Dräger appoints former East Sussex Fire Chief

Dräger has appointed former Chief Fire Officer of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Gary Walsh, as its strategic advisor on fire and rescue services (FRS) matters to ensure that Dräger’s safety technology continues to serve and reflect the needs of modern firefighting.

Gary, an operational firefighter for more than 30 years, was the NFCC respiratory protective equipment (RPE) lead for seven years involved in the review and drafting of national operational guidance for the use of breathing apparatus, he also led the Government’s national breathing apparatus telemetry project and was a member of the British Standards Committees with specific expertise in operational use of RPE. He has extensive experience in incident command training and assessment, and notable in his achievements was the delivery of a single emergency control room for East/West Sussex.

Since retirement from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in 2017, Gary has delivered independent fire and management consultancy services advising organisations on a variety of topics including emergency planning, risk and change management, training, and health and safety for several fire and rescue services, local authorities, the private sector and Government.

Matthew Bedford, Managing Director UK & Ireland, says he is delighted to be able to draw on Gary’s expertise: “Gary has extensive knowledge of national, regional and local fire and rescue operations and governance. His impressive list of achievements and experience means the strategic advice he can provide across a broad spectrum of RPE, communication, training and operational issues will be invaluable.”

Gary says to be able to offer advice to Drager is a great opportunity: “I look at this role as a way to support and influence how Drager’s breathing apparatus equipment and new technology is advanced, making sure that firefighters are protected while wearing the best RPE available. I’ve worked alongside Dräger extensively over my career, and they have always impressed me with their response and eagerness to be at the forefront of their industry,” he says.

“Important too is that national guidance stays relevant as the latest technological developments are introduced into the emergency services and that best practice is applied across all fire and rescue services departments, and by all users of RPE.”

Gary’s appointment follows the retirement of Brian Hesler, a consultant for Draeger for 14 years.

To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here.

Never miss a story… Follow us on:
LinkedIn: International Fire Buyer
Twitter (X): @Firebuyer
YouTube: @FireBuyerTV

Media Contact
Rebecca Spayne Managing Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
Email: [email protected]

About Fire Buyer

International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Chris Lingham image - Fire Buyer

Chris Lingham

Group Sales Manager

Afua Akoto picture - Fire Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Picture of ROCKWOOL factiry - Photo by ROCKWOOL - Fire Buyer

ROCKWOOL Invests in Global Fire-Stopping Hub

Insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has launched a new global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, on the outskirts of
Picture of firefighter wearing non-PFAS turnout gear - Photo by FIre-Dex - FIre Buyer

East Providence Firefighters Receive Non-PFAS Turnout Gear

The East Providence Fire Department has become the first in the United States to purchase and use non-PFAS turnout gear department-wide
Picture of forest fires - Photo by ECA - Fire Buyer

Press Briefing Reports on EU funding to tackle Forest Fires

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) is to host an online press briefing on its upcoming special report on how EU money is used to tackle
Picture of Ben Pfahl - Photo by Fire-Dex - Fire Buyer

Fire-Dex Appoints New Chief Information Officer

Fire-Dex has announced the appointment of Ben Pfahl as its Chief Information Officer (CIO), putting weight behind its promise to lead with
Picture of new Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative - Photo by Aico - Fire Buyer

Aico Launches New Platinum Partner Initiative

Aico has announced the launch of its Platinum Partner initiative, a prestigious recognition programme designed to elevate industry
Picture of Enforcer Volterra sign - Photo by Pierce Manufacturing Inc. - Fire Buyer

Frederick County Prepares for Delivery of Electric Fire Truck

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, has announced that the Frederick County, Maryland Division of
Picture of ship - Photo by Survitec - Fire Buyer

Maritime Protection Secures Record €22.7m Contract

Maritime Protection, a brand of global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec, has been awarded a contract valued at…
Picture of Paul Haynes at Mann McGowan - Fire Buyer

Mann McGowan Strengthen Sales Team With New Appointment

Mann McGowan, manufacturer of high performance intumescent fire, smoke and acoustic seals, has announced the appointment of Paul…
Picture of Rescue Intellitech product - Photo by Rescue Intellitech - Fire Buyer

Rescue Intellitech Launches New Firefighting Equipment Solution

Rescue Intellitech has launched advanced, dual-drying cabinets for PPE which will help fire and rescue services in the UK improve…
Picture of WAGNER product - Photo by Wagner - Fire Buyer

WAGNER to Unveil Groundbreaking Fire Protection Solutions at FeuerTrutz 2025

At the upcoming FeuerTrutz, the leading trade fair for preventive fire protection in Nuremberg, WAGNER will showcase its comprehensive…
Scroll to Top