Last hurrah for Victoria’s emergency chief at Shepp Search and Rescue

By Caleb Francis

Jul 18, 2023

Adieu: Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp (centre) with state Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell (fifth from left) and a line of volunteers at Shepparton Search and Rescue. Photo by Megan Fisher

Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp paid his last visit to Shepparton Search and Rescue as he prepares for retirement, expressing gratitude for the efforts of the local volunteer organisation and reflecting on his career in emergency services.

Mr Crisp is wrapping up five years as commissioner, a role that he said allowed him to witness the invaluable contributions of Shepparton Search and Rescue.

During his visit, he highlighted the work of volunteers who play a crucial role in managing emergencies throughout the state.

“I’ll take every opportunity to get out and about across the state to thank volunteers for what they do,” Mr Crisp said.

“Shepparton Search and Rescue is an organisation I’ve had a bit to do with in my five years in the role of Emergency Management Commissioner, and they do an incredible job.”

Mr Crisp particularly commended the volunteers for their response to the significant flood event last year, underscoring the importance of such organisations in crisis management.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of our emergency response,” he said.

“Of the approximately 135,000 paid and volunteer police and emergency services across the state, around 100,000 are volunteers.”

Dedicated volunteers: Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp (centre) with the Shepparton Search and Rescue team. Photo by Megan Fisher

As Mr Crisp prepares for his retirement, he acknowledges that transitioning from a life of uniform-wearing public service may be challenging, given his 45 years of service, 40 of which were with Victoria Police.

“I think I’m going to find it very difficult to just step completely away from emergency services,” he said.

Shepparton Search and Rescue president Nacole Standfield was happy to have put on the breakfast held in honour of Mr Crisp’s retirement.

“This morning, we’ve put on a breakfast for Andrew Crisp, who’s retiring in August,” she said.

“It’s a good chance for him to come in and catch up with the volunteers and some of the other staff members just to have a chat and a casual catch-up after everything that’s gone on.”

Ms Standfield further acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Mr Crisp and the Shepparton Search and Rescue team.

"We do know Andrew quite well. He came down for our 50th last year,” she said.