Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Reece Kershaw has today congratulated five members of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services on being presented with Australia Day honours.
Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) Deputy Unit Officer Gerard Lessels is receiving the Emergency Services Medal.
District Officer David Letheby and Acting Senior Station Officer Ian McLeod are being awarded the Fire Service Medal.
Assistant Commissioner, Crime, Michael Murphy, and Sergeant Renae McGarvie are being presented with the Australia Police Medal.
Since joining the Northern Territory Emergency Service as a volunteer in 2012, Mr Lessels has been an advocate for equity and diversity. His work to ensure volunteer service as a requirement of the Indigenous Ranger Program highlights his commitment to Indigenous engagement.
“To date, approximately 20 Indigenous women have volunteered for NTES as a result of Mr Lessels’ efforts. The Tjuwanpa Women's Rangers now form an integral part of the Hermannsburg Volunteer Unit,” Mr Kershaw said.
District Officer Letheby was nominated for the Fire Service Medal for his long standing leadership, vision and commitment to advancing the future of the NTFRES and support to members and the communities of the NT since joining the service in 2000.
He has dedicated his career to promoting incident management since joining the NTFRS and organised the hugely successful Australasian Road Rescue Challenge in Alice Springs in 2015.
“Mr Letheby has been deployed on numerous Incident Management Teams for fire emergencies throughout Australia, and travelled to Canada last year to assist with British Columbia’s worst fire season on record.”
“His considerable experience and dedication to the promotion of emergency management, not just in the NT, has showcased the talent available within the Territory,” Mr Kershaw said.
Acting Senior Station Officer McLeod started his career with the Northern Territory Fire Brigade (now Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service) more than fifty years ago and has now served within a number of divisions and commands.
“Acting Senior Station Officer McLeod’s professionalism and foresight has seen him remain at the forefront of change within the service, helping ensure the NTFRS can successfully achieve and implement generational changes across the service.
“He is a worthy and meritorious nominee for the Australian Fire Service Medal due to his outstanding commitment to the fire service and incident management and exemplary personal drive and integrity.”
Assistant Commissioner Murphy joined the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) in 1997, spending time in Alice Springs, Hermannsburg, Papunya, Yuendumu, Kintore, Ngukurr, Katherine and Darwin before being promoted to his current position last year.
Commissioner Kershaw praised Mr Murphy for leading by example and providing a respected and strong role model with clear and consistent values for colleagues.
“Assistant Commissioner Murphy’s ability to provide operational support and immediate decisions was highlighted when he assisted in the successful evacuation of the West Atlas oilrig off the North Shelf of Australia after an explosion.
“He has distinguished service, the ability to shape strategic thinking and achieve results. He possesses the personal drive and integrity required for the award of the Australian Police Medal,” Mr Kershaw said.
Sergeant McGarvie has dedicated her career to working in remote communities since joining NTPF in 1998. Her commitment to enhancing relationships between police and the community has built solid foundations of trust and respect, allowing them to resolve issues.
“Ms McGarvie’s dedication to policing has been exemplary and she is a shining role model for men and women in the service of the community. Through her hard work and dedication, she has inspired others to achieve what she has, both personally and professionally.”
