NSW Fire Brigades appoints new Regional North Commander
Published: 5th February 2007
New South Wales Fire Brigades (NSWFB) Commissioner Greg Mullins today announced the appointment of Chief Superintendent Rob Lindsay to the recently created position of Regional North Area Commander.
Based in Coffs Harbour, Chief Superintendent Lindsay will be responsible for the three zones which make up the Regional North Command, stretching from Tweed Heads in the north, to Tea Gardens in the south and Narrabri in the west. The area contains more than 1,300 firefighters attached to 60 fire stations across the north of the state.
Commissioner Mullins said Chief Superintendent Lindsay was a highly experienced fire officer.
"Chief Superintendent Lindsay has been a firefighter for 21 years and has extensive operational experience. He has demonstrated strong leadership, innovation and dedication throughout his career and I congratulate him on his appointment."
Chief Superintendent Lindsay said he would work towards achieving a number of key objectives for the NSWFB.
"I will be ensuring that frontline fire crews have the support, skills and resources they need to continue providing the high level of protection that the local community has come to expect from them.
"I will be working closely with other emergency services agencies and stakeholder groups to plan and prepare for emergencies.
"I will also be encouraging firefighters to continue delivering our important community fire safety education programs across the region."
Prior to being appointed Regional North Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Lindsay was Hunter Valley Zone Commander and before that Inspector at Maitland and Operational Commander at Newcastle, giving him operational experience in the northern region as well as strong community links.
Prior to joining the NSWFB Chief Superintendent Lindsay was a firefighter with the ACT Fire Brigade for four years.
The largest incident Chief Superintendent Lindsay commanded was the 2002 Wakefield/Lake Macquarie bushfire. More than 90 fire engines from the NSWFB and Rural Fire Service, as well as 10 aircraft, fought the blaze which burnt 6,000 hectares of bush over 30 suburbs on the urban interface of Newcastle. Only one house and three factory units were lost in the fire as well as some rail and electricity infrastructure.
Chief Superintendent Lindsay recently completed a Fire Safety Authorisation qualification from the University of Western Sydney and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Sydney and is a qualified Fire Engineer, graduating from the UK's Institution of Fire Engineers.
To organise an interview and/or photo with Chief Superintendent Rob Lindsay please contact him on 0407 957 857