Criticism of outgoing Fire Chief Vince Hollinsid came as a “surprise and a disappointment” to Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley.Mr Dunkley said he didn’t intend to get involved in a “back and forth” between Fire Service Association President Allan Wilkinson and the Chief Fire Officer.However, nobody from the FSA contacted the Ministry with complaints about staff shortages, nepotism or Mr Hollinsid’s style of command.Mr Dunkley said Mr Hollinsid’s 43-year record spoke for itself.“There is no favouritism in deciding who the next Chief is going to be,” he added. “It’s very clear to me that will go through the Public Service Commission. The Chief has his say, but he doesn’t make the decision. The Commission makes the decision.”Mr Dunkley also voiced support for a statement by former National Security Minister David Burch pointing out that any funding cuts to the Fire Service rested with the Minister, not with the Chief Fire Officer.“He calls it as he sees it and I have to agree — budget allocation falls at the Minister’s feet,” he said.