FESA’s Chief Executive Officer Wayne Gregson today announced the appointment of two Chief Operations Officers (COO). Mr Gregson said the COO appointments reflect the agency’s new direction and focus on enhancing frontline operations and community safety across the range of FESA’s hazards.
He said Mr Lloyd Bailey has been appointed as the COO – Operations and Mr Stephen Fewster has been appointed as the COO – Operations Support and Capability.
Chief Operations Officer – Operations
Mr Lloyd Bailey has 37 years experience working in the fire and emergency services in WA. He was a volunteer firefighter in 1975 before joining the WA Fire Brigades Board and rising through the ranks at FESA to become Assistant Chief Operations Officer in December 2007.
Chief Operations Officer – Operations Support and Capability
Mr Stephen Fewster has worked in both the State public service and the Department of Defence for the past 35 years. His roles include senior positions within the Army, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the State Emergency Service.
Mr Gregson said the appointment of these two senior officers was another significant step in FESA’s major structural, cultural and operational reform program. “These officers bring to the positions many years of operational experience, knowledge and strong leadership which will be essential to help reshape and remodel the agency for the future,’ he said.
Mr Gregson said FESA’s restructure was focussed on supporting frontline operational services to protect WA local communities.
To better support both career personnel and the 32,000 emergency services volunteers around the State the FESA command team had been expanded to include the new position of COO – Operations Support and Capability.
“Working with volunteers FESA has the responsibility for a wide range of emergencies and natural disasters, such as fires, floods, storms and cyclones, which impact our local communities,” he said. “These positions are essential as they ensure that the agency can provide the response to the full range of such emergency situations.” Mr Gregson said the Perth Hills Bushfire Review and its recommendations made it quite clear that FESA needs to be structurally and strategically aligned to better meet the changing needs of the Western Australian community.
“I am confident that Mr Bailey and Mr Fewster, with their extensive knowledge and broad operational experience in fire and emergency operations, will ensure our agency is well prepared and ready to respond to the challenges ahead,” he said.
