Statement on absence of Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson

Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Gavin Tomlinson is taking some time away from the Service due to a recently diagnosed health condition.  

Gavin has worked at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service since joining as a recruit firefighter in 1993. In September 2019 he was promoted to Chief Fire Officer, leading the Service and its work to prevent emergencies and providing an inclusive, progressive and effective emergency service to the communities of Derbyshire.  

Derbyshire’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Rob Taylor said: “The news that our Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson is experiencing health concerns has come as a shock right across the Service. Gavin is a respected and valued colleague as well as our leader, and as you would expect there has been a huge outpouring of get well wishes and support being offered to Gavin and his family at this time. 

“While our priority is the health and wellbeing of our Chief Fire Officer and ensuring that Gavin and his family are supported, I also need to ensure that we have a structure in place to maintain stability across the Service in his absence. As such I have been working with the Chair of the Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor Trevor Ainsworth, and with approval from the Chief, I have been asked to step into the role of Acting Chief Fire Officer until Gavin is well enough to return.” 

At present the Service will not be issuing any further information about the health of Gavin Tomlinson and therefore asks for privacy for him and his family at this time.