He was the successful candidate after interviews were held by the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Board. Campbell is currently Chief Fire Officer with Fife Fire and Rescue Service.
He began his career as a firefighter with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service in 1975 and served as a Crew Commander, Watch Commander and Station Commander. He also served in the Emergency Planning, Operations and Training departments before joining Tayside Fire & Rescue Service in 2004 as Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
He became Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2006 and took up his current role in 2008.
Councillor Mike Bridgman, Chair of the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Board, said: “We interviewed a number of highly qualified candidates and I’m delighted to welcome Jimmy Campbell to the post of Chief Fire Officer.
“He has an excellent track record and brings with him a wealth of experience. I am sure he will continue to deliver the first class service that the public of the Lothians and Borders have received over the years.”
Jimmy Campbell said: “It is an honour to be offered the position of Chief Fire Officer for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service where I first started as a firefighter.
“I can’t wait to get started and hope to build on the excellent work that Lothian and Borders is renowned for and lead the service through the challenges that lie ahead.”
Chief Fire Officer Brian Allaway said: “I am delighted to learn that Jimmy Campbell has been appointed as my successor in Lothian and Borders. Jimmy began his career here and will already know many people from the Service, he will be looking forward to meeting both them and the staff that he doesn’t know yet.
I’ve known Jimmy for many years and I have absolutely no doubt that he will make an excellent Chief Fire Officer throughout his term of office. I am also sure that being the service it is Lothian and Borders will give him every support in the years to come.”
