A VETERAN firefighter has returned to his roots to take up the role of deputy chief fire officer.

Outgoing West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service deputy Neil Stocker is retiring after 29 years of service. East Sussex Fire and Rescue assistant chief fire officer Mark Andrews has been selected as his replacement.

He began as a firefighter in West Sussex before rising to the ranks of borough commander in Lewisham and London Fire Brigade deputy assistant commissioner.

“Whilst I have enjoyed my service in London and East Sussex, West Sussex is where I grew up and still live and therefore it is an honour to return to serve the county that means so much to me,” Mark said.

“I am grateful to Neil Stocker for his tremendous work and the legacy he is handing over and wish him well in his retirement.”

West Sussex chief fire officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton said Mark will make a “significant contribution”.

“I was greatly impressed by Mark’s people-centred approach and I am confident this appointment will help the service to continually improve its service to the public,” she said.

“He will make a significant contribution to our team.”