Jonathan Smith began his career as a firefighter in 2000 with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, serving at Norwich City Fire Station before moving 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. His first role 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), which resulted in the creation of a new department – Operational Resilience and Control (OR&C). Most recently he was Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations.
Jonathan has attended a number of high-profile incidents, including the New Providence Wharf Fire in 2021 and 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.
As Deputy Commissioner, Jonathan is responsible for overseeing the Brigade's direct response to emergencies in London. This includes having responsibility for London's fire stations, our firefighters and control officers. He also acts as the National Fire Chiefs Council strategic lead for Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA), and is the representative for London at the National Resilience Board, Counter Terrorism Strategic Board and Operational Preparedness, Response and Resilience Committee.
In response to the Culture Review, Jonathan Is the Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for the Brigade's cultural change programme and is the Director ally for Black and Ethnic minority employees and is passionate about mental health support for all.