New Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority has confirmed that Mick Sharman is the preferred candidate to become the county’s next Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive.

Sharman, who joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service as Deputy Chief Fire Officer in September 2025, stepped into the role of Acting Chief Fire Officer just days later amid what the Authority described as extremely challenging circumstances following the death of former Chief Fire Officer Rob Taylor.

Cliff said Sharman had provided “a much needed steady and reassuring strategic presence” at a difficult time for the Service, adding that he had already made a significant impact since his arrival. He highlighted Sharman’s focus on placing Derbyshire communities at the centre of decision-making, alongside his operational and strategic experience and commitment to public service.

Subject to formal approval, Sharman will be appointed as Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive at the next Fire Authority meeting on 24 February 2025.

Speaking after being named the preferred candidate, Sharman described the role as both a privilege and a responsibility. He said the position carried the pressure of responding to local and national challenges, while ensuring services continued to protect communities from fire and other emergencies. He also pointed to the importance of working alongside staff, partners and communities, noting the impact the Service can have when lives are changed or saved.

Looking ahead, Sharman said planning was already under way to deliver a new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for Derbyshire. Following public consultation, the 2027–2032 CRMP is due to be published in April 2027 and will set out how the Service intends to address known and emerging risks. He said his commitment was to “protect, to serve and to work alongside our communities, partners and dedicated employees” to improve safety across the county.

Born and raised in Derbyshire, Sharman began his fire service career with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in 2007 as a firefighter. In 2014, he transferred to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, where he was promoted to Station Manager and later to Assistant Chief Fire Officer in March 2022.

During his time in Nottinghamshire, Sharman acted as strategic lead on the joint project between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to replace their shared 999 mobilising system. He returned to Derbyshire in September 2025 after being appointed Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Across his career, Sharman has worked in a wide range of fire and rescue service functions, including operational command, learning and development, executive support and fire protection, experience the Authority said would be central to his leadership of the Service in the years ahead.

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