The first head of the ACT State Emergency Service, Tony Graham, has announced his retirement after more than a decade serving in the top job.
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The ACT's inaugural chief officer will hand over the reins next month after 11 years in the role and more than two decades serving with the SES.
Mr Graham joined the service in 1989 as a volunteer and was instrumental in a number of major improvements to training, leadership development of staff and volunteers, and community education over the course of his career.
He was appointed chief officer in 2004 when the ACT SES was formally established, and was awarded a 2015 Community Protection Medal.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Joy Burch said Mr Graham had demonstrated "a passion and commitment to serving the community through emergency services".
She said Mr Graham was highly regarded as a leader and trainer who willingly passed on his skills to colleagues and volunteers.
"Tony is highly respected by the volunteers and staff of the ACT SES, his ESA colleagues, the government and the wider ACT community," she said.
"Tony has sacrificed much of his own time after hours to participate in volunteer activities and worked tirelessly to ensure that the capabilities of the ACT SES and its volunteers are well known and promoted within the ACT's emergency service industry, as well as with other jurisdictions."
ACT SES deputy chief officer Tracey Allen will takeover the top job until a new chief officer is appointed.
