Tasmanian Fire Service head Chris Arnol has announced his retirement after keeping Tasmanians safe for more than 36 years.
Mr Arnol, who has shown dedication and passion for emergency services throughout his career, started at the TFS in 1985.
He helped to establish vertical rescue and road crash rescue capability across the state, has a masters degree in public management, completed a Harvard University crisis leadership program, and did a Churchill Fellowship on urban interface firefighting.
He moved to Western Australia in 2009, where he oversaw SES, fire and rescue, bushfire and marine rescue services, before moving back to Tasmania to became the TFS chief officer in March 2016.
Mr Arnol has served as the face of emergency services during significant disaster events, such as the Dunalley bushfires.
Fire and emergency management minister Jacquie Petrusma said Mr Arnol has provided outstanding support and services to the Tasmanian community, particularly in its times of need.
She said this included leading Tasmania through the extremely challenging fire season of 2018 - 2019.
"Since Mr Arnol commenced in the role of Chief Officer he has recruited and trained 81 new career firefighters, and enhanced its capacity to respond to bushfires in remote areas by incorporating volunteers into remote area teams," she said.
"He...will leave a lasting legacy for the TFS."
