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CFA’s new chief officer boasts 40 years of emergency management experience

By Seymour Telegraph

Sep 23, 2026

Garry Cook has been appointed as the CFA’s new chief officer. Photo by Supplied

A new chief officer is taking the reins of the CFA ahead of what, the organisation says, is expected to be a challenging fire season.

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With 40 years of emergency management experience, Garry Cook is stepping away from his role as CFA’s deputy chief officer, operational response and coordination, and into the chief officer role.

Mr Cook started his journey as a volunteer firefighter at 16, joining a north-east Victorian brigade in 1981 before becoming part of the career ranks at 21.

CFA chief executive Greg Leach welcomed Mr Cook’s new appointment.

“We are confident Garry’s reputation for strategic leadership, operational excellence and his strong connection to and respect for CFA’s volunteers and our community make him the ideal candidate to lead CFA through the upcoming high-risk weather season and into the future,” Mr Leach said.

“He as been instrumental in delivering a range of initiatives, including Low Voltage Fuse Removal, Safe Working at Heights, the Radio Replacement Program, Aviation Capability uplift, Fire Investigation and Fire Medical Response.”

Between 2007 and 2014, Mr Cook held senior leadership positions with Ambulance Victoria, including serving on the executive of the newly established organisation, before returning to the CFA as assistant chief officer for the north-east region.

He subsequently served as deputy chief officer and has acted in several executive leadership positions across the organisation, including several stints as acting chief officer.

During this time he completed a Graduate Diploma in Management at La Trobe University and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at Swinburne University of Technology.

CFA chair Jo Plummer said Mr Cook was passionate about the organisation.

“Garry lives and breathes the CFA values and is well known and highly regarded within CFA,” Ms Plummer said.

“He is well equipped to lead CFA into the summer season with a deep understanding and knowledge of the organisation, the members and the strategic direction.”

Ms Plummer extended her gratitude to outgoing chief officer Jason Heffernan.

“As we transition to a new chief officer, we would like to again acknowledge outgoing chief officer Jason Heffernan and his efforts during his time at CFA,” she said.

“We extend our thanks for the many contributions he has made to CFA and the safety of the Victorian community.”