NT constables Aaron Larsen, Deborah Bradley win Police Bravery Awards
Two Territory constables have received National Police Bravery Awards for their heroics during violent Wadeye riots. Read about their life-saving actions while under attack.
Northern Territory
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A pair of NT police officers has been nationally recognised for their “heroic actions” during deadly riots in one of the Territory’s most notoriously troubled communities.
Constables Aaron Larsen and Deborah Bradley both received a National Police Bravery Award on Tuesday evening for their response to unrest in Wadeye in May last year.
The riots, which stem from decades-old family feuds and remain unresolved, left 37 homes destroyed, dozens of others damaged and hundreds of people displaced.
A man also died when a steel bar was thrown at him, piercing his skull.
Constables Bradley and Larsen had been working in the West Daly community – just two years into their Territory policing career – when they were alerted to a group of about 200 “heavily armed” community members.
“A large number of these persons had heavily armed themselves with weapons, which included, axes, homemade battle axes, steel bars, spears, rocks, crossbows and compound bows, among other dangerous and deadly weapons,” an NT Police spokeswoman said.
“Police became aware that a male had been shot through the leg with an arrow from a crossbow.
“Due to the serious hostility and risk of harm, medical staff were not able to attend the location to assist.”
Constable Bradley and another officer, Matthew Grey, went to the aid of the man and conveyed him to the local health clinic where about 100 rioters began throwing rocks and spears at the group.
Constable Larsen and Sergeant Jamie Cobern ordered the “angry crowd” to disperse but their commands were ignored as the rioters closed in on police.
“OC munitions were deployed, with little effect on the crowd. Ultimately, police used a vehicle as a form of shield, reversing up to an entry point of the clinic,” the spokeswoman said.
“Officers Bradley and Grey carried the injured male inside, while Larsen and Cobern attempted to disperse the rioters.”
“All of the members in this instance displayed exceptional bravery in a hostile and violent circumstance … (displaying) amazing teamwork and co-ordination to protect the life of the injured community member, health clinic staff and themselves, along with critical infrastructure.”
Both constables said the Medals were the “greatest recognition of their career” as they thanked Sergeant Cobern and Constable Grey for showing the “same bravery”.
NT Police Association president Nathan Finn said their actions were a shining example of policing in the Territory.
“The brave men and women of the NT Police Force willingly place themselves in harm’s way every single day,” he said.
“Their dedication to keeping our communities safe is nothing short of remarkable.”
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