Phil Garrigan begins new role as NFCC Chair

National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM, said:

“It is an honour to take on the role of Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council and to build on the legacy that Mark Hardingham leaves as he starts his well-earned retirement. Mark has led the sector through some challenging times over the last four years and shown exceptional leadership and dedication throughout – I am in no doubt about the size of the shoes I am stepping into.

“Throughout my career, I have been driven by a deep commitment to public service. Having worked closely with some of the most vulnerable and deprived communities in the UK, I have continually strived to put those communities at the heart of everything we do in the fire and rescue service. That is something I want to emulate at a national level.

“Firefighters hold a unique position of trust and respect within our society, and it is a privilege to lead and support fire and rescue services across the country. Whether operational or non-operational, every member of those services plays a crucial role in keeping people safe, and it is humbling to witness their bravery and dedication every day.

“Our sector faces significant challenges ahead, particularly as we grapple with increasing risk, emerging threats associated with climate changes and a growing gap between demand and resource. But I am ready to lead, ensuring that fire and rescue services are fit for the future. I will be the strongest advocate for this sector – championing our people, our professionalism and our ability to protect communities when they need us most.”

Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM

Phil Garrigan joined Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in 1990, serving as Chief Fire Officer since 2017 and stepping down last month ahead of his new role. He also recently served as NFCC Vice-Chair and as NFCC’s Lead for Children and Young People. He was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) in the 2024 New Year Honours.

Kathryn Billing

Kathryn joined Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service as a retained/on-call firefighter in January 2000. Serving in several roles across the service, Kathryn was appointed Chief Fire Officer in May 2021. Until 2024, she was the NFCC lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, a Director for Women in the Fire Service and an Ambassador for the new UK FirePride LGBTQI+ group.

Rick Hylton

Rick started his fire service career with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1997. He joined Essex County Fire and Rescue Service in 2019 as Deputy Chief Fire Officer and became Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive for the Service in January 2022. He led the Home Safety Committee from 2015 and in 2023, became the NFCC Prevention Committee Chair.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC supports fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC is a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.
• The NFCC Chair is elected by NFCC individual members (area manager/green book equivalent and above in fire and rescue services) for an initial two-year term, with the option of a further two-year term and the end of that period. The outcome of the election was confirmed in October 2024 following voting by members in September. The Vice-Chairs are appointed by the Chair.