Logo with the letters 'Navy Leaders' in bold white font on a transparent background, with a short red horizontal line beneath it.

James Kirk

Group Manager, Kent Fire & Rescue Service

Personal Profile

Group Manager, Kent Fire and Rescue Service. UK Fire and Rescue Service Maritime Response Co-Lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
Former Merchant Navy Deck Officer with operational experience on a range of commercial and passenger vessels including Ro-Ro ferries. Began maritime career at sea at age 16, training at Lowestoft Maritime College, progressing to Officer of the Watch and Limited Master certification.
Continues to maintain maritime operational exposure through engagement with harbour pilotage and cross-sector maritime response activity alongside fire and rescue service duties.
Brings combined experience from both maritime and emergency service environments, with a focus on multi-agency response, shipboard firefighting, and complex incident command in marine and port environments.