London Fire appoints 2 Deputy Commissioners

October 18, 2022

London Fire Brigade has appointed Dominic Ellis and Jonathan Smith as the service’s new Deputy Commissioners.

Their appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process which involved input from a range of stakeholders including community groups and follows Richard Mills’ decision to retire from the Brigade after 31 years’ service.

Dominic has been an Assistant Commissioner since August 2014 and has 33 years’ service with the Brigade. He has attended a number of major incidents, including terrorist attacks, the Grenfell Tower fire and the recent wildfires during the prolonged period of dry weather this summer.

Dominic said: “My proudest recent achievement has been working as Head of Operational Policy and Assurance to drive key aspects of our response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations.

“I have overseen the implementation of industry leading improvements in high rise firefighting and Fire Survival Guidance (FSG) policies. The hard work of my team has increased safety for residents in tall buildings and ensured all 4,700 firefighters have received the required training and development in these new policies.

“There is so much more to do, particularly further improving the training provided to our firefighters which will be a key priority for me.”

Jonathan joined the Brigade three and a half years ago from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. His first role involved working to overhaul procedures and practices in Brigade Control, and most recently he was Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations.

Jonathan said: “Every position has shown me the calibre and character of everybody who works in the Brigade and that gives me real optimism. It also reinforces the responsibility and privilege that I now have as Deputy Commissioner, something I do not take lightly.

“I look forward to working with senior managers and teams across the organisation so that the Brigade continues to improve not only the benefit of everyone who works in the organisation, but crucially for London and Londoners.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “I congratulate Jonathan and Dominic on their appointments, which are vital as the Brigade prepares to further change and improve for the benefit of Londoners.”

They will support the Brigade’s transformation as set out in the draft Community Risk Management Plan and supports succession planning.

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