Jonathan Smith began his career as a firefighter in 2000 with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, serving at Norwich City Fire Station. He then moved to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2008, working his way through the ranks before moving to London Fire Brigade as an Assistant Commissioner in 2019.
Early years at London Fire Brigade
Jonathan’s first role at the Brigade involved working to overhaul procedures and practices in Brigade Control, following the Grenfell Tower Fire and subsequent Public Inquiry findings. Jonathan then carried out a review of the Brigade's Special Operations Group (SOG). This resulted in the creation of a new department – Operational Resilience and Control (OR&C).
Progressing at the Brigade
Most recently Jonathan was Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response. In this role he was responsible for overseeing the Brigade's direct response to emergencies in London. That included having responsibility for London's fire stations, our firefighters and control officers. He also acted as the National Fire Chiefs Council strategic lead for Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA) and was the representative for London at the National Resilience Board, Counter Terrorism Strategic Board and Operational Preparedness, Response and Resilience Committee.
Jonathan has attended many high-profile incidents as the senior operational commander, including the New Providence Wharf Fire in 2021. He has been the Brigade Manager for significant events such as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III. Furthermore, Jonathan has been the most senior commander for a number of major incidents impacting London and beyond.
In response to the Culture Review, Jonathan was the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the Brigade's cultural change programme and was the Director ally for Black and Ethnic minority employees and is passionate about mental health support for all.
Outside of the Brigade, Jonathan is married with two children and loves spending time with them. He is a big sports fan and is a passionate supporter of Watford Football Club. Jonathan also enjoys rugby and cricket and regularly goes to watch the England Cricket Team.