AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL

CITATION

Jeffrey Andrew Harper

Regional Chief

Mr Harper commenced his career with the Tasmania Fire Service as a recruit Firefighter in September 1985. A keen and committed Firefighter, he worked and studied at the Launceston Fire Brigade and was promoted to Station Officer in 1991. After five years in an operational supervision role, Mr Harper transferred to work in the Building Safety position undertaking building fire safety inspections for proposed developments and general fire safety compliance. After a return to brigade operations, Mr Harper then applied to work in the specialist role of fire investigation; a field he has specialised in and provides key leadership across the state.

Following some experience as a field officer supporting volunteer brigades, Mr Harper was promoted to District Officer in 2004 providing key support, advice and leadership to the brigades of the North Esk. He was promoted to Deputy Regional Chief North in 2009 and Regional Chief North in 2010. On occasions Mr Harper has also acted as Deputy Chief Officer and State Controller.

Mr Harper has worked in assisting interstate agencies on several occasions including the Victorian Black Saturday Fires and Cyclone Yasi. He has been awarded the National Medal plus clasp and the National Emergency Medal for his work in supporting Queensland local government authorities in the wake of Cyclone Yasi.

Mr Harper has served the Tasmania Fire Service with distinction over many years.