People Directory

Barry Dixon
County Fire Officer and Chief Executive

Barry joined the City of Manchester Fire Brigade as a junior firefighter in 1967 aged 16 years. Following five years operational service at city centre stations, he was promoted to Leading Fireman in 1974 in the Greater Manchester County Fire Service. Progressing through the ranks, he has spent much of his career in the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury areas of the County. He was appointed Assistant County Fire Officer (Operations) in 1995, Deputy County Fire Officer in 2000 and in March 2002, became County Fire Officer.

Barry became Strategic Director of Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) in 2003 and leads on the 'Service Delivery - Operational Response' workstream, which encompasses all areas relating to Fire Service operations, resilience and civil contingencies.

In 2007, Barry Dixon was awarded a CBE in recognition of the incredible amount of work he has undertaken nationally advising on Fire and Rescue Service matters and for his service to the communities of Greater Manchester.