Mr Mann joined the fire service in 1978 first serving at the old Falkirk fire station. His career took him to the Fire Service College at Gullane as an instructor in 1985 and then on into legislative fire safety.  

Known to everyone as `Tommy`, it was in this area of fire safety that he was ahead of his time. Long before the more recent changes in the fire service relating to community fire safety, he had identified the value of community safety and was developing community safety events aimed at educating people, particularly the young, about the danger of fire.

In more recent years he has been the cornerstone of Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service as Director of Service Delivery. Heading the operational response and community safety side of the organisation, he has developed many areas of Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service into the efficient and cost effective organisation that we see today.

In managing people at all levels of his career, Tommy has been instrumental in developing fellow fire officers through his infectious ability to motivate people and teach others his skills, both in the complex areas of legislation relating to fire safety and in the practical skills involved in operational fire fighting.

Leading by example with tact, diplomacy and courteous manner, coupled with his thoughtful approach and strength of character, Tommy Mann has provided effective and efficient solutions to delivering a first class service to the public.

By his retirement Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service will lose a well-liked, respected and most capable officer who has shown outstanding loyalty and commitment to the fire service over the last 30 years.