mr Redford is married to Pam and has two grown-up sons, Duncan who is a naval officer and Andrew who is an archaeologist
   
• Mr Redford is 55 years old

MORE INFORMATION:
Malcolm Tandy, Press Offcier  01926 423231

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