24/04/2026
As you step into retirement, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for everything you’ve done—not just in your remarkable career in the emergency services, but for the unwavering support you’ve given our group over the years.
Your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a lasting impact on all of us. Whether it was offering guidance, stepping in when it mattered most, or simply being someone we could rely on, your presence has truly made a difference.
While your retirement is well deserved, your absence will certainly be felt. We hope this next chapter brings you the same sense of purpose, fulfillment, and adventure that you’ve given to so many others throughout your career.
Thank you again for your service and your support. Wishing you all the very best for a happy, healthy, and rewarding retirement.
Today we recognise and thank Acting Deputy Chief Officer Darryl Wright for his outstanding service to the South Australian State Emergency Service and the wider emergency services sector as he transitions to retirement.
Since joining the SES in 2006, after 25 years with South Australia Police, Darryl has made major contributions to emergency management, marine rescue, response coordination and operational duties during major rescues, storms, and flooding events in South Australia. Throughout his time with the SES, Darryl has held several important roles, including Manager, Volunteer Marine Rescue & Marine Operations, Deputy State Coordinator, Chief of Staff and most recently Acting Deputy Chief Officer.
Darryl has led the SES response to some of South Australia’s most significant operations and emergencies, including the activation of state and national emergency management arrangements and coordination mechanisms such as the 2010 Stockport Flood, 2014 and 2015 heatwaves, 2016 Statewide blackout and Virginia Flooding, 2019-20 Bushfires, COVID-19 Response and 2022-23 River Murray Flooding events. He has also played a key role in building volunteer marine rescue capability across the state through advances in training, governance, coordination, operational systems and importantly, rescue vessel design.
Darryl's service has also included interstate deployments, including as a Taskforce Commander in Queensland following the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi.
Darryl’s dedication and commitment to the emergency services has supported volunteers, improved response arrangements and helped keep communities safe across the state. His leadership has also extended nationally, where he has helped shape volunteer marine rescue and boating safety arrangements, improving policies and operational standards and advocacy for volunteers across Australia. In 2025, Darryl was fittingly awarded the National Emergency Services Medal, as well as the National Search and Rescue Award for Longstanding Contribution to the Australian Search and Rescue system, for his dedicated service.
In leaving, Darryl has said that during his time in the emergency services he has been fortunate to be a part of strong and committed teams, and he’s proud of what they’ve been able to achieve along the way, particularly in recognising and supporting the vital role that volunteers play in emergency response.
The South Australian State Emergency Service thanks you for your dedication, leadership, and service, Darryl. Your contribution has made a lasting impact.
