Leadership transition confirmed at London Fire Brigade

Jonathan Smith has formally taken up the role of London Fire Commissioner, following the retirement of Andy Roe.

According to London Fire Brigade, Smith now leads one of the busiest fire and rescue services in the world.

The organisation reported that Roe retired after 23 years in the service, five of which he spent as Commissioner.

Smith joined the Brigade in 2019 after nearly two decades working in fire and rescue services across Norfolk and Hertfordshire.

His appointment follows his tenure as Deputy Commissioner and Director for Operational Preparedness and Response.

Smith’s career path and Grenfell-linked experience

London Fire Brigade stated that Jonathan Smith began his career as a firefighter in 2000 at Norwich City Fire Station.

In 2008, he moved to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service before joining London Fire Brigade in 2019.

His first role at the Brigade focused on updating procedures in the Control Room in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Brigade added that Smith later became Deputy Commissioner, where he managed operational response, training, and specialist capabilities.

He also served as the senior commander during events including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.

Commissioner Smith’s priorities and remarks

Smith said he was honoured to take up the role of London Fire Commissioner.

Jonathan Smith said: “I am incredibly proud to have been confirmed as London’s new Fire Commissioner. 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.”

Andy Roe’s service and structural changes

London Fire Brigade noted that Andy Roe was appointed Commissioner in 2020 after serving as a firefighter for over two decades.

During his tenure, he led the Brigade through the COVID-19 pandemic, where staff supported ambulance services and PPE production.

Roe also oversaw the implementation of all 29 recommendations from the first phase of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Brigade said he worked to repair relationships with the Grenfell community and established the UK’s first fire service Professional Standards Unit.

He also introduced a new response capability for Marauding Terrorist Attacks, training every firefighter in London in relevant procedures.

Roe’s statement on retirement

Andy Roe reflected on his time leading the Brigade and expressed confidence in his successor.

Andy Roe KFSM said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead London Fire Brigade over the last five years. I have seen firefighters, control officers and staff from across the Brigade work with determination and dedication to keep London and Londoners safe.

“We have implemented significant changes in how we respond to high rise fires across the capital, and are now better equipped to deal with the unique challenges that protecting this city presents – deploying some of the most advanced firefighting equipment in the world.

“Members of the Brigade have embraced the challenge of improving our service, building meaningful relationships with the communities we serve and creating an organisation of which London can be proud.

“As I retire, I know that my successor as London Fire Commissioner, Jonathan Smith, will continue the work to make that a reality. I wish him the best and hope he enjoys his time as Commissioner as much as I have.”

London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith begins new leadership: Summary

Jonathan Smith has been appointed as the new London Fire Commissioner.

He succeeds Andy Roe, who retired after 23 years of service.

Smith joined the Brigade in 2019 as Assistant Commissioner.

His early work focused on reforms following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Smith most recently held the role of Deputy Commissioner.

He was responsible for operational response and specialist capabilities.

He served as senior commander during major state events.

Andy Roe led the Brigade through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roe implemented all first-phase Grenfell Inquiry recommendations.

He created the UK’s first fire service Professional Standards Unit.

Roe introduced a new capability for Marauding Terrorist Attacks.

He reflected positively on his time as Commissioner.

Smith stated his commitment to ongoing improvement.

London Fire Brigade confirmed both the transition and priorities.