'Great sadness' as former chief fire officer dies

Gavin Tomlinson was awarded a King's Fire Service Medal in 2023 for distinguished service

A former chief officer who was recognised nationally for his service has died.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was with "great sadness" it had been informed Gavin Tomlinson died on Wednesday.

In March 2024, he took time away from his role due to a "diagnosed health condition" and retired from the service later in February.

In a tribute on social media, the service said Mr Tomlinson drove a "legacy of positive change" in the fire and rescue sector.

The fire service said Mr Tomlinson, who joined as a recruit firefighter in 1993, was promoted to his current job in September 2019.

In June 2023, he was awarded the King's Fire Service Medal for his service, which included his work as the National Fire Chiefs Council chair of the committee which oversaw changes to fire safety legislation following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Speaking following the announcement of Mr Tomlinson's death, Rob Taylor, fire service's chief fire officer and chief executive, said: "Today is an immensely sad day for Derbyshire Fire and 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, 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."

The fire service said arrangements were being made for an online book of condolence.