CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in today’s King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his more than two decades of distinguished service to fire and emergency management across Victoria and NSW.
Jason began his emergency services career as a volunteer firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) in 1998 before joining the NSW Police Force. In 2005, he returned to the NSWRFS as a Zone Officer and went on to hold a range of senior leadership positions over the next 15 years, including Acting Deputy Commissioner. During this time, he led complex operational responses and contributed to strategic emergency management initiatives.
Appointed Chief Officer in 2020, Jason led CFA through significant organisational change following Victoria’s Fire Services Reform. Under his leadership, CFA has continued to strengthen operational capability while reinforcing its identity as a volunteer-based emergency service focused on protecting Victorian communities.
"To lead a volunteer organisation like CFA is an honour and something I never take for granted,” Jason said.
“Our members demonstrate such remarkable commitment, skill and selflessness. “They are the heart of CFA, and while that may sound cliche, it remains absolutely true.”
Through prolonged periods of heightened fire activity, Jason has remained focused on protecting communities, supporting firefighters and strengthening emergency response capability.
Throughout his career, he has held significant leadership roles during major emergency events, including some of Australia’s most challenging fire seasons.
As Victoria’s State Response Controller during the 2024 Grampians fires, Jason led emergency operations for 33 days under extreme fire conditions to help protect threatened communities. He also held key operational leadership roles during the devastating 2019-20 New South Wales bushfires and was awarded the National Emergency Medal in recognition of his service.
"I’ve been fortunate to serve across both Victoria and NSW during some of our most significant fires and emergencies,” Jason said.
“What always stands out is the dedication of those around you and on the frontline, those people who consistently step up when it matters most.
“Those times stand out when I look back on my career so far - working alongside extraordinary people who show up for their communities, no matter how tough a challenge they face.”
Beyond frontline response, Jason has made a significant contribution to strengthening emergency management capability, leadership development and community resilience. Under his leadership, CFA has modernised training, strengthened operational readiness and introduced new capabilities including Fire Medical Response, Remote Piloted Aircraft operations and Arduous Firefighting to further enhance the services provided to the communities of Victoria.
He has also championed innovation and community preparedness initiatives aimed at improving safety outcomes for Victorians. Through campaigns such as Get Fire Ready, CFA has strengthened connections between brigades and local communities, helping thousands of Victorians better understand fire risk and prepare for future fire seasons. Jason also supported the development of digital tools such as the CFA Pocket Book app, providing firefighters with direct access to operational procedures in the field.
“Emergency management and response continues to evolve - and must continue evolving - as climate change brings longer, more intense fire seasons and we face new challenges in structural and industrial firefighting,” Jason said.
“It’s important that we continue to invest in training, technology and capability to meet these challenges.”
Jason has also been instrumental in driving cultural change across CFA, embedding behavioural standards, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and expanding leadership opportunities for volunteers. His commitment to youth development, child safety and increasing women’s participation has helped strengthen CFA’s culture and volunteer sustainability.
“Creating a more inclusive and respectful organisation strengthens CFA and ensures future generations of volunteers can thrive,” Jason said.
“It’s important that everyone who wants to contribute to their community through CFA feels welcomed, supported and valued.”
The Australian Fire Service Medal recognises Jason’s enduring contribution to emergency management, volunteer firefighting and community safety. Through his leadership, operational expertise and commitment to service, he has helped strengthen the resilience of communities across Victoria and New South Wales.
"To be recognised with the Australian Fire Service Medal is deeply humbling,” Jason said.
“This honour not only reflects my career but the thousands of volunteers, firefighters and colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside during my time in emergency services.”
