Deputy Commissioner Richard Mills has retired after 31 years and now London will have two new deputies as it promotes from within.
Dominic Ellis has even longer service, having spent 33 years in the fire and rescue service. He has stepped up from Assistant Chief after a long period responsible for the operations and assurance brief.
On his appointment, Dominic said, “I have overseen the implementation of industry leading improvements in high rise firefighting and Fire Survival Guidance (FSG) policies. The hard work of my team has increased safety for residents in tall buildings and ensured all 4,700 firefighters have received the required training and development in these new policies. There is so much more to do, particularly further improving the training provided to our firefighters which will be a key priority for me.”
Dominic is joined by Jonathan Smith who will be the second Deputy Commissioner for the capital’s fire service. Jonathan Smith joined London Fire Brigade three years ago after serving in Hertfordshire. He spent time responsible for fire control before becoming Assistant Chief looking after London’s 100+ fire stations.
Speaking about his short time in London, Jonathan said, “Every position has shown me the calibre and character of everybody who works in the Brigade and that gives me real optimism. It also reinforces the responsibility and privilege that I now have as Deputy Commissioner, something I do not take lightly.
“I look forward to working with senior managers and teams across the organisation so that the Brigade continues to improve not only the benefit of everyone who works in the organisation, but crucially for London and Londoners.”
