NT Police Senior Constable Ian Spilsbury, Senior Sergeant Stefan Herold awarded Australian Police Medal

A crime scene investigator whose discoveries led to the arrest of one of the Territory’s most notorious killers and the head of the anti-terrorism unit have both been awarded with the nation’s highest honour for police. Read their stories here.

NT Police Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury and Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold were awarded the Australian Police Medal on Saturday, January 26.

Two Territory police officers who have spent decades serving and protecting the community have been honoured with the Australian Police Medal.

Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold and Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury were awarded with their medals on Saturday evening, recognising their dedication and passion for the force.

Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said the medals were a testament to the two officers’ dedication.

“Both have become leaders in their fields, elevating the work of those around them and shaping this agency into place I am proud to lead,” Mr Murphy said.

Senior Constable Ian Spilsbury

NT Police Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury was awarded the Australian Police Medal on Saturday, January 25.

A crime scene investigator who helped locked up the man responsible for one of the Territory’s most haunting missing persons’ cold cases has been awarded the Australian Police Medal.

The Alice Springs-based Senior Constable Ian John Spilsbury was one of the crime scene examiners who investigated the disappearance of 28-year-old British backpacker Peter Falconio, and gave evidence against his murderer Bradley Murdoch.

Over his two decades in the scientific division, Mr Spilsbury has become a nationally recognised figure in the field of forensic science working in bomb scene examination training and disaster victim identification.

He has also been recognised for his involvement in high-profile investigations and his contributions to disaster response efforts, such as the Black Saturday bushfires.

Starting in the Forensic Science Branch in 1999, Mr Spilsbury has risen through the ranks to become the team leader for the five-member Alice Springs Crime Scene Examination Unit, which covers incidents from Elliot to the South Australian border.

“His work ethic is unparalleled, often involving long hours, extensive travel, and work in remote areas with limited resources,” a police spokesman said.

Senior Sergeant Stefan Herold

NT Police Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold was awarded the Australian Police Medal on Saturday, January 26.

Senior Sergeant Stefan Vilhelm Herold has been the calm force in the centre of the Territory’s worst disasters, managing police through critical incidents, natural disasters, and major operations for decades.

While looking towards his retirement after 42 years with the force, Mr Herold was granted the highest honour in his field on Saturday, the Australian Police Medal.

Commissioner Murphy said Mr Herold’s medal would “now serve as a symbol of just how exceptional that career was”.

Capping off an illustrious career, Mr Herold has led the Territory security section for the past three years, shaping the Territory’s counter-terrorism and security approach through “meticulous planning, co-ordination, and communication.

Across his four decades of service, Mr Herold has jumped into roles ranging from general duties, traffic, marine and fisheries enforcement, tactical response group, firearms, forensic, water police and the Territory security services.

During his time as the head of the water police, Mr Herold also led many maritime search and rescue operations, fisheries enforcement, including training Indigenous Sea Rangers, and maritime border security during the Covid-19 public health emergency.

But it was his years of expertise in the counter terrorism and emergency management sector that truly allowed Mr Herold to display his co-ordination and management expertise.

Mr Herold was one of the first to put his hand up for the newly created NT Police Counter Terrorism Security Coordination Unit in 2004, and was appointed the first officer in charge of the expanded Security and Emergency Coordination Section in 2010.

“(He) has consistently demonstrated professionalism, ensuring the safety and security of the community through meticulous planning, co-ordination, and communication,” a police spokesman said.

Originally published as NT Police Senior Constable Ian Spilsbury, Senior Sergeant Stefan Herold awarded Australian Police Medal