Released 13/01/2020
The ACT’s new Rural Fire Service Chief Officer brings experience from the devastating 2003 and 2020 fires and will continue to ensure Canberrans are well protected during bushfires.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman today announced the appointment of Mr Rohan Scott as the new Chief Officer of the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS).
“After diligently leading the ACTRFS over the past twelve months, I am very pleased that Rohan will continue substantively in the role over the next five years,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Rohan has more than 20 years of local and interstate firefighting experience. He was on the front line during the 2001 Christmas fires and the devastating 2003 Canberra firestorm and filled critical Incident Controller and Operations Officer roles during the 2020 Beard and Orroral Valley fires.
“Starting his ACTRFS career in Molonglo Brigade, Rohan has held volunteer positions including President, Deputy, Senior Deputy and Captain.
“Most recently, he was a senior member of ACTRFS Headquarters staff as Director, Operations, before taking on the role of acting Chief.”
ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) Commissioner Georgeina Whelan welcomed Mr Scott to the role following a competitive recruitment process.
“Taking the reins of the ACTRFS after our worst ever bushfire season presented many challenges and opportunities. Rohan has done an outstanding job in engaging our RFS volunteers and readying them for the 2020-21 bushfire season,” Commissioner Whelan said.
Mr Scott said he looks forward to continuing the path the ACTESA has set for the future of the rural fire service with priorities focusing on volunteers, training, and equipment.
“The ACTRFS is an organisation that has been a part of my life for a very long time. I’m looking forward to supporting our members and continuing to build a service ready for the environmental challenges ahead,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Scott takes on the role following the retirement of former Chief Officer Mr Joe Murphy in April 2020.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases