NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker pledges to reform mental health at Michael Deutrom’s memorial

NT Police Commissioner made a mental health reform pledge to the grieving loved ones of a 44-year-old fallen officer.

WED MAY 11: POLICE Commissioner Jamie Chalker pledged to the grieving loved ones of a 44-year-old fallen officer that he would reform mental health services for the front lines.

Mr Chalker stood in front of Michael ‘Micky D’ Deutrom’s family and a wall of blue uniforms to share his grief over the loss of one of the Territory’s “greatest guardian angels”.

Police officers wiped away tears and clutched their caps during an emotional memorial to the 44-year-old Territory officer who took his own life in April.

Mr Deutrom was one of three suicides among current and former NT police officers in three months.

NT Police officer Michael ’Micky D‘ Deutrom, 44, took his own life on April 16, 2022.

Mr Chalker said Mr Deutrom “dedicated his life to policing” and was proud of “the lives he touched, the lives he saved”.

“We have been discussing our future steps to make sure he will save lives in the future.”

NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services just underwent an independent Support and Wellbeing service review last month, and at the memorial Mr Chalker committed to implementing its recommendations.

“The health and wellbeing review unfortunately was not able to be completed in time to prevent us being here today,” Mr Chalker said.

“We have to acknowledge PTSD, mental illness, depression and life are challenging, and there is no one size fits all.

“We must change, we will change.”

Mr Chalker said Mr Deutrom, his brother who was also a NT Police officer, and their family had advocated for the reforms.

“I know what he wants, because he told me as much. I will respect that. I will deliver that.”

Mr Chalker reminisced about conversations with Mr Deutrom about improving the force, particularly over officer welfare issues.

“Because it is true that the social challenges we face place those of us who work in this agency at the front line and it can be relentless — It is relentless.”

Mr Chalker said Mr Deutrom’s code, 2061, should become a “trigger” to all police and emergency services.

“2061. Think about him, think about you, put your hand up,” he said.

“That’s what Micky D wants you to do. Ask for help. Look after each other”

NT Police officer Michael ’Micky D’ Deutrom, 44, took his own life on April 16, 2022.

“As a person, we just want to know what we could have done and there is no answer.”

Emeritus Archbishop Eugene Harley said police worked in a challenging environment that exposed them to incidents “that trouble the human heart”.

“He was exposed to scenes and experiences that challenge our very humanity. None of us are made of steel,” Mr Harley said.

“PTSD is a sickness of the spirit that makes living a struggle.

“Often in these professions these experiences are treated as part of the job and one can be regarded as a bit soft if there’s a suggestion of needing help to cope.

“Providing proper care is the very least we can expect.”

Through tears one man shared his grief and pledged to his fallen mate to become “the best person I can while I still remain on this earth”.

Fellow officers dabbed their eyes as he finished his speech with a final message to Mr Deutrom.

“We love you,” he said.

It comes a week after an interstate funeral with his family, some of whom could not attend the Wednesday memorial because of Covid.

Mr Chalker extended his support to the family, many of whom are also serving with the NT Police.

“The things that he did in his career, with his family, as the broader police family, we could not be more proud,” he said.

“The Deutrom name was already synonymous with the Northern Territory Police Force.”

NT Police officer Michael ’Micky D‘ Deutrom, 44, took his own life on April 16, 2022.

Concluding the formal ceremony Mr Chalker presented the family a crisply folded Australian flag, Mr Deutrom’s medals and a police cap as symbols of his service.

A loved one whispered ‘thank you” to the top cop as she held Mr Deutrom’s medals. Mr Chalker replied with a solemn salute.

The hundred-strong crowd doffed their hats and wiped away tears as the Australian, Territory and NT Police flag fluttered together in a marching procession out of the room.

The memorial came a week after an interstate funeral with Mr Deutrom’s family.

The Wednesday memorial was live streamed to Facebook but a police spokesman later said it was intended to be a private ceremony and was shared in error.

NT Police make up the bulk of mental health emergency service compensation claims

UPDATE 4PM, MAY 4: PSYCHOLOGICAL scars have forced nearly 30 Territory first responders to leave the front lines over 12 months.

NT WorkSafe has confirmed police, firefighters and paramedics all made compensation claims for psychological injuries last year.

A spokesman for the work safety watchdog said police officers made up the bulk of mental health claims from emergency services.

More than 90 per cent the Work Safe claims were from police, with a total of 27 mental health compensation claims.

One firefighter and one ambulance officer made the same claim over the same period.

It comes as the police community is once again in mourning following the suicide of a former Senior Sergeant and mental health advocate.

The 57-year-old, who the NT News has chosen not to name, died on Sunday following a long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

This is the third suicide in the Territory policing community, following the death of two serving officers.

NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services are preparing for a potential overhaul of their employee welfare policies following an independent review.

Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy confirmed that police officers had taken part in a survey last month, which formed part of an independent review into the NTPFES Support and Wellbeing service.

‘The recommendations will be progressed as a priority,” Mr Murphy said.

The Police Minister Nichole Manison said work to implement the review’s recommendations was underway.

“Once implemented, the outcomes of this review will see a stronger delivery of support and wellbeing services for our officers,” a spokeswoman for her officer said.

In 2020 the Territory Government introduced legislation to make it easier for police to access compensation claims for psychological problems.

The presumptive legislation would mean if a police officer lodged a workers compensation claim for psychological problems, it would be presumed to be a result of work.

Former NT police officer and PTSD advocate dies by suicide

INITIAL MAY 3: THE police community is once again in mourning after a well-known Senior Sergeant took his own life.

The family of a former Territory sergeant has confirmed he passed away on Sunday at 57-years-old, following a long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.

After nearly three-decades with the force, the Sergeant left Territory police in 2017.

