People and skills

Retiring Derbyshire Chief Fire Officer hands over the reins

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Outgoing Chief, Gavin Tomlinson (left) and incoming Chief, Rob Taylor (right). Image credit: Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire, Gavin Tomlinson, retired from the service on 5 February, handing over the reins to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s new Chief, Rob Taylor.

Gavin joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) in 1993 as a recruit firefighter based at Ilkeston Fire Station. Throughout his 31+ years working for the Service Gavin served in many areas including operational station command, fire safety, learning and development and prevention. In 2015 Gavin was promoted to Deputy Chief Fire Officer, followed in 2019 with an appointment to the role of Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for Derbyshire.

In June 2023 Gavin received the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for his distinguished services, most notably for his work as the National Fire Chiefs Council’s lead for Protection and Business Safety

Speaking at a presentation to mark his retirement from the Service, Gavin said: “It has been a huge honour to have had such a rewarding career at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service; from my initial days as an operational firefighter on station, right through to representing and leading such an excellent fire and rescue service. 

“I am immensely proud to have worked with so many dedicated and good people past and present, who are all devoted to the work and vision of the Service – Making Derbyshire Safer Together. The word Together really is important as it truly demonstrates where the strength of DFRS comes from – everyone working to deliver an outstanding fire and rescue service.

“As I head into my retirement, I am confident that I am leaving the Service in the excellent hands of its new Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, Rob Taylor and I look forward to watching on with pride as the Service continues to evolve and strive to be the best possible fire and rescue service it can be for the communities of Derbyshire.”

Derbyshire’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Rob Taylor took over as the new Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for Derbyshire on 6 February following his appointment and approval by the Fire and Rescue Authority in December 2024.

Speaking at the presentation for the retirement of CFO Gavin Tomlinson, Rob Taylor said: “On behalf of the Service and its employees, I would like to wish Gavin a happy retirement and thank him for his 31 plus years of dedicated service and steadfast leadership over the last five years.

Ahead of his first day in post as Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for Derbyshire, Rob Taylor went onto say; “Becoming the Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire is a huge honour and responsibility that I do not take lightly.

“I am committed to delivering an outstanding, inclusive and progressive fire and rescue service, and I will ensure we continue to work closely with our partners to put our communities first – preventing emergencies and responding when needed.”

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