About Garry

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Garry’s distinguished fire service career began in the United Kingdom in 1981 when he joined Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Europe’s second-largest fire service. Over a 32-year career, he advanced to the rank of Deputy Assistant Chief Officer, Head of Operations, where he led frontline firefighting across 111 stations and managed a workforce of 2,800 operational personnel.

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As a qualified Gold Commander, Garry played a pivotal role in leading responses to major incidents and coordinating high-profile events, including the 2012 Olympic events in Scotland. Following his retirement in 2013, he transitioned into an international leadership role as Head of Fire, for Assetco Fire and Rescue in the United Arab Emirates, where he was responsible for delivering a world-class fire and rescue service to the UAE military.

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Garry’s extensive operational experience includes attending to thousands of incidents as a first-response officer, specialising in fire suppression and origin and cause determination. After relocating to Australia, he became IAAI-FIT certified and established his own fire investigation consultancy in 2022, working primarily with Fire Forensics. This led to his appointment as General Manager in 2024, where he now plays a key role in guiding the company’s growth and investigative excellence.

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Since joining Fire Forensics, Garry has investigated over 100 fire and explosion investigations, covering structures, vehicles, and mining machinery.

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Q&A 

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What inspired you to enter the fire and explosion investigation industry?

I saw it as a natural extension of my vocation. At a stage in life where firefighting becomes a physical challenge, fire investigation allows me to continue contributing to public safety.

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Can you tell us about the most interesting or rewarding case you’ve investigated?
Every case has its own unique challenges, but identifying the cause of a recent intentional fire was particularly rewarding. Knowing that our work could help deter arsonists and protect emergency service personnel from unnecessary risk makes it all worthwhile.

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What is your main area of expertise, and why is it important to you?
While I’m always eager to expand my knowledge, structural fires and the stages of fire development are where I feel most confident. Having commanded teams and personally tackled fires on the front lines, I have witnessed firsthand how fire behaves and spreads, giving me valuable insight in my investigations.

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What do you most enjoy about working in the fire and explosion investigation industry?
The people. Whether it's clients, colleagues, or industry professionals, this field is filled with dedicated individuals who share a commitment to uncovering the truth. The collaboration and exchange of expertise make every day interesting.

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What sets Fire Forensics apart from other investigation companies?
It’s the leadership, diversity, and commitment to excellence. Fire Forensics has built a reputation as the leading provider in the industry, not only for the quality of our work but also as an employer of choice. We have a fantastic team, and I’m proud to be part of it.

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Can you share your proudest career moment?
In my fire service career, I was part of a team that helped save many lives.  In my current career, the proudest moment was being invited to join Fire Forensics as General Manager.

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What are you looking forward to achieving with Fire Forensics in 2025?
I aim to further develop my investigative skills while bringing my management experience to support our team in reaching new heights. Continuous improvement is key.

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What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?        
I love the outdoors—fishing with my grandchildren and playing golf. Living in Australia is a privilege, offering endless opportunities to explore and enjoy nature.

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