One of Queensland’s highest ranking police officers, who oversaw the Covid vaccine rollout, has been appointed the state’s new Disaster Co-ordinator.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy takes on the new role from January 9.

As Queensland’s vaccine co-ordinator he was responsible for overseeing logistical and operational aspects and assisting authorities during the 2021 rollout of vaccination clinics.

He also previously co-chaired the State Disaster Co-ordination Group and for ten years was co-ordinator of the State Disaster Co-ordination Centre, leading responses to cyclones, floods and fires.

As Disaster Co-ordinator he replaces Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, who has been appointed Special Co-ordinator for Police and Emergency Services reform following the Commission of Inquiry into Police Responses to Domestic and Family Violence.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk paid tribute to both men.

“One of the strengths of Queensland’s management of natural disasters is having a permanent State Disaster Co-ordinator,” the Premier said.

“Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski became a familiar face, standing beside Queensland during some of our worst natural disasters including the darkest days of the pandemic when police protected our borders.”

Deputy Commissioner Chelepy has served in the state’s police service for more than 35 years, including as commander of police specialist operations.