Jon O'Neill OBE passes away

The Fire Sector Federation confirmed the news that O’Neill had passed away in the early hours of this morning.

In an e-mail sent to Fire Sector Federation members, executive officer Denis Davis wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I advise you of the passing of Jon O'Neill OBE. Jon died overnight after several years of illness. An inspirational leader in his determination to improve fire safety, Jon joined the Fire Protection Association in 1999, was a founder of the Federation in 2012 and served as our policy director; most recently leading the initiative for a national fire strategy. He received his OBE for services to fire safety.”

The e-mail concludes: “Our deepest condolences are extended to Jon’s wife Karen, children and wider family.”

A graduate of economics and history, Jon O’Neill began his professional life in the insurance industry and has been managing director of the FPA ever since it separated from the Loss Prevention Council in 1999.

He served on numerous Government, ministerial and sector advisory bodies and represented UK insurers on the Prevention Forum of Insurance Europe. He was awarded an OBE for services to fire safety in Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2017.

Fire Industry Association CEO Ian Moore has also shared his condolences. Moore said: “Jon died overnight after several years of illness. The leader of and inspiration behind the Fire Protection Association, he received his OBE for services to fire safety. You will read more about Jon’s impressive career in the days to come, I know, but the most important message from all of us in the industry is our heartfelt condolences to his wife Karen, their children and those close to him. Jon was my friend and I will miss him.”

A statement from the FPA reads: "Following a conversation with Jon’s family, we hope to open a condolence book on the FPA website so that everyone who knew and respected him can leave tributes. We will also discuss with his family as to how else we can celebrate Jon’s life with colleagues from across the wider industry."

Everyone in the team at Fire Safety Matters magazine sends their condolences to the O’Neill family.