Honour for former cop

A LITTLE over a week after the announcement of his retirement, former Santa Teresa police officer Phillip Alice has been formally recognised for his services.

Much loved member, Senior Aboriginal Community Police Officer Philip Alice, will be walking out of the station for the last time afer serving the police force for 24 years. Photo Justin Brierty

A LITTLE over a week after the announcement of his retirement, former Santa Teresa police officer Phillip Alice has been formally recognised for his services.

He has been nominated for the Pride of Australia Medal 2014 in the Heroism category for the 24 years he has spent protecting and serving the remote Indigenous community.

Known by his colleagues as the longest-serving Aboriginal police officer within the southern Command, Mr Alice has undertaken countless brave and heroic operations to protect the lives of individuals throughout the region.

He stands as a positive role model to children through his dedication to the safety of the local community and admirable leadership qualities and has become one of the most loved and well-respected identities in Central Australia.

Long-time colleague Sergeant Don Fry recently told the Centralian Advocate that Mr Alice’s dedication to both his job and local community made him an invaluable member of the team.

“He has always impressed me as a person who wants to contribute, who wants to come to work and who wants to be part of the organisation,” he said.

“I can only use the expression ‘invaluable’. He is someone who is part of the community, trusted and known by the community. You can’t get better.”

There are 10 awards up for grabs in this year’s Pride of Australia Medal 2014 – the Outstanding Bravery Medal, Courage Medal, Heroism Medal, Community Spirit Medal, Child of Courage Medal, Young Leader Medal, Care and Compassion Medal, Inspiration Medal, Environment Medal and Fair Go Medal.

If you know someone who, like Mr Alice, has a fantastic story worth sharing, please nominate them before 5pm on Tuesday, July 29.

You can nominate a potential recipient by sending in the nomination form in the paper or online at ntnews.com.au/prideofaustralia.

The finalists will be announced on Sunday, September 28, with state ceremonies around the country to follow.