ACT Fire Chief to retire after four decades of remarkable service


Released 16/04/2020 - Joint media release

ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R) Chief Officer Mark Brown will retire after a career spanning over 39 years as a professional firefighter including five years in the ACT keeping Canberrans safe.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman joined ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) Commissioner Georgeina Whelan in thanking Mark for his dedication, progressive contributions and service to firefighters and the Canberra community.

“Mark Brown is an amazing leader who capably stewarded ACTF&R through a period of transformational change,” Mr Gentleman said.

“His dedication and experience were on display during the 2019-20 bushfire season where he played a vital role supporting the Commissioner and led a fast and effective response to several urban fires including the Beard Fire that threatened lives and property.

“The safety of our ACT firefighters is paramount to Mark. He drove the procurement of two new state-of-the-art firefighting trucks, new firefighting helmets and personal protective clothing to ensure they are the best equipped firefighting service in Australia.

“Mark has passionately advocated for greater inclusion and diversity in the ESA by breaking down barriers to Indigenous and female recruitment in the service.

“He was the Executive Champion for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce and increased the number of new firefighters recruited through the Indigenous Fire and Rescue Employment Strategy.

“Mark has also championed the recruitment of more female firefighters, seeing the service grow to include women making up approximately 20% of all new applicants, as well as supporting the development of women into leadership roles across the ESA.

“He has worked tirelessly to grow and support our Community Fire Unit (CFU) volunteers who live in Canberra’s Bushfire Prone areas and receive training and equipment from ACTF&R to protect their neighbourhoods from bushfire.

“On behalf of the Canberra community and ACT Government, I would like to thank Mark for his contribution to our community and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Mr Brown is looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life and (eventually) being able to travel with his wife, Lin.

Mr Brown will retire on 17 April 2020 and an acting Chief Officer will be appointed in the interim until a recruitment process is completed to permanently fill this role.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases