ESSEX’S fire and rescue service are looking to recruit a new chief executive or chief fire officer.

The successful candidate will be the first chief executive or chief fire officer to be appointed by Roger Hirst, who is the first police, fire and crime Commissioner in the country.

The position will attract a salary of about £140,000 per year and closing date for applications is Monday, November 13.

Mr Hirst said: “Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is one of the largest in the country providing services for a population of 1.7 million people and leading a service with 1,500 staff and officers. This is an important leadership role and we expect it to attract significant interest, both from other fire and rescue services across the country and also from highly experienced leaders from wider organisations.

“Essex Fire and Rescue service has changed significantly over the last few years. We need a talented and committed leader to help the service continue to transform its culture.”

The successful candidate will replace the current chief fire officer Adam Eckley, who announced his retirement earlier in the year.