“Andrew Crisp is one of the most highly regarded leaders in Victoria’s emergency service agencies,” Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said during today’s announcement.

“He has had a diverse and distinguished career at Victoria Police and will undoubtedly bring the capability and leadership required to work with communities and the emergency services sector.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said Mr Crisp had made an ‘outstanding contribution’ to the police force in his more than 40 years with the organisation.

“I would like to thank Andrew for his dedicated service to Victoria Police and the Victorian community over his distinguished career and wish him all the very best in this next chapter of his career,” Mr Ashton said.

“We look forward to working with Andrew as the Emergency Management Commissioner.”

Related: Craig Lapsley steps down amid allegations of bullying, improper behaviour

The department said the new Emergency Management Victoria leader brought to the role strong national relationships in both policing and emergency management, having been a member of the State Emergency Management Team, State Coordination Team and co-chair of the Emergency Management Joint Public Information Committee working through major fires such as Wye River.

“I’m looking forward to working with Andrew as he leads the dedicated staff of EMV into the organisation’s next phase and as we prepare for the upcoming fire season,” Mr Merlino said.

Mr Crisp said he would approach the role of commissioner with the great sense of responsibility that came with the position and looked forward to working with EMV staff ‘to deliver positive outcomes for all Victorians’.

“The role of EMV in supporting Victorians during their most challenging times is of critical importance — EMV cannot do that alone and I am committed to working positively with the emergency services sector and others in order to keep Victorians safe,” he said.

He starts on Monday – the same day Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill becomes acting deputy commissioner at Victoria Police.

“We will shortly commence the recruitment phase for a replacement for Andrew,” Mr Ashton said.

Mr Crisp’s predecessor, Craig Lapsley, yesterday vacated the role after eight years of service amid allegations of bullying and misconduct.

Mr Lapsley expressed ‘deep regret’ at instances when his conduct fell short of the standards expected of him and offered his sincere apologies to people affected.

“Upon reflection I believe I could have done much more to show and communicate my unquestioned admiration of, and support for the people who are at the heart of the state’s emergency response system,” he said in a statement.