Tasmania’s Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Jeremy Smith is retiring after a career spanning nearly four decades.
Smith announced on Tuesday he would finish up in the role, with his last day in the office on September 10.
He will take leave before formally leaving the job in June 2027.
Smith started with the Tasmania Fire Service in 1987 as a trainee firefighter and worked his way up through operational and leadership roles over the following decades.
In June 2024 he was appointed the state’s first Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner, a newly created role designed to bring the leadership of the Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service closer together.
At the time, Smith stressed the two organisations were not merging and would keep their separate identities.
His retirement comes while that shake-up is still underway, with the state working to replace decades-old fire legislation and set up a new skills-based commission to oversee both services.
Smith said “much has changed” since he joined but the commitment to community safety had stayed constant.
“It has been a privilege to work with dedicated staff and volunteers whose professionalism, commitment and service to the community continue to make a meaningful difference every day,” he said.
He said his retirement would not shift the focus of the organisation.
“Although I am announcing my retirement, our focus remains unchanged,” he said.
“Serving the Tasmanian community and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our people will continue to be our highest priorities.”
The state government will start recruiting a permanent replacement next year. Acting arrangements are yet to be confirmed.
“Thank you for your support, commitment and friendship throughout my career,” Smith said.
“It has been an honour to be part of an organisation dedicated to protecting and supporting the Tasmanian community.”
