Former Lioness is fire service's new deputy chief

A former England footballer has been appointed as a fire service's new deputy chief.

Michelle Hickmott, who was previously a left-back for the Lionesses, joined Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service as an assistant chief fire officer in 2022.

She has two decades of experience within the fire and rescue sector, having previously worked in Warwickshire, London and at The Fire Service College.

She is due to take up her role in June, when Rob Barber retires and current deputy Glynn Luznyj takes the top job.

Hickmott was an instructor at The Fire Service College, where she worked to help new and existing firefighters enhance their professional practice, and subsequently worked for London Fire Brigade as a borough commander in Kensington and Chelsea.

In her sporting career, she represented Birmingham City FC, Fulham FC, Coventry FC and Charlton FC from 2003 to 2011 before taking on a managerial role with Birmingham Football Association.

She represented England in a 4-1 win against Finland in 2009.

"I am absolutely delighted for Michelle, as I have full confidence that she will make an excellent deputy chief fire officer and bring her wealth of knowledge and experience which will be used to make Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service stronger and fitter to deliver public services," Luznyj said.

"Michelle has been an excellent assistant chief fire officer and will help us to continue to build our services for the future – whatever the challenges we may face."

Staffordshire commissioner Ben Adams said he was delighted at Hickmott's appointment.

"With a wealth of experience and a great track record, I'm confident that Michelle has the skills and knowledge to support the chief fire officer in leading the service through its continued modernisation and keeping the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent safe," he said.