High Peak 1 Mick Sharman named preferred candidate as Derbyshire’s next Chief Fire Officer
Written by Kane Smith on 07/02/2026
Councillor Mark Cliff, 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.
Mick Sharman. Credit: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service
Following a comprehensive recruitment process this week, 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 preferred candidate, Mick Sharman will be formally appointed at the next Fire Authority meeting on 24 February 2026.
“An honour and a responsibility”
Speaking following the announcement, 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.
Born and raised in Derbyshire, Mick began his career with Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service in 2007 as a firefighter.
In 2014, he transferred to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, where he was promoted to Station Manager and later, in March 2022, to Assistant Chief Fire Officer.
While at Nottinghamshire, he led the joint project between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to replace the shared 999 mobilising system.
In September 2025, he returned to Derbyshire as Deputy Chief Fire Officer before stepping into the role of Acting Chief Fire Officer shortly afterwards.
His career has spanned operational command, learning and development, executive support and protection, bringing extensive frontline and strategic experience to the role.
