Jerry O’Brien joined AF&RS in 2001 as Assistant Chief Fire
Officer (ACFO) and later that year was appointed to his
current position.
Born and educated in the East End of London, Jerry left school
at 16 to join the Royal Navy. During his career Jerry qualified as
an all arms Commando and Parachutist and saw active service in both
Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands.
Shortly after leaving the armed forces,
Jerry joined London Fire Brigade in 1985. He worked
his way through the ranks serving in a number of operational
roles at various stations across London. In 1991 Jerry
was appointed to Assistant Divisional Officer in central
training. After a prolonged period of temporary promotion as
Divisional Officer, he was substantiated as head of Research &
Development in 1997.
April 2000 saw Jerry promoted to Senior Divisional
Officer with responsibility for the Fire Safety function in the
Eastern Command of London Fire Brigade.
With a keen interest in organisational and personal development,
Jerry has qualified as a coach, mentor and mediator.
Jerry holds a Masters in Business Administration, a postgraduate
Diploma in Management Studies and has completed the Cabinet Office
Top Management Programme.
Outside of work Jerry enjoys spending leisure time afloat and
attempting to keep reasonably fit. He has served as a Justice
of the Peace in both adult and youth court, and is a
trustee of the charity Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership
(GAFSIP).