Death of Former Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson KFSM

It is with great sadness that we have been informed of the death of our former Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Gavin Tomlinson KFSM who passed away on the 27 August 2025 – says Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Gavin joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service as a trainee firefighter on the 1 September 1993 and over the following 31 years progressed through many ranks from firefighter to Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive in 2019.

On his retirement from the Service in February this year, Gavin is quoted as saying ‘It has been a privilege to be the Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire.’ He went onto reflect that by working hard he had been able to make a difference to the safety of people not only across Derbyshire, but nationally across the UK too.

Today these words echo loudly in the legacy of positive change that Gavin drove in the fire and rescue sector.

In June 2023 Gavin was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for his distinguished service, most notably for his work as the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)  lead for protection and business safety, and lately as the NFCC Chair of the Protection and Business Safety Scrutiny Committee which oversaw changes to fire safety legislation following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Gavin also leaves a legacy of positive change at DFRS, driving the Service forward as a positive and inclusive fire and rescue service, rated Good by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

Speaking following the announcement of Gavin’s death, Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rob Taylor said:  “Today is an immensely sad day for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and the fire and rescue sector as we receive the sad news that our former colleague and Chief Fire Officer Gavin Tomlinson has passed away.

“Through his work both locally in Derbyshire and nationally, Gavin touched the lives of many people. I therefore know there will be a lot of people reading this news today who would want to join me in conveying their thoughts and sympathy to Gavin’s family.

“I would ask that they are given the space and time needed to grieve the loss of a much-loved husband and father.”

Condolences 

Arrangements are currently being finalised for an online book of condolence. Details will be communicated in due course.

Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive

Rob Taylor

FIRE Magazine

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