Fire chief appointed after death of predecessor

A new fire chief for Derbyshire has been appointed following the sudden death of his predecessor.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has announced Mick Sharman will be the service's new chief fire officer and chief executive.

He has been selected for the role after the previous chief firefighter, Rob Taylor, died in September following a "sudden and short" illness.

Sharman, who has been acting chief fire officer for the service since September, said it was "an honour" to be nominated for the position.

Born in Derbyshire, the firefighter began his career at the county's service in 2007.

He transferred to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service after being promoted to station manager in 2014 and was made assistant chief fire officer in 2022.

In September 2025, Sharman moved back to Derbyshire having been successful in his application to become deputy chief fire officer in the county.

"Being a chief fire officer comes with significant pressure and privilege," he said.

"The pressure to face local and national challenges, to do the right thing, to lead the service forward, to ensure the services we provide are the right ones - services that help keep our communities safe from the risk of fire and other emergencies.

"The privilege it brings is working with dedicated professional employees and partners, seeing at first hand the difference we make together when our actions have changed or saved a person's life.

"This is a privilege I will never take for granted."

Mark Cliff, the chair of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority, said Sharman was "unwavering" in his support for the service following the death of Taylor.

"Since September, Mick has already had a significant impact across the service, promoting his strong vision to ensure Derbyshire communities are at the centre of all decision making," he said.

"Mick brings a wealth of operational and strategic knowledge, expertise and experience, as well as a passion and dedication to serve the communities of Derbyshire."

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