May 17, 2024
Acting Commissioner Stephen Smith has been confirmed as the new permanent head of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
He had been acting in the role since last October following the resignation of Commissioner Greg Leach who has taken up a role interstate.
Commissioner Smith has served with the QFES for more than 30 years.
He joined the service in 1994 as a firefighter in the Brisbane region.
He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal, National Emergency Medal, National Medal, Commissioners Meritorious Service Ribbon, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Medal, Queensland Flood and TC Yasi Citation, and the Canterbury Earthquake Citation (New Zealand).
He also holds various qualifications including an Executive Master of Public Administration, Master of Leadership and Management, Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership, Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership, Graduate Certificate in Applied Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
He will be the last QFES Commissioner as the service is about to be rebranded as the Queensland Fire Department.
