Tasmania Fire Service Chief Officer Mike Brown to Retire After 38 Years

The Chief Officer of the Tasmania Fire Service, Mike Brown, will retire from his position from March 2016, and commence extended leave from 24 July 2015.

Mike Brown has dedicated 38 years of service to the TFS, serving as Chief Officer for the past five years.

“On behalf of all Tasmanians I would like to thank Mike Brown for his strong leadership, particularly in times of crisis,” Police and Emergency Management Minister Rene Hidding said.

“Mike has been a trusted voice in emergency management, providing reassurance and inspiring confidence in the capability of the Tasmania Fire Service.”

Department of Police and Emergency Management Secretary Darren Hine said Mr Brown had been a passionate supporter of the more than 5500 TFS members, 90 per cent of whom are volunteers.

“Mike Brown led a team of dedicated career and volunteer fire officers who responded in catastrophic conditions during the January 2013 bushfires; there’s no doubt their efforts saved lives,” Mr Hine said.

“He has been a strong ambassador for fire safety in the community, advocating community education and awareness programs, which have contributed to a reduction in residential fires and fire deaths by 50 per cent over the past 15 years.

“We thank Mike Brown for his service to emergency management and wish him the very best for the future.”

The Deputy Chief Officer, Gavin Freeman, will act in the Chief Officer position while a national recruitment process is implemented.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management Darren Hine, Secretary of the Department of Police and Emergency Management