NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, has appointed Trent Curtin, to lead the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
The RFS is the lead emergency service agency in NSW for bushfires, providing support for communities through its 70,000 volunteer members across a network of almost 2,000 brigades.
“I am pleased to announce Trent Curtin will be the new Commissioner of the NSW RFS,” said Minister Dib.
“Mr Curtin has extensive experience as an emergency services leader in NSW and Victoria, where he has been involved in managing significant fires and large-scale natural disasters and working with volunteers.
“RFS volunteers are at the forefront of the State’s natural disaster response. From the 2019-20 bushfires to more recent flood events, they are a reassuring presence for communities in need.
“Mr Curtin started his firefighting career 30 years ago as a volunteer and I look forward to working with him as he brings his emergency service expertise to an organisation at the frontline of bushfire response.
“I thank the outgoing Commissioner Rob Rogers who will finish in the role on 4 July for his four decades of service to NSW communities.”
Mr Curtin commenced his career 30 years ago as a volunteer firefighter with the Country Fire Authority in Victoria and has served in senior leadership roles in the emergency services in both Victoria and NSW. These roles included Acting Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner at Fire and Rescue NSW with responsibility for Community Fire Unit volunteers. He also served as Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Fire Rescue Victoria between 2015 and 2020.
The incoming Commissioner will also bring to the RFS a strong track record in crisis management, organisational strategy and a lifelong commitment to safety. He joins the RFS from SafeWork NSW where, as head of SafeWork, he led efforts to reestablish the agency as a strong and independent work health and safety regulator.
“Having spent most of my life as a firefighter, I am honoured to be appointed Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service and to work alongside the committed volunteers and staff who represent the very best of community spirit,” said incoming Commissioner Curtin.
“The RFS plays a vital role in our communities, responding in the most difficult circumstances to help others in their time of need.
“I look forward to honouring the legacy of the RFS as a community-centred agency, while ensuring we remain ready to meet the challenge of more frequent and intense natural disasters.”
The appointment follows a recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Curtin will take up his role as Commissioner from Monday, 14 July.
