Tributes have been paid following the death of Gavin Tomlinson KFSM, the former Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, who passed away on 27 August 2025.
Mr Tomlinson, 54, dedicated more than three decades of his life to the fire service. He joined Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service as a trainee firefighter on 1 September 1993, rising through the ranks before being appointed Chief Fire Officer in 2019.
He retired in February 2025 after 31 years of service. At the time, he reflected:
“It has been a privilege to be the Chief Fire Officer for Derbyshire. By working hard I have been able to make a difference to the safety of people not only across Derbyshire, but nationally across the UK too.”
National Contribution
In June 2023, Mr Tomlinson was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) for his distinguished service. He was recognised for his leadership as the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) lead for protection and business safety, and more recently as chair of the NFCC Protection and Business Safety Scrutiny Committee, overseeing significant reforms to fire safety legislation in the wake of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
His leadership also saw Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service recognised as a “Good” service by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
Tributes
Current Derbyshire Chief Fire Officer Rob Taylor led tributes, saying:
“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 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.”
Legacy
Mr Tomlinson leaves behind a legacy of positive change and inclusivity, having driven Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service forward during his tenure and influencing national fire safety standards.
An online book of condolence is being arranged, with details to be shared in due course.
