Veteran firefighter Dana Lovell has been appointed the new Chief Fire Officer of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Lovell joined the service 38 years ago and had been serving as Acting Chief Fire Officer since May 2022.

Before his appointment, which was confirmed yesterday, he served as Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Divisional Officer for Operations and Staff Officer, among other ranks.

Mr Lovell added: “I’m very proud and humbled by my appointment. I’m grateful to the BFRS and the ministry for this opportunity.

“The future of the BFRS is vivid, and I hope my appointment will serve as a shining example of the many opportunities available within the organisation. I’ve always said that when you join the BFRS, it’s not just a job — it’s a career.

“I also wish to thank my family for their support throughout my years of service. Without their support, it would have been difficult to endure the many challenges and pressures accompanying such important work and dedication.”

Applauding the appointment, Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said: ‘We are very grateful to have Mr Lovell in this role. He brings the highest level of personal integrity, having worked his way up through the ranks from a firefighter.

“His impressive record of service to the BFRS and his rise to the highest office in the organisation is proof that Bermudian firefighters can expect a rewarding and exciting career."

According to a ministry spokesman, Mr Lovell will lead the BFRS’s mission to partner with the community to provide quality education and fire prevention programmes that identify safety risks and respond to emergencies effectively, efficiently and professionally.

Mr Lovell succeeds Lloyd Burchall, who stepped down from the post last May after facing a vote of no confidence from the firefighters’ union.