Jonathan Smith has taken up the role of London Fire Commissioner, succeeding Andy Roe, who has retired after holding the post since 2019.
Top job: Jonathan Smith, London’s new Fire Commissioner
Smith will lead one of the world’s busiest fire and rescue services.
He began his career as a firefighter in Norfolk in 2000, and has also worked at Hertfordshire before joining the London Fire Brigade as an assistant commissioner in 2019.
His first role at the Brigade involved working to overhaul procedures and practices in the Control Room, following the Grenfell Tower Fire and subsequent inquiry recommendations.
He also oversaw the restructuring of the Brigade’s specialist capabilities, ensuring they were better integrated into the wider work of London Fire Brigade. Later, he was responsible overseeing the running, organisation and management of the Brigade’s firefighters and fire stations.
Most recently, Smith has served as the Brigade’s deputy commissioner and director for operational preparedness and response. This role included managing the Brigade’s operational response, specialist capabilities and training. He’s also been the senior operational commander for many significant and major incidents and was responsible for the Brigade’s operational work surrounding the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.
“I am incredibly proud,” Smith said today of his confirmed appointment. “It is an honour to have the opportunity to lead our great organisation through its next chapter as we continue to build on the progress we have made.
“Andy Roe’s leadership brought improvements and important reforms, and I’m committed to building on this work. The Brigade is not complacent, and we know there’s still more to do.
“Leading the Brigade, whether working with frontline firefighters, control officers, our fire safety teams and fire investigators or our HQ staff, is a real privilege. Together we can meet the challenges ahead and continue improving how we serve and protect London’s communities.”
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