New chief inspector of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service appointed

A new chief inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has been appointed.

Martyn Emberson takes over at HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI) from Steven Torrie, who recently retired after five years in the job.

Emberson has been a fire officer for over 31 years and retired from the post of Chief Fire Officer at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in July 2015.

In 2007 he initiated the adoption of cold-cutting technology (COBRA) which is now being implemented by many services in the UK and around the world.

In 2013 he was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for services to the Fire and Rescue Service.

Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “I warmly welcome the appointment of Mr Emberson as Scotland’s chief inspector of our fire service. He brings a huge breadth of experience in fire and rescue, both operationally and strategically, to this role.

“Mr Emberson has a strong history of strategic and innovative thinking and he is a welcome addition to the Inspectorate which has independent oversight of one of our vital public services.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to record my sincere thanks to Mr Torrie for his dedicated service as chief inspector over the last five years and his advice and wise counsel.

“Mr Torrie can be very proud of the positive impact he has had on shaping the outstanding Scottish Fire and Rescue Service we have today."

Martyn Emberson began his role today prior to formal appointment by the Queen next month.

The HMFSI is independent of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and carries out independent inspections of the service.

It also provides independent advice to ministers and has functions relating to non-domestic fire safety.