The NSW Fire Brigades welcomes a new Assistant Commissioner for Specialised Operations
Published: 12th March 2008
NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Commissioner Greg Mullins today announced the appointment of Jim Hamilton to the rank of Assistant Commissioner and position of Director Specialised Operations.
Assistant Commissioner Hamilton is recognised nationally and internationally as an expert in terrorist consequence management. He was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal and the Premier’s Emergency Services Award for his work in this area and has a Masters Degree in Management.
Commissioner Mullins said Assistant Commissioner Hamilton was an experienced fire officer with almost three decades of service in the NSWFB.
"Assistant Commissioner Hamilton has served the NSWFB for 28 years and brings extensive operational, leadership and management experience to the role of Director of Specialised Operations.
"He is an asset to the NSWFB and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to undertake this crucial role which will include responsibility for the NSWFB Rescue, Hazmat, Counter Terrorism and Aviation, Bushfire/Natural Hazards sections and the Communications Centres based in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Katoomba," Commissioner Mullins said.
Assistant Commissioner Hamilton said he was looking forward to the new position and the challenges that lay ahead.
"I will be working to reinforce and enhance strategic alliances between the NSWFB, NSW Police Force and other emergency services to ensure an effective coordinated response to fires and emergencies.
"I am also working to further strengthen partnerships within the NSWFB to ensure the integration of front line firefighters and specialist areas to develop and enhance our service delivery to local communities.
"The NSWFB's role is not just to respond to incidents but also to prepare for and prevent emergencies from taking place. I will be working with officers to build community resilience to ensure residents are better prepared," Assistant Commissioner Hamilton said.
Assistant Commissioner Hamilton joined the NSWFB in 1980 and served at numerous fire stations including The Rocks and Crows Nest, before becoming an Instructor at the NSWFB State Training College at Alexandria. Assistant Commissioner Hamilton was in charge of the Hazardous Materials Response Unit in the lead up to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and then moved to the position of Manager Operational Readiness.
From 2001 to 2007 Assistant Commissioner Hamilton was the Assistant Director for Specialised Operations and was responsible for the development of the NSWFB’s Counter Terrorism capability, especially against chemical, biological and radiological events.
For the last 12 months, Assistant Commissioner Hamilton was Area Commander Metropolitan East and managed 40 of Sydney’s busiest fire stations in Sydney's CBD, northern suburbs and inner west.