Ministerial Statement

Crossman, Mr G.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD (Gibson—Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.L. WINGARD: Chief Officer Greg Crossman announced his retirement from the Metropolitan Fire Service on Tuesday 17 July 2018, bringing to an end an outstanding 40 years of service to the South Australian community. Chief Officer Crossman joined the MFS in 1978 and was awarded dux of his recruitment squad. During his career, Chief Officer Crossman rose through the ranks of the MFS, from firefighter to Assistant Chief Fire Officer in May 2012, before being appointed as Chief Officer in September 2015.

During his time with the MFS, Chief Officer Crossman served in many departments, including operations, community safety, learning and development and corporate services. In his role as Chief Officer, Greg Crossman advocated for greater community involvement by the MFS and support for members and their families. In addition to his role as the MFS Chief Officer, Greg Crossman was a past president and founding member of the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation.

More recently, Chief Officer Crossman joined the board of governors for The Road Home, a charity dedicated to the assistance of veterans, current and former emergency services personnel and their families. The Road Home is a collaboration between the Repat Foundation and the Hospital Research Foundation and is leading the way in improving the health and wellbeing of veterans, emergency services personnel and their families on a national scale.

Chief Officer Crossman served as a board member of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) and was appointed as the Australian representative and director on the prestigious International Fire Chiefs' Association of Asia. Chief Officer Crossman was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal and the Australian National Medal and clasp for his services to the community of South Australia and in advancing the firefighting profession. Chief Officer Crossman is also a recipient of the MFS Exemplary Service Medal.

I would like to place on the record my appreciation for the 40 years of outstanding service and dedication Chief Officer Crossman has given to South Australia. Chief Officer Crossman's interest and care for not only the South Australia but the wellbeing of MFS firefighters and their families has left an indelible mark. Michael Morgan will be the acting chief officer and will continue the work commenced by Chief Officer Crossman in modernising the MFS.