From L-R: FFMVic Acting Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy, CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook, Deputy Emergency Management Commissioner Brett Boatman, VICSES Senior Assistant Chief Officer Tim Connor, FRV Deputy Commissioner Eddie Lacko
A flying start for the new Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM as he attends his first event as Chief today.
Garry represented CFA at the Regional Aviation launch at Moorabbin Airport this morning, alongside dignitaries from our emergency service partners.
Garry said the event today was a great way to hit the ground running as Chief ahead of a potentially challenging 2026-27 fire season.
“My key focus over the next few months is the fire season ahead. We know it could be a challenging one and our 52,000 volunteers across the state are preparing for what’s ahead.
“However, preparedness is a joint responsibility and we need the community to also play their part in preparing their property and having a fire plan.
“I’ve come into this role in the middle of our Get Fire Ready initiative where impressively, more than 700 brigades are part of events across the state.
“I encourage communities to attend their local Get Fire Ready event to take the opportunity to speak to our volunteers, they are your fire experts and will help you understand your risk, and a plan to ensure you’re fire safe.”
The community can find their local Get Fire Ready event on the CFA website here.
Garry started his journey with CFA over 40 years ago as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16. He joined a brigade in Victoria’s northeast in 1981 before becoming part of the career ranks at 21.
Garry has served in several leadership roles at CFA including most recently as Deputy Chief Officer for Operational Response and Coordination.
“I’m humbled by the acknowledgement and support from my peers and the broader emergency services sector,” Garry said.
“I look forward to bringing my leadership experience, operational background and understanding of the organisation together to ensure CFA has a strong future.”
