Chief Officer Steve Warrington has announced the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Officer, Gavin Freeman AFSM, who will join CFA later this month.
Gavin comes to CFA with a wealth of knowledge and considerable operational and managerial experience.
Hailing from a farming background, Gavin was 20 years-old when he decided to become a firefighter with the Hobart Fire Brigade in 1985. Since then he has never looked back, calling it was the best decision he ever made.
“A young 20 year-old me could never have imagined what this role would grow into,” said Gavin.
“My job has allowed me to play a key role in protecting communities from fire and other hazards, not only in Australia but also in other parts of the world; and for that I am truly honoured.”
Throughout Gavin’s longstanding career he has held various roles within the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) including acrosslearning and development, in districts across the state and at the State Operations unit. Gavin was promoted to District Officer in 1998, Deputy Regional Chief in 2009 and Deputy Chief Officer in 2010.
Gavin said he looks forward to tackling his new role and cannot wait to be part of CFA.
“I’m not going to pretend I know everything about CFA because it is an incredibly complex organisation, so one of my first priorities when I start will be getting to know CFA; the organisation but more importantly, the people within it,” he said.
“I feel I will bring a broad perspective to this new role, while respecting the existing culture and incredible strengths of CFA. I’m excited to get started.”
“My wife is originally from Victoria so she’s excited to move back to her home soil, and although I’m sad to be moving away from my son and grandkids this will open up a new opportunity to spend more time with my daughter who lives in Melbourne,” he said.
Gavin’s skills as a Level 3 Incident Controller have been put to good use and during his career commanding many significant incidents both in Tasmania and interstate.
Gavin also has a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management and holds a Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership, an Advanced Diploma of Firefighting (Management) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Fire Engineers and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
“It’s no secret that there will be many challenges in this role, but I also see opportunities,” said Gavin.
“CFA, like all fire services across Australia, has a challenging summer ahead but from what I hear preparedness work is in full swing and everyone is up to the challenge.
“Although my postcode may now be different my dedication to the sector remains unchanged, and I’m looking forward to this new role.”
Gavin joins CFA on September 25.
Author: CFA Media