JOY Burch has announced the appointment of current Deputy Chief Officer of ACT Fire & Rescue Conrad Barr as the new Chief Officer of the ACT State Emergency Service.

“Conrad comes into the role with extensive leadership experience in the emergency services sector,” Joy said.

“He has almost three decades of experience in emergency response and emergency management which has encompassed broad experience within ACTF&R in technical rescue, hazardous materials, planning and development, strategic reform and broader emergency management.”

The appointment of Conrad Barr follows the retirement of Tony Graham last week after 11 years in the senior leadership role with the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

“Conrad is currently Deputy Chief Officer of ACT Fire & Rescue and has acted as the Chief Officer on many occasions,” Ms Burch said.

“He has had extensive input into national industry developments through the Australian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) and national working groups convened by the Commonwealth Attorney General’s department.”

Conrad Barr has extensive involvement and experience working with emergency services volunteers. He has been involved with the ACT Fire & Rescue Community Fire Unit (CFU) program at a strategic leadership level since 2005 and has overseen the development and expansion of CFU into becoming the largest emergency volunteer group in the ACT. He is also a member and office bearer of his local NSWRFS volunteer fire brigade and has practical experience in the on ground delivery of volunteer services and balancing career and community service commitments.

Conrad will commence as Chief Officer of the ACT State Emergency Service on 21 September 2015. Tracey Allen will act in the role until then.