CFS boss Mark Jones quits just three years into role
Country Fire Service chief officer Mark Jones has revealed why he has quit his post – after just three years in the role.
SA News
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Country Fire Service chief officer Mark Jones has quit his post after just three years in the role.
Mr Jones advised Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs that he is returning to the United Kingdom after being nominated as preferred candidate for the top job at the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service.
He will continue in his current role until September when his three-year contract expires.
Mr Jones said his decision was for “family reasons’’ because of difficulties travelling overseas associated with Covid-19 – but it comes just four months after his request for a pay rise of more than $120,000 a year was knocked back by the former government.
Mr Jones, who was recruited to the position in August 2019 from the Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, could not be contacted for comment because he was in transit from an emergency services conference in Germany.
“While I have really enjoyed the challenges of the work and great people I have met in South Australia, the distance from our family in the United Kingdom has been a heavier burden than we expected,’’ the statement says.
“I have been truly lucky to have had the unique experience of working with the great staff and volunteers of the CFS that are the lifeblood of the organisation.’’
Mr Szakacs said he was “saddened’’ to see Mr Jones leave the CFS.
“I have confidence he will thrive in his new position back home in England,’’ he said.
“Mark Jones led the CFS with poise and professionalism through the significant fire season of 2019 and continued his role gallantly to this day.’’
In February, The Advertiser revealed Mr Jones and Metropolitan Fire Service chief officer Michael Morgan had made a joint submission to Public Sector Employment Commissioner Erma Ranieri seeking pay rises of more than $120,000 each.
The pair were advised the request would not be addressed unless an independent assessment of each role was conducted and paid for by the Emergency Services Minister.
The request was not actioned because of the looming state election and was not resubmitted following the poll.
Mr Jones is paid almost $300,000 as chief officer and Mr Morgan is paid $334,000.
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