Mr Curtis has served in senior roles at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) for 27 years, most recently as Assistant Commissioner for Learning and Development.
At DFES he has played a leading role in response and recovery operations and strategic planning for major bushfires, cyclones and flooding events.
In addition to his DFES position, from 2021 to 2024 Mr Curtis was Executive Officer of the State Emergency Management Committee, WA’s peak emergency management body.
The Deputy Commissioner position is newly created following a decision to split the Women and Young People directorate within Corrective Services.
The directorate is responsible for providing youth justice services in the community and caring for young people in detention.
“Mr Curtis has been a distinguished leader at DFES, where he effected structural and cultural changes focused on improving outcomes in emergency management,” Department Director General Kylie Maj said.
“He is well prepared to lead the State’s youth custodial and rehabilitation services through a critical period of transformation to deliver therapeutic, trauma-informed care to young people,” Mr Maj said.
Earlier in his career Mr Curtis served in the Western Australian Police Force as a metropolitan and regional-based Police Officer.
Mr Curtis has engaged with young people throughout his time at WA Police through policing activities and participating in mentoring programs with local Aboriginal youth, and emergency service cadet programs within DFES.
He was instrumental in establishing the state-wide partnership between DFES and Justice in the engagement of minimum-security prisoners in emergency service activities.
Mr Curtis has also performed prominent coaching roles in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) at the Perth and Subiaco clubs.
“Our new Deputy Commissioner has an impressive track record in leadership and strategic reform, demonstrated by his achievements at DFES,” Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said.
“He will be integral to not only ensuring the safety and security of young people in our care but also giving them the best opportunity to turn their lives around,” Commissioner Royce said.
Mr Curtis takes up the new position on 8 July.
