Our People

The Commissioner is the head of the Brigade, the person who sets the direction, owns the decisions, and carries the weight when things get real. Every major strategic, operational, and organisational move ultimately lands on their desk. 

(White Helmet, with 1 large line)

The Deputy Commissioner is the second-in-command of the entire Brigade. They’re the person who keeps the machine running when the Commissioner is focused on the big-picture strategy or when they’re not available. The role is all about leadership, oversight, and making sure standards don’t slip anywhere across the organisation. 

(White Helmet, with 1 large line)

Assistant Commissioners run the big operational and organisational portfolios that keep the Brigade functioning day to day. They’re the bridge between strategy and delivery, making sure the Commissioner’s direction actually becomes reality on the ground.  

(White Helmet, with 1 large line)

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Operational Resilience & Control is the senior officer responsible for making sure the Brigade can handle anything London throws at it — from day-to-day high-tempo operations to large-scale, high-impact incidents. They oversee emergency preparedness, major incident readiness, and the Control Room functions that keep the city covered 24/7. 

(White Helmet, with 2 medium lines)

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Driving and Professional Standards ensures that the Brigade’s operations are safe, accountable, and professional. They focus on driving standards, operational conduct, and overall professionalism across all crews and officers. 

(White Helmet, with 2 medium lines)

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Emergency Response & Operations is responsible for ensuring the Brigade’s front-line response is effective, coordinated, and capable of handling any incident across London. They oversee operational readiness, major incident command, and the smooth running of day-to-day firefighting operations, with direct oversight of the North West region of London and Heathrow Airport Fire Service. 

(White Helmet, with 2 medium lines)

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Learning and Development is responsible for shaping the Brigade’s culture of continuous improvement, ensuring all personnel are trained, competent, and ready for operational or specialist roles. They oversee training programs, professional development, and organisational learning initiatives across the Brigade. 

(White Helmet, with 2 medium lines)

The Group Commander at Heathrow Airport Fire Service is the highest-ranking officer on-site and is responsible for all operational, administrative, and strategic aspects of the airport’s fire and rescue provision. They ensure that the service meets the unique challenges of a major international airport while maintaining the highest standards of safety and readiness. 

(White Helmet, with 1 small stripe above 1 medium line)

The Group Commander for Driving and Professional Standards leads the Brigade’s efforts to maintain safe, efficient, and professional operational practices. They oversee driving standards, professional conduct, and the implementation of policies to ensure all personnel operate to the highest level of competence.

(White Helmet, with 1 small stripe above 1 medium line)

The Station Commander is the senior officer in charge of a fire station or specific functional department. They ensure operational readiness, staff management, and departmental performance, while providing leadership and direction across all activities within their area of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Station Leadership: Commands day-to-day operations at their assigned station, ensuring crews are ready to respond effectively to incidents.
• Departmental Oversight: Heads specialised departments such as:

• Specialist Operations Group (SOG)

• Fire Investigations & Safety

• Professional Standards

• Training Oversight

• Learning & Development Quality Assurance

• Driving Standards & Much more

(White Helmet, with 1 Medium line) 

The Station Officer is a senior operational and departmental Supervision, responsible for supervising crews, managing day-to-day station activities, and heading specialist teams or departments. They ensure staff are trained, resources are ready, and operational standards are met both on the station and within their specialty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Crew Supervision: Leads, manages, and mentors firefighters and junior officers, ensuring operational effectiveness and safety.
• Specialist Department Leadership: Heads specialist teams or functions

(White Helmet, with 1 small line) 

The 1st stage of the officer line within Firefighting, these people have a strong knowledge base and leadership skills. These firefighters are normally in charge of an appliance, and a number of Firefighters. 

(Yellow helmet, with 2 small lines, with a white background)

A leading Firefighter is not commonly used in a number of services, however this Firefighter has either not progressed into the officer line or has gained an extreme understanding and knowledge of firefighting and basic leadership skills which can be improved upon.

(Yellow helmet, with 1 small line, with a white background)

Leads Marauding Terrorist Firearms Attack response operations, directing teams to contain threats, evacuate civilians, and provide immediate emergency care under hostile conditions. Ensures operational coordination, team safety, and effective communication with law enforcement and other emergency services. 

Leads Urban Search and Rescue operations, managing specialist teams in locating, rescuing, and recovering people from collapsed structures or confined spaces. Responsible for risk assessment, deployment of technical equipment, team safety, and coordinating multi-agency responses in complex urban environments. 

Leads hazardous materials and Detection, Identification, and Monitoring operations. Responsible for assessing chemical, biological, radiological, and environmental risks, coordinating specialist teams, implementing safety protocols, and ensuring effective containment, neutralisation, and recovery during high-risk incidents. 

Leads and coordinates specialist technical rescue operations, including working at heights, confined spaces, and complex structural rescues, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all personnel and equipment involved. 

Leads advanced water rescue operations, including swift water, flood, and technical boat-based rescues. Responsible for assessing hazards, coordinating rescue teams, ensuring personnel safety, and implementing rescue and recovery strategies in complex or hazardous aquatic environments.