Northern Territory Police,
Fire and Emergency Services

Steve commenced with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) on 5 September 2011 where he performs the dual role of Chief Fire Officer and Director.

His fire service career began on 1 September 1977 with the ACT Fire Brigade where he served in Operations, Community Safety, Training and various support roles before moving to Mackay and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) in November 1993.

During Steve’s term with QFRS he again served in similar roles as in the ACT however undertook a more senior role within the Brisbane South Region in 1997 before being promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner for the South Western Region in 2002.

Prior to leaving the QFRS, Steve occupied the role of Assistant Commissioner Rural Operations where he was responsible for and provided leadership to the State’s Rural Fire Service and its 34,000 volunteers.

Steve was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in 2005 for his leadership in advancing the portfolios of training, community safety and officer development. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers and holds postgraduate qualifications in Applied Management and Leadership along with a Diploma in Business Management. Steve is currently the President of the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO).

David joined the NTFRS in March 1984 and worked in Darwin until 1995.

He was then transferred to Alice Springs. David returned to Darwin in 1998. He was promoted to Senior Station Officer in 2004. He is responsible for the overall management of operations for the Northern Territory. The role requires coordination and consultation with all NTFRS personnel both operationally and administratively, liaising with community groups and agencies to promote communication and coordination on NTFRS issues and to promote capabilities and legislative requirements.

He has the overall responsibility for all operational activities including pre incident planning, resourcing, incident response and Incident management. The role also includes the formation and administration of NTFRS policies, future planning strategies, and providing advice to the Minister, CEO and Director on relevant policies and legislation.

Simon provides advice and support to the Director and the Assistant Directors on matters of importance that occur or have the potential to occur within the NTFRS.  Additionally, he prepares written reports and recommendations on those matters referred by the Director, including Ministerial correspondence.

One of his key roles is to analyse and evaluate programs, policies and procedures and recommend changes that will increase the operational efficiency of the NTFRS.

Simon also manages the recruitment intake for new firefighters and is involved in assisting NTFRS sections with selection and promotion of members to internal positions.

Simon commenced with the NTFRS in 2003 and has worked in a variety of roles in operations in Darwin and Nhulunbuy and also in Training and Development.

Tom joined the NTFRS in 1993. Tom has worked as an Operational Firefighter in the Darwin Region before taking on the role of OIC Katherine Fire Station in 2002. He was promoted to District Officer Darwin Operations in 2004 and in 2005 became Manager Training and Development. In 2008 Tom transferred to Alice Springs as the District Officer responsible for the Southern Region. In 2011 Tom transferred back to Darwin taking up the role as District Officer Special Operations. He is currently acting as the Assistant Director Development and Strategy whilst Mr Mick Ayre is Acting Director Bushfires NT for 12 months.

The position provides strategic leadership and direction to the Development and Strategy Division which includes the Training and Development Branch, Community Fire Safety Branch and Special Operations Branch.

As a member of the Operations team, manage, direct and provide leadership to all staff within the southern region of the Northern Territory to ensure the annual corporate and strategic objectives are developed, implemented and evaluated within fiscal guidelines to ensure the safety of the community.

Ian joined the NTFRS in 1978. Prior to holding this position Ian was the Staff Officer to the Chief Fire Officer for several years.

Responsible for the Community Fire Safety Section which includes:

• Building Approvals Process.
• Fire Engineering.
• Liquor Licensing.
• Community Education.
• Hazard Abatement.
• Management and ongoing development of NTFAST system and NTFRS IT programs.

David is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the volunteer fire brigades and fire and emergency response groups throughout the NT as well as the northern regional stations manned by full time and auxiliary firefighters.

His current roles and responsibilities include provision of strategic leadership, management, direction and advice in the development and implementation of Human Resource development strategies, policies and procedures to the NTFRS. This includes development and implementation of all learning strategies to enhance the capability of NTFRS staff.

Gerald had served as an operational Officer with the New South Wales Fire Brigades (now Fire Rescue NSW) since 1973 and transferred to the NT Fire and Rescue Service in early 2006 to take up the position of Station Officer Training & Development. He was promoted to Senior Station Officer in 2008.

Mark joined the NTFRS in 1986. He transferred from Operations, Darwin and served as OIC, Jabiru Emergency Response Area for the period 1995-97 before returning to Operations. In late 1997 Mark transferred to Training and Development and returned to Operations in 2000.

He resigned from the NTFRS to take up a position with the ACTFB in 2001 until early 2004 then joined the Country Fire Authority, Victoria, as a Structural Instructor for the Midlands Wimmera Region predominately delivering urban fire training to the volunteer firefighters within regions 15, 16 and 17.

In 2005 Mark rejoined the NTFRS as the Senior Station Officer Training and Development and was promoted to the rank of District Officer Training and Development in 2008.

Mark has transferred to Special Operations for an initial period of 6 months.

Rob is responsible for all permanent fire stations in the Greater Darwin Emergency Response Area (ERA). As a member of the Operations team, manage and provide leadership within a district to develop resource and implement strategic programs to ensure the safety of the community.

Darwin and Rural Operations are responsible for the effective and efficient management of the four permanent fire stations for response to fires and other emergencies. Stations are located at Darwin, Marrara, Palmerston and Humpty Doo. This section is additionally responsible for all calls to Hazmat emergency incidents and confirmed vehicle accidents within the Northern Region. The stations also cover the adjacent rural areas working with NTFRS volunteer units and Bushfires NT.