Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM
Board Member
Phil Garrigan became Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and board member at the Fire Standards Board on 1 April 2025, following a long and successful career in the fire and rescue service (FRS). He is a former Vice-Chair at NFCC and was previously NFCC’s National Lead for Children and Young People.
Having joined Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in 1990, Phil progressed from the role of Firefighter to Chief Fire Officer during a career spanning 35 years.
He brings a strong community focus to his role as NFCC Chair, recognising the unique position of trust and respect in which the FRS is held, and the professionalism of fire and rescue service staff in tackling the underlying factors affecting risk.
His leadership has brought the work of the fire and rescue service with regards to children and young people to the forefront of sector delivery, allowing the FRS to transform the lives of hundreds of children and young people across the UK.
As Chief Fire Officer in Merseyside, Phil was a member of the Operations Coordination Committee, with Merseyside FRS overseeing National Resilience capabilities on behalf of the Home Office. He was a National Strategic Advisor overseeing a number of national events and major incidents, including his leadership of the UK’s response to COVID-19, Merseyside’s response to the terror attacks in Liverpool and Southport as well as the international deployment of fire engines into Ukraine.
In addition to his role within the fire sector, Phil is a Trustee and member of the Board at both the Hive Youth Zone, Rainbow Trust Education Foundation and the Liverpool FC Foundation, as well as being an Ambassador for the Cash for Kids Charity.