FIREMASTER BRIAN P SWEENEY QFSM MA DipEFEng MIFireE
2004 to
Brian Sweeney
has been appointed Firemaster of Strathclyde Fire Brigade.
Mr Sweeney, 43, held the post of Temporary Firemaster since March 1, when his
predecessor, Jeff Ord, became Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire Services for
Scotland.
The post will soon undergo a name-change to Chief Officer of Strathclyde Fire
and Rescue, reflecting the broad range of incidents, including road traffic
accidents and water accidents that the service has to deal with.
Mr Sweeney joined Strathclyde Fire Brigade as a recruit in 1980.
He rose steadily through the ranks, holding various senior posts including
Deputy Commander of Central Command (which includes Glasgow), Assistant
Firemaster (Director of Operations) and Deputy Firemaster.
Mr Sweeney was praised for his management of the Stockline factory explosion
rescue operation in May and for his reassuring manner in the media when he
promised families that everything would be done to rescue victims.
Councillor Joe Lowe, Strathclyde Fire Board’s
Convener, said: “Brian Sweeney has done an outstanding job as Temporary
Firemaster and I am delighted that this appointment confirms him as very much
head of an excellent fire service.”
(Fire Magazine December 2004. Page 33.)