Simon is a returning Chairperson, having held the position for three years previously. He is an active member of both the AOA RFFS Working Group,  the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Transportation Special Interest Group as well as Gatwick Airports Resilience Planning Group.

He began his fire service career with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy in 1985. He spent nine years in the service covering risks ranging from the flight deck of HMS Illustrious to most of the Navy’s air stations and even six months covering Faslane Nuclear Submarine base in Scotland.

Simon left the Navy in 1994 and joined Gatwick Airports Fire Service. Once there he passed through the ranks to become the current Chief Fire Officer in 2017.

He lead one of the operational watches & has been involved in the training side of Gatwick’s operation since 1997,  during his time as a watch officer he delivered countless initial courses as an instructor and course director. During 2008/9 Simon worked as the lead manager during Gatwick’s progress through the CAA’s ATP process, gaining accreditation for delivery of a wide range of Fire-fighter training. Simon is passionate about personal development and technical expertise, he successfully undertook the Fire Protection Association (FPA) European Diploma in Fire Protection (CFPA (EU) Dip) in 2006, and holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management from Leeds University. He is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Fire Service Operations with Wolverhampton University.