To investigate education and other programmes for young firesetters and child fire education programs

‘The Churchill Fellowship experience is something that stays with you forever,’ said Ian Krimmer, Media Officer for Fire and Rescue New South Wales.

Ian travelled to the United Kingdom and the United States on his 1992 Churchill Fellowship. He aimed to discover better sources of education for young fire fighters and information about fire education programs for children.

‘It used to be that we just fought fires. But now education plays an important role and we teach people about preventing fires and survival techniques if the worst does happen,’ he said. After Ian’s Fellowship, he implemented many reforms, such as child safety programs in schools and there is now a procedure in place for when a parent tells them that their child is playing with matches. Other states have taken up New South Wales’ lead in the child education area.

Ian Krimmer is Vice President of the New South Wales Fellows Association. He loves being on the Selection Panel. He thinks it is fabulous that there is no academic requirement to be a Churchill Fellow – because that means ‘anyone can apply. Seeing the huge variety of applicants is a real thrill. You get everything from a sound engineer exploring the sound of lobster scuttling on the sea floor to someone doing ground-breaking research into cancer! I love being part of that process.’

Excerpt from “Inspiring Australians” written by Penny Hanley (2015)

Awards and Honours 

• 2001 awarded Centenary Medal for service to the community and New South Wales Fire Brigade through media and public relations

• 1997 awarded Australian Fire Service Medal