The NT News has chosen not to name the man.

The sergeant was described by loved ones as a “gentleman”, “a leader but an equal” and a “legend”. But behind his laid-back and funny quips was a dark battle against inner demons.

The well-known policeman had previously opened up to the NT News about the toll of his PTSD when he took medical leave from the force in 2015.

Following his diagnosis, the sergeant said he wanted to dedicate his time to helping fellow emergency service workers deal with the psychological scars of their service.

Across almost three decades with police at Darwin, Nhulunbuy Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Ntaria stations, the sergeant said he saw “some of the most horrific incidents commonly faced by police”.

“Anything that was going to go bad seemed to happen when I was on shift. I knew these incidents were having an effect on me but I did not understand what it was doing to me initially,” he said.

Even after particularly traumatic incidents he said he would put on a “brave face” for his junior officers.

“I was too ‘tough’, too ‘proud’, too ‘ashamed’ to accept or seek help. I self medicated. I turned to alcohol as my peer support and … allowed it to take control of my life,” he said.

He said the NT Police helped him, first through their Employee Support Services and later through an outsourced treatment team. The senior officer went on medical leave, and according to a NT Police spokesman left the force two years later in 2017.

Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy said the retired officer had built many friendships and strong community ties in his policing journey.

“(He) was a dedicated police officer who was loved and held in the highest regard by his work colleagues and the community he served,” Mr Murphy said.

“We extend our love and support to (his) family who continually cared for him especially his sons as well as (his) friends and colleagues.”

Police Legacy charity, Run4Blue confirmed the passing of the mental health advocate, saying the Territory cop’s frankness and humour “made it real for the tough old school cops, making it OK to not be OK.”

“Despite the rough exterior, this man was the most gentle and caring person,” a Facebook post said.

“You touched so many hearts, made so much change and had so many looking up to you. I am so sorry, you lost your battle.”

The NT News understands this is the third suicide in the Territory policing community, following the death of two serving officers.

Northern Territory Police Association President Paul McCue said they had lobbied for an independent review into the health and wellbeing services for employees, with a survey held last month.

“We understand the results … now sit with the NT Police and we are eagerly awaiting the findings of the review,” Mr McCue said.

“There is an overwhelming need for an overhaul of these services … We look forward to working with the Commissioner and government to see an improved framework of services available to our members both during and after their careers.”

Mr Murphy said the independent review into the NTPFES Support and Wellbeing service had been completed and included consultation with police officers.

He said the recommendations will be progressed as a priority.

Mr Murphy encouraged any Northern Territory Police members to contact the Support and Wellbeing team or their peer support officers if they needed support or wanted to access assistance.

“Our members do an incredibly important and demanding job every day to keep our community safe,” he said.

Police Minister Nicole Manison extended her sympathy to the sergeant’s loved ones.

“(He) was truly loved and his passing is devastating,” Ms Manison said.

“My thoughts are with (his) family, friends and the NT Police Force.”

Read the online tributes

Richard Wehipeihana: So sad to hear the passing of a true gentleman to the demons that wouldn’t let him enjoy the life he so much deserved. Rest peacefully mate.

Chris Smith: I have no words. ️ We will all miss you more than you will ever know.

You have been there for everyone of us when we needed a laugh … We don’t know what to say mate, we love you and I know you knew that. But I just want to tell you again! We all do … Ride in peace. You will be with us forever laughing in the mornings.

Paul Walsh: The times beers and laughs we shared over the years I will always remember one of the best blokes I’ve met your generosity and kindness was amazing til we catch up again my friend and share a beer rest easy legend RIP mate

Kerin Souey: So many true words. He was truly one of the best. Always had our backs and always believed in our ability to get the job done. He was an inspiration. I cried many tears last night my friend. You were an amazing person. You always talked to us and not down on us. We needed more people like you and much less of some others. A leader but an equal. You didn’t dictate but encouraged and supported us. You listened, you helped, you assisted and you believed. Thank you for your service, your kindness and your leadership. Such valuable qualities … R.I.P. … No more Black Dog.

Bee Ree: No, no, no – although I never met (him) I pretty much feel like he was a part of me growing up in the Territory, (he) always gave me a giggle as he was so bloody honest. He served up some true pearls of wisdom whilst being so eerily similar to my own dad. RIP … to your colleagues, friends and family please accept my condolences on the loss of a true legend of a man.

Julia Martin: What a wonderful human he was and the world is that bit more dull without him. He made a lasting impact on me, you definitely knew when he liked you and I have no doubt he knew how much we all loved him.

Fly high you absolute legend of a person.

Jeananne Baker: A huge loss to all who knew him

Simone Eff: Rest easy … your shift is done.

Damien Chisholm: RIP … It was always going to be a good shift when you were in charge! ️

Prue Roubicek: How tragic. To (his) family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathy. (He) was and is a legend throughout the Territory. May he rest peacefully now, poor man, and may you all be able to find peace. Bless you all.

Tammy Watson: This man served with so much passion and dedication. A veteran cop who shared his stories to really push the mental health message. He was our rock, our go to guy and no matter what the problem was he would without doubt make time for you … You will continue to be in my thoughts. RIP big fella.

Three in three months … something has to change!

Marissa Campbell: May your legend fly high and at peace. Thank you for the memories and the support. You are and forever will be missed by everyone.

Dingo Cubs Rugby Union Football Club: It is with heavy hearts this morning that we share the new of another Cubbie passing, (he) joined the Dingo Cubs many, many years ago and even when he moved out of Alice he would always check in to see how we were going, ordering merchandise and wearing his shirts with pride.

PTSD is real, depression is real. If you need to talk over a coffee, we are here for you … Always! ️Once a Cubbie, always a Cubbie. ️