Principal Officers

Chief Fire Officer - Mark Preece

Mark has been with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) since December 2019 when he joined as Assistant Chief Fire Officer from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).  Mark was later promoted in 2020 to Deputy Chief Fire Officer and, in May 2022 was promoted to Chief Fire Officer.

Mark’s long career with HWFRS started when he joined the service in June 1991 as a firefighter, later being promoted to a Crew Manager in 1994. Two years later he was promoted to a Watch Manager and this was followed in 1999 by him reaching the position of Station Officer, when he completed his Institute of Fire Engineers Members Examination. He was also a Senior Training Instructor at the nearby Training Centre.

Promotions followed in 2003, to Assistant Divisional Officer where he managed health and safety for Hereford and Worcester, followed by Group Manager and Area Manager in 2009, a position he held for 10 years with varying roles, gaining numerous qualifications, one of which was attaining his Masters in Public Sector Leadership and Management before joining Gloucestershire.

Mark is committed to GFRS and it’s staff, striving hard to improve culture, leadership and positive action for each and every member of the Service which he leads. Mark is proud of the whole workforce and the hard work which is demonstrated on a daily basis.

On a personal note, Mark is married with two grown up sons, one of whom is at university training as a Doctor, the other is an electrician.  Mark has two cocker spaniels, who he enjoys taking on caravan holidays and for long walks. 

Deputy Chief Fire Officer - Nathaniel Hooton

Nathaniel joined GFRS in January 2023 as the Service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer. 

Nathaniel started his career in Cornwall, serving the communities of Cornwall between 2000 to 2017 in various key roles. He then moved to Cumbria as an Area Manager and Strategic Incident (Gold) Commander. During this period with Cumbria Nathaniel also undertook a Temporary Assistant Chief Fire Officer role.

Nathaniel is a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) and a Senior Examiner for the IFE, holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and a Degree in Business Administration and Finance alongside multi fire service specific qualifications and skills.

Nathaniel is committed to GFRS, the people, the communities we serve and is passionate about people reaching their goals.

Nathaniel currently lives in Brimscombe (Stroud) with his partner and continues to explore the beautiful county of Gloucestershire whilst learning about its history, culture, and communities.