Leading the Brigade: A New Exhibit About the Leaders Who Shaped Fire and Rescue NSW

At the Museum of Fire, we’re constantly reviewing our exhibits that haven’t been updated in years. This gives us the opportunity to breathe new life into these topics and showcase more objects from our collection. Our latest exhibit, which we revamped earlier this month, delves into the history of the Commissioners and Chief Officers of Fire and Rescue NSW (formerly the NSW Fire Brigades and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade). We knew we had more stories and objects to share alongside this history, so we were thrilled to make this change.

From Superintendent to Commissioner

When the Metropolitan Fire Brigade was formed in 1884, looking after only Sydney, it was managed by two different branches whilst today it is managed by one key individual. The first branch was a group of six people known as the Fire Brigades Board who looked after the executive management and administration of operating a fire brigade. The second branch was headed by a chief firefighter who looked after the operations of the fire brigade. This role was known as the Superintendent, with the first one being William D. Bear. (To read more about William D. Bear click here.)

When the Fire Brigades Act took effect in 1910, the government took on the responsibility of fire protection for the entire state. This resulted in the reorganisation of the fire brigade, including its titles. The Fire Brigades Board became the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW, and the role of Superintendent became the Chief Officer. Whilst their titles changed their roles remained very similar, however, were now on a state-wide scale rather than just in metropolitan Sydney. The first official Chief Officer of the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) was Alfred Webb.

Members of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Fire Brigades Board in Headquarters Yard, c. 1898 [Museum of Fire Collection]

The Fire Brigades Act would be revised once again in 1990, which dissolved the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW and resulted in the singular role of the Director General to oversee all executive management. This saw the first and only Director General of the NSWFB to be appointed, Peter Rath. (to read more about the role of Director General click here). Only four years later, in 1994 when Rath retired, this would be revised again, and the decision was made to combine the roles of the Director General and Chief Officer. This created the new position of Commissioner, with the first to hold this title being Vice Admiral Ian MacDougall.

What's On Display?

Medal Display Board for William Beare

William Beare first joined the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 1901 and became its eighth Chief Officer from 1944 – 1947. Over his career Beare received a series of medals for his service to the Crown and to the community. This commemorative display was produced by his son, William R. Beare Jnr. who was the Secretary of the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW. The display also included Chief Officer Beare’s cap badge and silver epaulettes which show his rank. Accompanying these is his scout whistle which was used by officers to instruct crews on the fire ground.

Charles Richardson Collection

Charles Richardson became Chief Officer in 1936 when Australia was still suffering the effects of the Depression and continued as the Chief Officer as Australia entered World War Two. Richardson was at the helm until his sudden death on 16 September 1944.

Chief Officer Richardson's Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and 30 Year Bar, King's Police Medal, and Rank Number on display.

Vivian Lowther Collection

Vivian Lowther joined the NSW Fire Brigades in 1933 and would be appointed to the rank of Chief Officer in 1967. Lowther was an instrumental leader during bushfire crises and administered many changes to the brigade to improve efficiency across training and communication, especially when Triple 000 was adopted as the new emergency phone number in 1969, under his leadership.

To read more about Vivian Lowther, click here.

Chief Officer Lowther's Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and 30 Year Bar, Name Tag, and Queen's Fire Service Medal on display.

Thomas Nance Collection

Thomas Nance joined the Metropolitan Fire Brigade in 1895, spending his early years n the carpentry shop at Headquarters (now City of Sydney Fire Station). Nance went on to become the first Australian-born to reach the position of Chief Officer in 1929, leading the NSW Fire Brigades through the Depression. He also dedicated his life to helping others through his charity work, including creating toys for children which saw him turn the southern basement of Headquarters into a workshop.

To read more about Thomas Nance, click here.

Rex Threlfo Collection

Rex Threlfo joined the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) in 1946 after serving in the Australian Imperial Force. He would train and study exceptionally hard to climb the ranks of the organisation, eventually being appointed to the rank of Chief Officer in 1980. Previously spending time as the President of the NSWFB Employees’ Union, he became known as the Chief Officer of the people. Over his time as Chief Officer, Threlfo saw the expansion of the brigade’s rescue capabilities and helped lay the foundations for women to become firefighters.

Ian MacDougall Collection

Having previously served as Vice-Admiral in the Royal Australian Navy, Ian MacDougall was appointed as the first Commissioner of the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) in 1994 after the abolishment of the Board of Fire Commissioners of NSW. MacDougall led the NSWFB into the 21st century, bringing about great change with the implementation of modern technologies and computerisation across the organisation.

No. 10 Plate

The No. 10 Plate has been associated with the Chief Officers and Commissioners of the New South Wales Fire Brigade and Fire and Rescue New South Wales since the inception of the number plate system in NSW in 1910. The plate has been attached to several vehicles throughout its history including a Chrysler Valiant, a Holden Special, A Ford Fairlane, and Fairmont Ghia.

This only briefly touches on the objects on display in this exhibit, so to see it all make sure to visit the Museum of Fire, which is open 7-days a week 9:30am - 4:30pm so plan your visit today!

-Blog by Acting Curator Ella Murtagh