October 19, 2026 - 154 views
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has appointed Helen MacArthur as its next Chief Fire Officer.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer MacArthur will take up the role on January 1, succeeding Dawn Docx, who is retiring after five years as chief and 32 years in the fire and rescue sector.
She joined North Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2018 and brings more than 30 years of experience in senior finance, governance and leadership roles across the Welsh public sector.
Her appointment follows a recruitment process led by North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, involving interviews, stakeholder panels and scenario-based assessments.
The authority said the process was designed to assess candidates’ strategic thinking, leadership and ability to lead a modern fire and rescue service, with independent professional assessors providing additional scrutiny.
Ms MacArthur said she was honoured to have been appointed and proud to lead an organisation that had played a significant part in her career over the past eight years.
She said she looked forward to working with colleagues to continue supporting one another, serving communities and shaping the future of the service.
The current Chief Fire Officer, Dawn Docx, said it had been a privilege to lead the organisation and thanked staff, partners and residents for their support.
She wished Ms MacArthur success in the role and said they would work together over the coming months to ensure a smooth handover.
Councillor Dylan Rees, chair of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said Ms MacArthur’s experience and commitment to staff and local communities would provide continuity and stability for the organisation.
He also thanked Ms Docx for her service and leadership and wished her well in retirement.
A transition period will take place before Ms MacArthur formally assumes the role at the start of the new year.
