Congratulations to the five NT Police, Fire and Emergency Service members and volunteers that have been named as recipients of Australia Day honours.
Career Firefighter Nathan Ferguson and Volunteer Firefighter Mr Robert Burges have been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal. Superintendent Peter Malley and Senior Sergeant Shaun Furniss were awarded the Australian Police Medal. Career and Volunteer Emergency Service officer Ian Smith has been awarded the Emergency Service Medal.
All have shown incredible dedication to serving their community over many years of service.
Nathan Ferguson
Mr Nathan Ferguson began his firefighting career with the Australian Army then became a volunteer with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) in 2000, serving with the Howard Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade, where he regularly responded to callouts and became an integral part of the volunteer team. In 2007 he transferred as a career firefighter to the NTFRS and was posted to Alice Springs Fire Station.
He was promoted to Station Officer at the Tennant Creek Fire Station in 2015 and since then he has led many initiatives, including securing funding to modernise the Tennant Creek Fire Station, which lifted the station profile in the town and boosted morale of the small team of volunteers and members. In 2020, he was transferred to serve in the Capabilities Development Command in Darwin where he currently operates with distinction. Mr Ferguson remains a strong leader and is committed to serving the NTFRS and more importantly the wider community.
Robert Burges
Mr Robert Burgess has been a volunteer firefighter with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) since 2007 and currently holds the position of Brigade Captain with the Humpty Doo Volunteer Fire Brigade (HDVFB). Having served for over 15 years with the HDVFB, he has been the backbone of the brigade in terms of training, recruitment, mentorship, recognition and other areas. He works tirelessly to enhance the training of all volunteer and auxiliary firefighters across the NTFRS particularly in the area of wildfire suppression and the techniques used to bring a wildfire under control.
Ever dedicated to supporting his fellow firefighters and the community, he also provides ongoing station relief for both Katherine and Jabiru track fire stations. Mr Burgess's commitment, drive, leadership and enthusiasm for his role continues to make a significate difference to protecting our community and raising the profile of volunteer firefighters.
Peter Malley
Superintendent Peter Malley has worked for the Northern Territory Police Force for over 20 years. He first served as a Police Officer with the Victoria Police for 11 years, working mostly in criminal investigations. He joined the Northern Territory Police Force in 2001 and was posted to Alice Springs, where he worked in general duties and the Alice Springs Criminal Investigation Branch before being transferred to Northern Investigations in Darwin and then the Special Operations Sections in 2004.
He was promoted to Superintendent in 2021 and currently manages Palmerston and Road Policing. Since commencing in this role, he has rebuilt community confidence and developed a culture that embraces professionalism. Superintendent Malley is committed to operational policing and is passionate about helping his people and serving the community.
Shaun Furniss
Senior Sergeant Shaun Furniss has worked on the frontline for over 33 years having joined the Northern Territory Police Force in 1988. He has had an extensive and diverse policing career serving in a vast range of locations and positions throughout the Territory.
In 2021 he commenced as the Officer in Charge of Southern Desert Division. Having served at three of the remote stations within the division, his skills, local knowledge and vast operational and remote experience has helped drive the division from strength to strength. Senior Sergeant Furniss is highly trusted and respected by both the officers he leads and the community members and stakeholders he engages.
Ian Smith
Mr Ian Smith joined the Northern Territory Emergency Service in 1995 as a volunteer cadet with the Palmerston Volunteer Unit, where he served until he moved to Alice Springs in 2005, he re-commenced with the Alice Springs Volunteer Unit in 2007.
Since then, he has held various career and volunteer roles in the Southern Command often concurrently, including Deputy Unit Officer, Operations Support Officer, Volunteer Unit Officer, Rescue Officer and NTES Area Manager for the Barkly Region.
It is estimated that he volunteers more than 500 hours of his own time every year to help his community, including as a team leader of the Alice Springs Motorsports Fire and Rescue crew and previously with the Alice Springs Men's Shed. Having served as a volunteer for over 25 years, Mr Smith has demonstrated superior dedication and commitment to NTES and to the community.
Quotes:
Commissioner of Police and CEO of the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, Jamie Chalker APM said "I speak on behalf of the entire NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services in congratulating these members for their dedicated service to the Northern Territory.
"These medals are a testament to your achievements and you are all role models to those within your chosen fields.
"Nathan, Rob, Peter, Shaun and Ian have not asked for recognition or thanks but their dedication should be acknowledged and I thank you for your service."
