NPAS announces new chief operating officer

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has announced Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney will be its new chief operating officer, after the retirement of Chief Superintendent Vicki White after 30 years of service.

Ch Supt Gaffney will also take on the role of NPAS Accountable Manager once approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

In the interim, NPAS Head of Business Services Glenn Shelley will take on the temporary position.

Ch Supt Gaffney joins NPAS as a West Yorkshire Police officer, bringing with her a wealth of operational experience, strategic leadership and a commitment to public service, evidenced by her policing career so far, which began in 1995 with the Royal Military Police, where she served in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

Since then, her career has spanned multiple forces and specialist roles.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to supporting the teams in delivering their operational response, while also understanding how technology might help us get better.

“I also look forward to spending time out at the bases and in departments, understanding the opportunities and challenges in the world of police aviation.”

Ch Supt Gaffney’s recent role saw her managing complex budgets, national portfolios and high-level collaborations – experience that will be invaluable as NPAS continues to evolve and modernise.

Ch Supt White’s career was also celebrated by the organisation, which saw lead the service through major developments, not least the ongoing implementation of a multi-million pound fleet replacement programme.

“It’s been a privilege to serve as Accountable Manager,” Ch Supt White said.

“I’m incredibly proud of what the service, and people who deliver it, achieve every day. It truly is life-saving stuff and they make a real difference to the safety and security of our communities and our emergency services colleagues.”