London Fire Brigade Says Goodbye to Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis
After more than 35 years of frontline fighting and leadership, Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis has retired from the London Fire Brigade. His career leaves a lasting legacy of dedication and service to the capital’s fire safety.
From Rookie to Leader: Ellis’s Fiery Journey
Ellis started his firefighting career in February 1989 at just 20 years old. With family ties to the service, he quickly became a cornerstone of the Brigade. He has tackled some of London’s most critical events, including the ‘Stop the City’ protests, the devastating Grenfell Tower blaze, London terrorist attacks, and the 2022 wildfires.
“When I joined, we wore cork helmets and wool tunics. The training and technology have come a long way since then,” Ellis reflects, highlighting the massive changes he witnessed firsthand.
Trailblazing Roles and Groundbreaking Initiatives
Starting at Erith fire station, Ellis climbed the ranks, serving as Station Officer in Tottenham and later Station Commander in Battersea. He led several transformative projects, from building new fire stations to rolling out cutting-edge equipment and policies that sharpened the Brigade’s response capabilities.
Ellis was also a pioneer in tackling new challenges. Under his leadership, the Brigade adapted to combat wildfires worsened by climate change and addressed the rising danger of lithium battery fires from e-bikes and e-scooters.
Honouring a Hero’s Legacy
Ellis played a vital role in the Grenfell Tower response, driving improvements in training and firefighter safety. His work earned deep respect across the service.
“I’m incredibly proud to have served alongside such committed colleagues who protect London’s communities every day,” Ellis said as he prepared to hang up his helmet for good.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe praised Ellis, saying, “Dom’s service and leadership have been invaluable. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The London Fire Brigade wishes Ellis a happy retirement as he looks forward to new adventures with family and friends.
