Derbyshire seeking new Chief Fire Officer following retirement announcement of current Chief

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority has today opened the application process to recruit Derbyshire’s next Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive.

The successful candidate will take over the role from Derbyshire’s current Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (CFO), Gavin Tomlinson KFSM who has announced his intention to retire in spring 2025. 

Speaking following the announcement of his retirement, CFO Tomlinson said: “I joined Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service in September 1993 and feel privileged to have been part of an excellent organisation.  

“Over my 30-year career, I have been continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism shown by all the employees of DFRS - responding to emergency incidents, working to prevent them, and adapting to change. It is with change in mind that I know spring 2025 is the right time for me to retire and hand the Service over to a new Chief Fire Officer. 

“2025 is the last year of our current three-year Community Risk Management Plan, meaning planning will be taking place to shape a new 3-to-5-year plan for the Service. This is exactly the right time to hand over and let a new Chief, with new ideas and a fresh perspective lead the Service forward.” 

The Chair of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Trevor Ainsworth said: “Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is an ambitious fire and rescue service, and this has been evident under the leadership of Gavin Tomlinson, successfully navigating the challenges faced by a modern fire and rescue service, supporting its people and delivering its services to the communities of Derbyshire. 

“We have a lot to be proud of in Derbyshire and we are seeking a new Chief who will share this pride and bring a determination to continuously improve our performance and inspire our people.” 

Gavin Tomlinson KFSM joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service on the 1st September 1993 as a trainee firefighter at Ilkeston Fire Station. Gavin gained several promotions through the operational ranks of the Service, working across all areas including Response, Community Safety, Prevention and leading on the implementation of a new tri-service 999 mobilising system for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire in 2015.  

In November 2015, Gavin who was born and grew up in Belper, was appointed Deputy Chief Fire Officer and then to Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive in September 2019. 

In addition to his role as Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire, Gavin was also the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) lead for Fire Safety and Protection, supporting the UK fire and rescue services response to the first 2019 Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report. Gavin has also held a key role on the NFCC Steering Group overseeing leadership across all NFCC functions in support of fire and rescue services.  

In June 2023, Gavin was awarded the King's Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for distinguished service in His Majesty the King’s birthday honours list.