Gavin Freeman AFSM is the Fire Rescue Commissioner. Gavin joined FRV in 2020 from the Country Fire Authority (CFA), where he served as the Deputy Chief Officer and Executive Director for Community Service Delivery.
Gavin joined the CFA in 2017 from Tasmania where he built his career with the Tasmania Fire Service for 32 years, including seven years as Deputy Chief and Chief Officer.
Gavin previously acted as CFA’s Chief Executive Officer/Chief Officer and has undertaken the role of Victorian State Response Controller since 2017, including during the damaging 2019-20 bushfire season.
During his time with CFA, Gavin was instrumental in the delivery of major projects such as Emergency Medical Response (EMR), road crash rescue support and the integration of wellbeing services into operations.
Since joining FRV Gavin has undertaken the role of Deputy Commissioner – Operations where he has been accountable to ensure frontline service delivery in all aspects of FRV’s legislated responsibilities. He was appointed Commissioner in May 2023.
Gavin completed a Masters Degree in Emergency Management in 2010. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership, an Advanced Diploma of Firefighting (Management) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Fire Engineers. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Gavin received a National Emergency Medal in 2013, Australian Fire Service Medal in 2011 and a National Medal in 2010.
Updates from the Fire and Emergency Group
Champions of Change Fire & Emergency
Gavin Freeman AFSM is a Member of the Champions of Change Fire & Emergency Group which was established in 2017 in partnership with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC). The group includes Chief Executives and Commissioners leading more than 30 agencies responsible for fire, emergency and land management services across Australia and New Zealand. The group is committed to advancing gender equity, inclusive cultures and achieving significant and sustainable improvements in the representation of women in their workplaces.