2 days ago
Former NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons overlooked for return as NSW government eyes candidates to replace top cop
Former NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons was passed over for a return to the state's top firefighting job, Sky News can reveal.
The Minns government instead appointed career emergency executive Trent Curtin to lead the 70,000-strong volunteer force.
Mr Fitzsimmons, who became a national figure during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires and later led Resilience NSW, was among the applicants for the commissioner role.
Long-serving chief Rob Rogers will step down on July 14, and be replaced by Mr Curtin, who previously served as the head of SafeWork NSW.
His appointment has drawn attention given he was a relative outsider being brought in to lead the RFS.
The leadership change at the RFS comes amid broader upheaval across NSW emergency services, with Police Commissioner Karen Webb also stepping down.
While there has been speculation about NSW Police also looking outside the ranks for the commissioner role, Sky News Sunday Agenda understands that is unlikely.
Internal candidates being considered to replace Ms Webb include Acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell, and deputy commissioners Mal Lanyon, Paul Pisanos and Peter Cotter.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib announced his decision to appoint Mr Curtin on Thursday, citing his 'extensive experience as an emergency services leader in NSW and Victoria'.
'Mr Curtin started his firefighting career 30 years ago as a volunteer,' Mr Dib said in a statement after the appointment.
'I look forward to working with him as he brings his emergency service expertise to an organisation at the frontline of bushfire response.'
'I am honoured to be appointed Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service,' the incoming commissioner, Mr Curtin, said in a statement.
'The RFS plays a vital role in our communities, responding in the most difficult circumstances to help others in their time of need.'
