Lilydale’s Nicole Harvey joined the CFA in Victoria in April 1998 as the state fire investigation co-ordinator and a fire investigator.
Over the past 20 years her technical knowledge and skills, her outstanding leadership, and her professionalism have established her as an acknowledged expert within the public safety sector.
On 26 January she received an Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the Australia Day Honours List.
Her award citation said Ms Harvey had distinguished herself by her achievements in advancing the role and importance of fire investigation to generating improvements in community safety.
“Her efforts have established fire investigation as a core duty and activity in the minds of frontline firefighters who understand the importance of preserving the scene for the fire investigator,” it said.
Ms Harvey is an influential practitioner and educator who has elevated the science and practice of fire investigation to become a core component of CFA’s services.
“In addition, she has trained and established a team of capable and respected fire investigators to deliver that service,” the award citation said.
She developed the CFA Fire Investigation Management System, the only online fire reporting and information management system in Australia.
