By Chris Cornford
A former chief of the Isle of Wight Fire Service has announced his retirement at the age of 54. Steve Apter will retire in June after 30 years of service. Steve’s distinguished career in the fire service started as a retained firefighter in Shanklin in 1990, working his way up to being appointed as the Island’s Chief Fire Officer in 2011. He moved to London to take up the post of Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade in 2016, moving in 2019 to become the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The news of his retirement was announced on social media with a statement saying: “Steve has been instrumental in both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s success and he will be sorely missed by staff across both services.” Comments from figures across the country paid tribute to Steve’s service and personal qualities, describing him as ‘a true gent’, ‘decent and caring’ and ‘a hero to many’.
Steve is married with three children. His hobbies include kayaking and playing the ukulele and he is a Liverpool Football Club fan.
Isle of Wight Observer