Congratulations to the two members of the Northern Territory Police Force named today as recipients of the Australian Police Medal.
Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold and Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury have now joined an elite rank of Australian police officers who have served their community to the highest level of professionalism and dedication.
Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold
Senior Sergeant Herold's exceptional career in the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) spans over 42 years, marked by distinguished service in urban, remote and specialist areas. Joining the NTP in March 1982, Senior Sergeant Herold has been an integral part of the police, serving in multiple capacities including general duties, traffic, marine and fisheries enforcement, tactical response group, firearms, forensic, water police, counter terrorism, emergency management, and the Territory security services.
His leadership has been particularly noteworthy in the Territory security section from 2021 to 2024. He has displayed outstanding management skills supporting capability development, exercise management and coordination response in support of critical incidents, natural disasters, and police operations. Senior Sergeant Herold has consistently demonstrated professionalism, ensuring the safety and security of the community through meticulous planning, coordination, and communication with both internal and external stakeholders. His ability to convey crucial information effectively to senior executives has been instrumental in shaping security and counter-terrorism strategies.
Throughout his career, Senior Sergeant Herold has shown a remarkable capacity for adapting to change, embracing diversity, and fostering an inclusive work environment. He demonstrated his commitment when joining the newly created NT Police Counter Terrorism Security Coordination Unit in 2004 and then being appointed the first officer in charge of the expanded Security and Emergency Coordination Section in 2010.
Senior Sergeant Herold has increased responsibility for counter terrorism and emergency management coordination, security intelligence and major event planning, highlights his forward-thinking approach and dedication to community safety.
His contributions to maritime safety as officer in charge of the Water Police section further exemplify his commitment to service. Here he was responsible for maritime search and rescue operations, fisheries enforcement, including Indigenous Sea Ranger training, and maritime border security during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Senior Sergeant Herold's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, leadership, and courage. His extensive experience and contributions to the community highlight his lifetime of service and excellence in policing.
Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury
Senior Constable Spilsbury's career with the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) exemplifies dedication and excellence in forensic science. Since joining the NTP in January 1995, and transferring to the Forensic Science Branch in 1999, Senior Principal Examiner Spilsbury has been a pillar of expertise and leadership in the Southern region. His commitment to forensic science has seen him progress through the ranks, earning qualification as a principal examiner in 2011 and taking on the role of team leader for the Alice Springs Crime Scene Examination Unit in 2013.
Senior Constable Spilsbury’s leadership extends across a vast and challenging region, where he mentors and guides a team of five officers in responding to incidents from Elliott to the South Australian border. His work ethic is unparalleled, often involving long hours, extensive travel, and work in remote areas with limited resources. His dedication to his discipline is evident not only in his daily responsibilities but also in his role as the bomb scene examination capability manager for the NTP, where he represents the force nationally and contributes to disaster victim identification.
Over his career, he has received multiple accolades for his contributions. His work was pivotal in the successful prosecution of a man who murdered an English backpacker. He has also been recognised for his involvement in high-profile investigations and his contributions to disaster response efforts, such as the Black Saturday bushfires. His recent work in identifying evidence that led to the rapid arrest of a sexual assault suspect in 2019 further highlights his impact. Senior Constable Spilsbury’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and willingness to mentor others have made him an invaluable asset to the NTPF and a respected figure in the field of forensic science.
Commissioner of Police Michael Murphy APM said, “I speak for the entire Northern Territory Police Force when I congratulate both Stefan and Ian on receiving the Australian Police Medal.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication both have shown in upholding the values of our agency, and protecting and serving the communities in which they both live.
“Both have become leaders in their fields, elevating the work of those around them and shaping this agency into place I am proud to lead.
“Senior Sergeant Herald will soon retire after his 42-year career with the NT Police Force and this medal will now serve as a symbol of just how exceptional that career was.
“I wish to personally thank both Stefan and Ian for their service, and their families for their support across their successful careers.”
