CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM has advised the CFA Board and Victorian Government that he will be stepping down from his position as Chief Officer to accept the role of Chief Executive Officer at St Johns Ambulance NSW.
Chief Officer Heffernan started his journey in 1998 as a volunteer with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), before commencing a salaried career. He held many leadership roles in the RFS before being appointed as the CFA Chief Officer in November 2020.
During his tenure at CFA, Chief Officer Heffernan has served CFA and the Victorian community with distinction leading the state through some of the most consequential fires since 2009 and a range of transformational initiatives within the Authority.
With Fire Services Reform formally coming into effect on 1 July 2020, Chief Officer Heffernan has been instrumental in leading the implementation of a complementary fire services model and the Victorian Government’s Fire Services Statement.
Chief Officer Jason Heffernan AFSM said while he has been privileged to serve in the role, that service has only been possible because of the unwavering support of his family.
“Like the families of so many CFA volunteers, staff and operational leaders, they have made sacrifices that often go unseen but should never go unrecognised,” CO Heffernan said.
“CFA has a proud history, but more importantly, it has a bright future. I leave knowing the organisation is in capable hands with every member playing a part in continuing to drive the improvements necessary to meet any challenges ahead.
“I want to thank my CFA family for your support, your friendship and your unwavering commitment to your communities.”
Chief Executive Officer Greg Leach AFSM said Jason been the State Response Controller through many major fires Victoria has experienced in recent years and his clear and calm leadership in these settings has achieved the best possible outcome for Victorians in very challenging circumstances.
“Jason has been instrumental in many new preparedness initiatives including the first statewide readiness exercise, the development of the Catastrophic Day Fire Plan and Checklist and Get Fire Ready which supports brigades to engage and help prepare their local communities,” CEO Leach said.
“As a Champion of Change, Jason worked at the national level to progress the interests of female firefighters and has supported practical measures to make things better including the provision of fit for purpose Personal Protective Clothing (PPC).
“He has led the introduction of new technologies such as next generation Virtual Reality mobile Driving Simulators, CFA Pocket book app and the radio replacement program.
“He has also championed the establishment of Fire Medical Response, the Remote Area Firefighting team (arduous firefighters) and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
“On behalf of the Victorian Government and CFA, I thank Chief Officer Heffernan for his leadership, dedication and service to the brigades and volunteers of CFA and the wider Victorian community.”
Chief Officer Heffernan will continue his work with CFA until November, giving the organisation time to recruit someone into the role ahead of the 2026/27 fire season.
