Assistant chief officer west region Peter O’Keefe was appointed to the role at the start of the month, replacing decorated CFA officer Don Kelly.

Mr O’Keefe transferred to the role from his position as acting regional director Hume Region and will oversee Ballarat, Ararat and Horsham districts and reports directly to CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson.

The 52-year-old joined the CFA in 1978 as a junior volunteer in his hometown of Beechworth.

In 1986 he became a career firefighter.

“I think CFA is the example of an organisation that does a huge amount of community service. And it is given the opportunity to provide to the community in a time of need,” he said.

“I used to be on the back of a truck, so I know what it’s like at the coal face. You always bring that volunteer perspective to the job.”

Looking back on more than 30 years with the organisation,  some events are burned in his memory.

“The Alpine Great Divide 2003 and Mansfield Great Divide fires of 2006-07 – they leave a lasting impression. It really shapes your view of the world,” he said.

Mr O’Keefe’s dedication to community service doesn’t halt with the job. He and his wife have a second full-time job as foster parents.

“Some kids are born with not many choices and are sometimes a product of their parents’  bad choices,” he said.

“I get so much out of it. I would encourage others to do it because it’s a chance to give back. 

For the immediate future, Mr O’Keefe’s main goal is to prepare the region for an early fire season.

“It’s certainly drier and the summer will be long. The conditions look right and are conducive to fire spread,” he said.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au