Steven Gibson

Dedicated Senior Firefighter with two decades of experience in frontline firefighting and emergency first-responder services. Proven ability to implement safety protocols and conduct comprehensive risk assessments and maintain a high level of operational capabilities during high-pressure and stressful situations. Experience in both Firefighting and Policing roles has helped strengthened communication skills, particularly when coordinating multi-agency emergency response and collaborating with external stakeholders. Highly skilled in conflict resolution and delivering clear, direct communications to diverse audiences. Extensive abilities to impartially resolve conflicts and complaints reasonably and practicably with respect and dignity in a confidential manner. Thrives on education and constant training with abilities to pass on knowledge to team members. Embraces responsibilities as a team leader to assist others in core skill maintenance. Committed to public safety and community engagement as part-leader in 'Home Fire Safety Visits,' focusing on at risk communities. Provides positive and constructive feedback promoting team wellbeing and inclusive team environment. Responsibly demonstrated abilities to work independently, efficiently and safely as a logistics officer. Offers outstanding organisational and time-management skills, with the capacity to prioritise, delegate tasks, and allocate resources effectively. Possess a unique ability to understand and decipher legislation, Acts, Regulations, and Standard Operational Guidelines. A respectful and always accepting of others cultures, nationalities, preferences and beliefs. Acts with integrity and transparency while encouraging others to do so.

• Inspector Andrew Ticehurst - Duty Commander West 1 (A Platoon) 0422 021 881
• Station Officer Matthew Blattman - Station Commander Huntingwood (A Platoon) 0418 489 258

1. The appliance training team deliver training on a broad range of appliances to both recruits, retained and permanent firefighters.  Please provide an example that demonstrates your knowledge and experience with appliances within FRNSW.  (Up to 500 Words)

As a relieving firefighter working across multiple zones, I regularly attended stations with appliances I hadn’t used before. It was essential as a professional firefighter to familiarise myself with each vehicle’s stowage and pump operations. Over the years, this has given me a broad and practical understanding of the wide range of FRNSW appliances. My experience spans Class 1 Tankers, Class 2 Pumpers, Class 3 Pumpers, Aerial Pumpers, Aerial Platforms, Turn‑Table Ladders, and various Specialist Vehicles. I’ve also worked with appliances of the same class that carried different inventories or stowage configurations, depending on whether the station operated as a rescue, hazmat, or standard appliance station.

When working on different appliances, I believe I owe it to both my crew and the community to understand each appliance and its essential operations, especially for worst‑case scenarios. I’ve consistently used FRNSW Recommended Practices—specifically Section 5 of the Operators Manual—to familiarise myself with the stowage and pump functions of various appliances. I encourage all firefighters attending stations with unfamiliar appliances to develop at least a basic working knowledge of pump operations and stowage so they can operate safely and confidently when it matters most.

The station I’m attached to operates a CAFS Aerial Pumper (CAP), one of the most technical and unique appliances in the FRNSW fleet. I take a proactive approach to mentoring relieving firefighters and those working overtime, guiding them through the appliance’s basic pump operations. By breaking down the complexity of the Operators Manual into clear, practical information, I’m able to provide an ad‑hoc ‘Appliance Crossover’ that ensures they can operate the pump confidently if an unexpected emergency arises. I’ve found once a firefighter understands the basic operations, it naturally leads to more questions and a genuine willingness to learn. I value that curiosity and aim to foster it, sharing my knowledge to help every firefighter stay prepared for anything and maintain a high level of operational readiness.

I believe my commitment to professional development and learning FRNSW fleet will contribute to the Appliance Training Unit, as well as recruit, retained and permanent firefighters.

1. Please provide an example to demonstrate your capability to work collaboratively by engaging with your own and other teams, units, or organisations to share information and jointly solve issues and problems. What did you do, and what was the outcome?  (Up to 500 Words)

During a multi‑agency drill at Rouse Hill, I was operator of a CAFS Aerial Pumper (CAP) in response to a simulated e‑bike fire inside a light rail carriage. The train had stopped between platforms, and passengers were evacuating onto the overhead rail lanes. My initial responsibility was to position the CAP safely for potential fire suppression while coordinating closely with NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, RMS, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Light Rail Authorities to support rescue operations.

Recognizing the large distance from the platform, I identified a working area the CAP could be utilized for firefighting and rescue operation. I immediately engaged NSW Police and the RMS with clear and precise language to assist in traffic control. Once the CAP was safely sited in practical useable area, I confirmed with Light Rail Authority that power was off and trains have stopped. Receiving, the all clear, I relayed the critical information to my team and began operations.

With firefighting operations not required, I proactively approached NSW Ambulance to offer the CAP as a external ferry. I provided a clear briefing on the CAP’s capabilities and safety considerations, using straightforward language ensuring not to use FRNSW jargon guaranteeing clear understandings. To maintain seamless communication between agencies, I assigned a crew member to work alongside NSW Ambulance as a dedicated liaison officer.

Repurposing the CAP as an external ferry allowed direct access and rapid response to the overhead rail lanes. This allowed accessing patients significantly faster while reducing physical toll on the responders ensuring comprehensive operations.

During the post-drill debrief, I shared constructive feedback and technical insights on the CAP’s capabilities with all stakeholders. This shared learning improved interagency knowledge when integrating FRNSW aerial rescue capabilities supporting the Commissioners Intent to Leverage Our Expertise.