Aaron dedicates his career to protecting communities

For almost 30 years, Aaron Kennedy has been a consistent and respected presence in emergency management and bushfire response, leading from the front and always putting the safety of firefighters and communities first.

Serving across 2 states, Aaron has progressed through the ranks from a general firefighter to become a highly respected Level 3 Operations Officer, Level 3 Incident Controller and Regional Controller, playing a critical role in managing some of Victoria’s most devastating bushfires.

Awarding of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) recognises Aaron’s distinguished service, leadership and sustained contribution to fire and emergency management.

In 1997, Aaron began his career with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service undertaking many roles from ranger through to district program manager.

It was during this time that he trained as a general firefighter and operations officer and was later deployed to the 2003 Canberra bushfires.

'The devastation of the Canberra bushfires showed that uncontrolled fires under extreme conditions can impact lives and property in any community, even in the nation’s capital,' he reflected.

'That experience reinforced to me the importance of an aggressive initial attack on new fires, particularly in remote areas, using highly skilled firefighters, aerial firefighting resources, and heavy machinery to keep fires small.'

Campaign fires drive focus on fire management

At the time, Aaron could not have known it would be the first of many major campaign fires he would be deployed to over the next two decades.

In 2005, he joined Parks Victoria in the fire and environment program, and played a key operational role on Black Saturday, 7 February 2009, when the Beechworth Library Road bushfire started at about 6 pm.

The fire burnt more than 33,500 hectares and tragically two people died as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.

'The conditions we faced on Black Saturday were unlike anything I had experienced, but what made it even harder was knowing that close friends and colleagues were directly in the path of the fires,' he said.

'That personal connection stays with you. It went on to become Australia’s deadliest bushfire, claiming 173 lives, a loss that remains deeply felt and never forgotten.'

Firefighter deaths have a profound impact

Four years later, in 2013, Aaron was appointed District Manager Upper Murray with the then Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

The appointment coincided with the Harrietville bushfire which burned for 55 days before being contained.

Tragically, two Upper Murray Fire District forest firefighters – Steven Kadar and Katie Peters – lost their lives responding to the fire when a tree struck their vehicle in the Buckland Valley.

'Steven and Katie’s deaths had a profound impact on their families, our staff, and the communities we serve,' Aaron said.

'For me, and for many of us, it was deeply felt and has stayed with us. It sharpened our focus on firefighter safety and drove important improvements across our firefighting fleet.'

'The impact of their loss is still with us today, and it continues to shape how we approach our work.'

Model of response reduces bushfire impact

In his current role as Deputy Chief Fire Officer within the Hume Region, Aaron leads a workforce of approximately 430 people and continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Victoria’s bushfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery capability.

His leadership in implementing the statewide Model of Response has improved fire containment performance across public land, reducing the impact of bushfires on the community.

He was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his sustained service during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and the 2019-20 Black Summer fires.

Aaron’s calm, decisive leadership during complex, high‑risk incidents – including the 2026 Walwa Fire – demonstrates his exceptional service and enduring contribution to firefighter and community safety.

Deeply humble of ASFM recognition

Reflecting on receiving the Australian Fire Service Medal, Aaron expressed that he is proud of his achievements but also deeply humbled by the recognition.

'Whether paid or volunteer, firefighting, or any role in emergency response, comes at a real cost to our families,' he said.

'I have lost count of the birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas celebrations, sporting events, and even the simple moments like reading a story at bedtime that I have missed.'

'In many ways, this award belongs just as much to my family as it does to me, I simply couldn’t do what I do without their unwavering support.'

'It is a huge honour to be nominated for, and to receive, the Australian Fire Service Medal, particularly when so many others are making such a significant contribution to emergency management'.

Congratulations Aaron.