Bermuda should have one fire service under a unified command, Bermuda's new Chief Fire Officer says.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister introduced Vincent Hollinsid as the successor to retired fire chief Reginald Rawlins at a press conference at the Hamilton fire station yesterday.

Asked what changes he would like to see, Mr. Hollinsid said there should be one authority for all the Island's fire services.

At present, the Airport, the Bermuda Fire Service and a volunteer service in St. George's are all under separate command.

"I just think it makes more economic sense to bring them under one authority," he said.

Mr. Hollinsid, a career fire fighter has spent 32 years in the fire service and has held every rank. He was Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the last 15 years.

"There can be no doubt that Mr. Hollinsid is extremely well prepared to lead the Fire Service as it charts its course into the 21st century," Mr. Lister said.

"I would be the first to admit that there are challenges ahead," Mr. Hollinsid said. "However, I am confident that all my fellow Fire Service professionals are capable of achieving a high standard of performance that the residents and visitors of Bermuda deserve."

He added that he was looking forward to working with Government to make the Fire Service an "organisational role model" for Bermuda.