Fire chief taking time away due to health condition, service says

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

The chief fire officer of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is taking time away from his role due to "a recently diagnosed health condition".

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

Rob Taylor - deputy chief fire officer - will be acting chief fire officer in Mr Tomlinson's absence.

He said the news had "come as a shock" to colleagues across the service.

The fire service has not given details on Mr Tomlinson's health condition, nor given an estimate on how long he is due to be absent.

Mr Taylor said: "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."