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After 22 years at the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) and ACT Fire & Rescue (ACTF&R), Assistant Commissioner of Operations, Jason Jones, will be retiring to sunny Queensland with his family.
Jason has made a profound impact on not just emergency services in the ACT, but nationally, implementing many initiatives and making changes that have benefitted emergency service personnel and improved the service provided to the community.
After a career with the NSW Police Force, Jason joined ACTF&R as a recruit firefighter in 2002. Soon after joining he would be faced with one of the biggest and most devastating emergencies to hit the ACT, the 2003 Canberra bushfires. Experiencing such a mammoth event early in his firefighting career had a big impact on shaping him into the professional that he is today.
Jason went on to have an extensive career in ACTF&R spending time as a fire investigator, HAZMAT operator and trainer, and working as an aerial operator. He progressed through the ranks finishing his time in ACTF&R as a Superintendent.
Since 2017, Jason acted in various management and executive roles at ESA, including a period acting as the ESA Commissioner where he was entrusted to lead and navigate the ESA through a period of change.
In 2022 Jason was promoted to the role of ESA Assistant Commissioner of Operations leading all operational elements of the ESA. One of his proudest achievements during this time was the implementation of the ESA Sustainability Program. As part of this program Jason led the creation and implementation of the southern hemisphere’s first electric fire truck which set an example nationally for what the future of firefighting will look like in Australia.
However, this program is just one of many things that Jason has led that will leave an impact on the ESA and emergency services in the ACT.
During the COVID-19 pandemic he helped lead the collaboration with a Canberra Distillery to create more hand sanitiser for the Territory. In his time, he also assisted in setting up what is now the ACT Large Aircraft Tanker base at the Canberra Airport, improving our aerial firefighting capability in the ACT.
To finish off this piece we thought we would let Jason tell you in his own words some reflections on his time at the ESA.
What legacy would you like to leave at the ESA?
“I want to see my legacy shape how people work. In my time at the ESA and in ACTF&R I have really seen firsthand the importance that different perspectives and experiences can bring to solving a problem. So I hope that people can utilise these and work together to achieve a common goal. We may have different avenues to get there but ultimately we are all trying achieve the same thing. I wish Commissioner Phillips all the best in shaping the next evolution of ESA and supporting four critical services for the ACT community.”
What has been your favourite memory at the ESA?
“I don’t know if there is a specific memory per say but I have loved being able to work and get to know all the amazing staff and volunteers who serve our community. Emergency services is no easy job and it really is amazing to see how selfless and resilient each and every one of our staff and volunteers are. They have all taught me a lot which I will take away with me into my retirement.”
What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
“The warmer weather. But more seriously as many of our staff and volunteers know all too well, emergency services can take quite a toll, so I am looking forward to the break and spending some much needed time with my family.”
On behalf of the ACT Emergency Services Agency, we would like to thank Jason for his ongoing service and commitment. His tireless efforts and persistence to get things right over the past few decades has set us up for success well into the future. We wish him all the best in his retirement.
