Ken Block, Commissioner of Fire Rescue Victoria, has announced his intention to step down from his position due to personal circumstances, effective March 29th, 2023.
This decision has been made due to health issues with his family that require his presence back in Canada. Acting Commissioner Gavin Freeman will continue to lead FRV until a permanent Commissioner is appointed.
Mr Freeman has an extensive background in emergency management, with more than 35 years of experience. He served in the Tasmania Fire Service for 30 years and was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in 2011.
Since 2020, Mr Block has been instrumental in the establishment and leadership of FRV, and has worked as a firefighter since 1980. He was formerly Chief Fire Officer of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, as well as President of the Metropolitan Association of Fire Chiefs and President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chief’s prior to his appointment here.
FRV has united the state’s career firefighters under one organisation, and restored the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to become an entirely volunteer firefighter organisation again.
