A NORTH-EAST fire brigade is expected to confirm the appointment of a new female boss later today.
Susan Johnson's appointment as chief executive of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will mean the brigade will be the first in the country to be led by a woman.
Ms Johnson, currently the head of business development at regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, will manage a £27m annual budget and 690 staff. She is expected to earn between £110,000 and £120,000 a year.
The news comes as the fire and rescue service's chief fire officer, George Herbert, prepares to leave after five years in the job.
Mr Herbert announced earlier this year that he was set to retire and he will step down on July 28.
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