It is with great sadness that the Fire Protection Association announces the death of its managing director, Jonathan O’Neill OBE, who died after several years fighting illness.
As managing director of the FPA for 24 years, Jon was one of the most influential figures in the fire safety industry. He was a founder of the Federation in 2012 and its Policy Director; most recently he lead the initiative for a national fire strategy. He received his OBE for services to fire safety in 2017.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Karen and their three children, Sophie, Annabel, and Tristan, as well as with the many, many friends and colleagues who will mourn him," says Dennis Davis, executive officer.
Howard Passey, the FPA’s director of operations said: “I am, as I’m sure many others will be, absolutely heartbroken and it goes without saying that this news deeply affects so many of us. Jon has fought an incredible battle against illness for so long, unflinchingly, and always had the best interests of the FPA and its staff in mind. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of one of the strongest, most well respected, and visionary leaders that the fire industry has ever had.”
Following a conversation with Jon’s family, the FPA hopes to open a condolence book on the FPA website so that everyone who knew and respected him can leave tributes. The FPA will announce further plans on celebratingJon’s life with colleagues from across the wider industry.
