Andy Goves, Wiltshire’s chief fire officer for seven years, is retiring after 37 years in the service.

Mr Goves, who announced his retirement last week, leaves at the end of March.

Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority will discuss the appointment of a successor at its next meeting on February 21.

Mr Goves steered the service through the awkward process of amalgamating its control centre with others in the South West and moving to Taunton.

But the Government recently axed the new centre and Wiltshire will continue to be served by its own fire control operators at the tri-service site in Devizes.

Less controversially, Mr Goves has overseen the improvement in the service’s audit process and has advocated national support for automatic sprinkler installations.

He said: “Serving as the Chief Fire Officer of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has been a real privilege, leading an organisation that has always punched above its weight.

“Completing nearly 37 years’ service in the fire and rescue service reinforces what a special profession this is, and it would not have been possible without the commitment of all the people involved.”

Mr Goves came to Wiltshire from Buckinghamshire, taking over from Neil Wright, at a time of heightened terrorist alerts following the invasion of Iraq.

His first official function was taking delivery of a specialist vehicle designed to counter chemical, bacteriological or radiological attack.

Thankfully the equipment has never been needed but the threat continues.

Coun Brigadier Robert Hall, chairman of the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority, said: “Wiltshire and Swindon combined fire authority chose Andy Goves to be their chief fire officer over seven years ago – and what an excellent decision it was.

“He has proved to be an innovator, a strategic thinker and a tireless leader, who cares greatly for his firefighters and corporate staff.

“He lives for our Fire and Rescue Service and we shall be very sorry to see him go. I wish him a long and active retirement.”