Jerry O’Brien joined AF&RS in 2001 as Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) and later that year was promoted 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.

On leaving the armed forces Jerry worked briefly for London Ambulance Service before joining London Fire Brigade in 1985. He became a Leading Firefighter in 1989, Sub Officer in 1990, Station Officer in 1991 and Assistant Divisional Officer in 1992.

In April 2000, Jerry was promoted to Senior Divisional Officer with responsibility for the Fire Safety function in the Eastern Command of London Fire Brigade.

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 has served as a Justice of the Peace and is a trustee of the charity Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP).

In January 2007 Jerry took on the challenge of running, cycling and canoeing the length of the Gambia to raise funds for the GAFSIP charity. During this gruelling 500-mile challenge, Jerry visited all the fire stations as well as schools and clinics in the Gambia, that GAFSIP has been involved with over the last 15 years.

Jerry lives in Winscombe with his wife and three children.