Appointment of new Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service

Mick Sharman (Credit: DFRS)

Councillor Mark Cliff, the Chair of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority, has confirmed that Mick Sharman is the preferred candidate to become Derbyshire’s next Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive.

Speaking following this week’s comprehensive recruitment process, Councillor Cliff said: “I am delighted to announce that Mick Sharman is the preferred candidate to become Derbyshire’s next Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive.

“Mick joined Derbyshire in September 2025 as Deputy Chief Fire Officer, taking over the role of Acting Chief Fire Officer only days later during extremely difficult circumstances and the devastating death of former Chief, Rob Taylor. Mick was unwavering in his support for the Service at that time, providing a much needed steady and reassuring strategic presence.

“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.

“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.”

As the preferred candidate, Mick will be formally appointed as Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive at the next fire authority meeting on the 24th February 2025.

Speaking about the processes, Mick Sharman said: “It is an honour to be announced as the preferred candidate to be Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive.

“Being a Chief Fire Officer comes with significant pressure and privilege. 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.

“With this in mind, my planning is already well underway to deliver a robust Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for Derbyshire. Following public consultation, the 2027-2032 CRMP will be published in April 2027, setting out the priorities of the Service to address known and emerging risks. My commitment is simple: to protect, to serve and to work alongside our communities, partners and dedicated employees so that we continue to Make Derbyshire Safer Together.”

Mick who was born and brought up in Derbyshire, began his fire service career at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in 2007 as a firefighter. In 2014, he transferred to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), being promoted to Station Manager. In March 2022, Mick was promoted to Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Nottinghamshire.

Part of Mick’s role as Assistant Chief for NFRS was being the strategic lead overseeing the joint project between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to replace the joint 999 mobilising system.

In September 2025 Mick made a move back to Derbyshire having been successful in his application to become Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Mick’s extensive fire and rescue service career has seen him work in many areas including, but not limited to operational command, learning and development, executive support, and protection.