Peter McKechnie | Deputy Commissioner Strategic Capability
NSW Rural Fire Service

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Peter McKechnie joined Narara Rural Fire Brigade on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia as a volunteer firefighter in 1994. Whilst a volunteer, DC McKechnie held various ranks both within his Brigade and the Gosford Rural Fire District.   In 2002, DC McKechnie commenced working with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) at Chifley/Lithgow Rural Fire District. During his employment, he has provided exemplary service to the RFS and has been instrumental in the areas of strategic management, leadership and operations. DC McKechnie has held roles such as District Manager, Manager State Operations & Aviaiton and Director Area Operations.   After acting in the role of Executive Director Operations from September 2020, DC McKechnie was appointed Deputy Commissioner Field Operations in March 2021.   Following a realignment at the RFS in February 2025, DC McKechnie was appointed Deputy Commissioner Strategic Capability. In this role DC McKechnie oversees Fleet & Infrastructure, Information Communication & Technology (ICT), Innovation, and Learning & Development for the NSW Rural Fire Service.  Deputy Commissioner McKechnie has been a part of, and led, efforts to combat major fires and other emergencies within NSW including throughout the 2019-20 Black Summer fires, interstate and overseas. DC McKechnie has also represented the RFS in international programs throughout Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States of America (USA) and led Australian deployments to the USA and Canada to assist local firefighting authorities.  Deputy Commissioner McKechnie holds a Graduate Diploma of Executive Leadership and is a certified Strategic Commander through the national Emergency Management Professionalisation Scheme.   In 2023, DC McKechnie was also awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his distinguished service to the RFS. Deputy Commissioner McKechnie has also been awarded the National Medal, RFS Commissioner’s Commendation and RFS Long Service Medal.