A Thanet firefighter who rose through the ranks to become area commander, is returning to his roots to take charge of fire and rescue operations in the East Kent area.

Margate-born Sean Bone-Knell takes command of an area which spans from Lydd to Whitstable, Dover to Margate, and includes 22 stations with 624 staff. It follows nearly two years in a similar role in the county’s south division.

The 41-year-old joined KFRS in 1986 as a firefighter in Thanet. His 22 years with the service have involved roles at various stations across the county including Medway, Canterbury and Ashford.

For two years he was based at Maidstone headquarters as press officer before becoming station commander at Dover. After a period as partnership manager in south division, Sean was promoted to area commander in north and then subsequently south division, before moving to this latest appointment.

Sean said: “Throughout my career in the fire service I have had the opportunity to work with some excellent groups and partner agencies to make our communities safer. I will be expanding these partnerships to deliver a service that will meet the growing needs of our diverse communities and keep pace with future developments. I am very proud of KFRS and hope to build upon our already first class reputation.”

Chief Fire Officer Bill Feeley said: “Sean’s wealth of experience and expertise will be of real benefit to both KFRS and the people in this area. The whole of the senior management team is committed to improving the lives and safety of the people of Kent and are very pleased to have Sean in the team.”

Sean lives in Barham, near Canterbury, with his wife Teresa and his two daughters, eight-year-old Emily and six-year-old Lucy. His interests include playing golf, cricket and football.