Acting Senior Sergeant Renae McGarvie is the 2014 recipient of the prestigious Patricia Anne Brennan Award, recognising significant contribution to women in the Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
The Commissioner of Police and CEO of the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, Mr John McRoberts APM, said this was an esteemed award presented to an outstanding member of the tri-service.
"I congratulate Renae on this significant achievement that recognises her outstanding contribution to women within the tri-service. She has been a passionate and dedicated member of the Northern Territory Police Force for the past 16 years, inspiring her male and female peers and contributing whole heartedly to the communities in which she has served.
“Through her own hard work and dedication, Renae has inspired others to achieve what she has achieved both personally and professionally. Her commitment shines through with the professionalism displayed at the remote postings throughout her career and externally in more recent times as she prepares for the Tour de Cure, a 1500km bike ride from Sydney to Hobart raising funds for cancer, later this month,” he said.
Acting Senior Sergeant McGarvie joined the Northern Territory Police Force in 1998. With 16 years in the Police Force, Sergeant McGarvie has taken up postings in Alice Springs as well as the remote stations of Alyangula and Adelaide River. An Instructor at the PFES College for five years, Renae has been invaluable as a role model and leader for the exceptional men and women taking up postings in the Northern Territory Police Force in that time. Renae has been awarded a Northern Territory Police Service Medal, a Remote Service Ribbon and a 15 year Service Medal.
Sergeant Renae McGarvie was humbled when she was nominated for the award.
“I am both honoured and shocked to receive this prestigious award and believe it needs to be shared with the great people I have worked with and met throughout this amazing career with NT Police.
“Thank you to all of my family foremost, my colleagues, and friends who have supported me throughout my career. It’s a true honour to receive this award. Thank you,” she said.
Background Info:
The Patricia Anne Brennan Award is awarded for a significant contribution to women in the NTPFES by an individual. The award consists of a perpetual trophy, a keepsake trophy and a pin to be worn on the uniform in perpetuity by the recipient, instituted in 2006 with the first award presented to Superintendent Anne-Marie Murphy APM in 2007.
The Patricia Anne Brennan Award is named in honour of Constable First Class Patricia Brennan, a member of the Northern Territory Police Force from 1977 to 1991.
Following service in the Australian Army, Patricia joined the NT Police in May 1977. During Recruit Training, Patricia received the Most Dedicated Student Award for her outstanding commitment to her training.
On graduation, Patricia was among the first group of women Police Officers in the Northern Territory to wear the uniform and perform General Duties. This pioneering group of women faced a tough time dealing with a public accustomed to an all-male uniformed Police Force. Patricia’s resolve and determination quickly brought her to the attention of Police management and she was selected for a number of difficult and demanding jobs.
Patricia met her future husband Michael (Mick) Brennan while they were serving in the Army together. Mick had joined the NT Police in 1976 and following Patricia’s Recruit Training and posting to Darwin General Duties, they married in 1978.
Patricia and Mick served together in Nhulunbuy from 1978 to 1981, one of the first husband and wife teams to do so in a remote location in the NT.
Patricia and Mick had four children, Laura, David, James and Thomas.
Over the next decade, Patricia continued to work in General Duties and Crime, paving the way for future generations of women police.
Sadly, Patricia became seriously ill in 1990 and passed-away on 18 February 1991 (from cancer).
