CFA: Proudly Volunteer

Today CFA welcomes Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) as our new partner in delivering fire and emergency services to Victorians.

CFA: Proudly Volunteer

FRV replaces the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and will operate in urban areas and major regional centres.

CFA will continue its important role as a volunteer firefighting service with more than 50,000 volunteers operating through over 1,200 brigades right across Victoria.

The CFA Board has appointed Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook as Acting Chief Officer and Catherine Greaves as Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said today was the start of a new chapter for CFA.

“It has been a long and sometimes difficult journey to reach today’s implementation of fire services reform,” he said.

“But we are looking to the future of our organisation – we are now a proudly volunteer-based, community-focused fire service.

“We want to build a stronger CFA and refocus all of our efforts on supporting our volunteers and communities.”

“Our dedicated and skilled force will continue serving their communities everyday as they always have through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

“The delivery of vital emergency services is the number one priority of both organisations and service to the community will not be disrupted by these changes.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with our colleagues at FRV into the future.”

Acting CEO Catherine Greaves said she was pleased to join CFA and assist its transition over the coming months

“CFA is a respected, world-class fire service and I look forward to contributing to its exciting future.

“CFA has a great opportunity to build upon it’s proud 75-year history and ensure it’s ready for the next 75 years.

Under the changes, 1,400 career firefighters including those at 38 CFA career and integrated stations have transitioned to FRV.

Acting Chief Officer Cook also acknowledged departing CEO/Chief Officer Steve Warrington’s contribution to CFA.

“Steve was a much loved leader and an outstanding ambassador for CFA,” he said.

“He gave so much to the organisation and the Victorian people over four decades of service and was an incredibly supportive and inspiring leader.

“On behalf of everyone at CFA I want to thank Steve for his immeasurable contribution and wish him well for the future.”

/CFA News Release. View in full here.