The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on Monday 9 February 2026 to consider the proposed appointment of Glynn Luznyj as the new Chief Fire Officer for Staffordshire. The Panel recommended that the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner proceed with the appointment.

Appointment of Chief Fire Officer

The Panel held a Confirmation Hearing to consider the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner's preferred candidate for the role of Chief Fire Officer. The Secretary to the Panel explained that the Panel's role was to assess the 'professional competence' and 'personal independence' of the candidate.

The Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, presented his preferred candidate, Glynn Luznyj, and outlined the recruitment process. Mr Luznyj, who has served with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue since 1996, then presented his career history and highlighted his national and regional responsibilities.

During questioning, Mr Luznyj discussed his strengths, key priorities for the next 12 months, and the biggest challenges facing the service. He emphasised his commitment to Staffordshire, his understanding of local risks, and his experience in national leadership roles. He identified public sector reform, the potential abolition of the Commissioner's role, the development of a new Board for Police and Fire and Rescue, and funding uncertainties amidst increased operational demand as significant challenges. Staff safety and wellbeing, alongside fire prevention, incident response, and the built environment, were highlighted as priorities.

Mr Luznyj welcomed disagreement and collaborative working, noting that different types of disagreement require varied responses depending on the issue and safety levels. He also addressed the importance of diversity within the Fire and Rescue Service, seeing the upcoming retirement of 50% of the service within ten years as an opportunity to improve diversity.

Following deliberation, the Panel resolved to recommend that the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire proceed with the appointment of Glynn Luznyj as the Chief Fire Officer. Councillor Duncan Walker declared a non-pecuniary interest as a trade union representative during the confirmation hearing.