North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) is pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Justin Evans and Anthony Jones as its new Assistant Chief Fire Officers (ACFOs).

Justin and Anthony, both respected and long-serving fire professionals, now join Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Helen MacArthur on the Executive Board, helping to shape the Service’s future direction and continue its journey of improvement and modernisation.

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx commented:

“Both appointments are committed leaders who understand that how we work – our culture and our values – is just as important as what we do. They share a determination to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, and where openness and transparency are central to our leadership approach. I am proud to welcome them to the team on a permanent basis.”

Justin Evans began his career over 30 years ago, in 1994, with Clwyd Fire Service, which later became North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Over the years, he has held a range of operational and leadership roles, most recently serving as Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

Anthony Jones also brings extensive operational and leadership experience, having begun his career with London Fire Brigade before spending 19 years with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. He joined NWFRS in 2022 as an Area Manager and has since progressed to Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

Both appointments followed a rigorous, open, and inclusive recruitment process, reflecting NWFRS’s commitment to transparent leadership selection. Candidates took part in a stakeholder panel with representative bodies and submitted formal presentations and written papers to the Fire Authority before interviews with a selection panel of six Fire Authority members – one from each North Wales county.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Justin Evans, said:

“I’m incredibly honoured to take on this leadership role and grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the Service. My focus will be on building long-term resilience by investing in the skills and development of our people, ensuring we’re ready to meet future challenges and continue providing a first-class service to the communities of North Wales.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Anthony Jones, added:

“It’s a privilege to be appointed Assistant Chief Fire Officer. Drawing on my experience, I’m passionate about working collaboratively to encourage openness, drive innovation, and help shape the Service’s future direction. I look forward to supporting colleagues as we move forward together.”

Cllr Dylan Rees, Chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said:

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to confirm these appointments with such outstanding candidates. I’m confident they will both meet the challenges ahead and continue to uphold the high standards of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. I look forward to working alongside them.”

With these appointments, NWFRS strengthens its commitment to developing a modern, forward-looking fire and rescue service – one that invests in its people, values openness, and serves communities across North Wales with professionalism and integrity.