Following a competitive nation-wide recruitment process, Peter Cleary has been appointed as the new Chief Officer of ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R).
Peter will be making the move from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) where he has been working as a Chief Superintendent for Region North, overseeing more than 60 stations, and ensuring their operational readiness, resource allocation and strategic planning.
Beginning his career with FRNSW in 1999, Peter has spent 25 years serving the community in various roles across the service. He spent 17 years on the frontline and progressed through the ranks, working in education and training, capability development and operations.
Outside of FRNSW, Peter also spent time working with NSW Police Counter Terrorism Command and in the private sector in fire safety installation and maintenance services, and emergency response training.
Peter will formally commence as ACTF&R Chief Officer on 7 July 2025.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, welcomes the appointment of Mr Cleary.
"ACT Fire and Rescue is made up of dedicated professionals who have earned the respect and admiration of our community. It is essential that the service has a leader who will support these exceptional individuals and ensure they can continue their vital work while upholding its strong reputation," Minister Paterson said.
"I look forward to working closely with Mr. Cleary as he steps into this important role. I would also like to use this opportunity to thank Matt Shonk, Glenn Brewer, Greg Mason and the superintendents in ACTF&R who have stepped up to lead the service over the past year. They have ensured that ACTF&R continues to provide high-level care to our community, which is no easy job."
Quotes attributable to incoming ACTF&R Chief Officer, Peter Cleary
"I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead ACTF&R and to serve the Canberra community. I have been fortunate enough to work closely with ACTF&R in my work in NSW and I have seen what a strong service it is, which I look forward to being a part of.
"I also acknowledge that ACTF&R is part of the wider ACT Emergency Services Agency family and I look forward to working closely with our other services to continue to build an emergency service that the people of Canberra can rely on, no matter what the future holds."
