New senior police and fire chiefs appointed in Cheshire

Three senior appointments have been announced at Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue.

Julie Cooke has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Constable at Cheshire Constabulary.

Julie joined the force in February 2019 in an acting capacity after moving across from Merseyside where she served for over 27 years.

She has worked as a uniformed officer at all ranks and was previously an Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing and Criminal Justice at Merseyside.

She said: “Since joining Cheshire I’ve got a really good feel for the organisation and am delighted to have been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable.

“Cheshire is a very positive, professional and forward thinking force, something that has been reflected in recent HMICFRS reports.

“What I bring is a different experience in coming from a metropolitan force. I think having new people with different experiences encourages questions to be asked to help see how things fit together and how we can build on the already very positive work in order to improve.”

Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “Since joining us Julie has had a very positive impact and brings a wealth of experience and skills to the Constabulary.

“I’d like to personally congratulate Julie on her appointment and look forward to drawing on her expertise as we continue with our work to make Cheshire even safer.”

Cheshire Fire Authority has appointed two new Assistant Chief Fire Officers.

Gus O’Rourke (pictured above) and Alex Waller (below) underwent a comprehensive assessment process comprising a technical interview, a behavioural interview and a media assessment incorporating independent assessors.

The Assistant roles have different areas of responsibility with Alex Waller taking up the role focusing on fire safety, operational policy and corporate performance and projects, and Gus O’Rourke taking up the role for service delivery and prevention.

Mr O’Rourke, 57, from Warrington but of Irish descent, joined Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1990 and progressed through the ranks before being appointed as an Area Manager in 2011. He is also a proud father of twin boys.

Mr Waller, 43, from Widnes, joined Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1993 as a 17-year-old apprentice and held a large variety of senior leadership roles in the organisation before he was appointed as Head of Service Delivery in 2014.

Cllr Bob Rudd, Chair of Cheshire Fire Authority, said: “I am delighted to appoint Gus and Alex to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer roles. They were the outstanding candidates in a very strong field.”