Bruce Porter

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Commenced with NT Police in July 1989. Served for over 34 years in a variety of roles and locations in regional and remote Northern Territory (NT) including specialist areas such as the Territory Response Group.

I was involved in many memorable moments including attending the death of Aboriginal community police officer Kumanjayi Spencer and 3 children, the 1996 Palmerston shootings where 4 police officers and a civilian were shot, the largest Marijuana crop in the NT at Hidden Valley Station (11,000 plants), the 1998 Katherine floods and attending the 2000 Sydney Olympics as a bomb technician.

Responsible for response to significant events including planning and coordinating numerous high-profile operations including the Asia Pacific Economies Co-operation (APEC) 2000 Trade Ministers Forum and the 2005 Arafura Games. As the commander, Northern Command had responsibility for 28 police districts. As the regional controller in February and March 2015 I was responsible for emergency management of severe Tropical Cyclones Lam and Nathan including the major flooding and evacuation of Nauiyu Community over Christmas New Year 2015/2016. Responsible for Task Force Protect having inward looking focus during the COVID-19 pandemic on planning, communication and ensuring the safety and welfare of all staff during the long term crisis.

Recognition includes the Australian Police Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Service Medal and 25 year National Clasp, NT Police Service Medal and 20 and 30 year clasps, Commissioner’s Outstanding Leadership Medal, Commissioner’s Commendation, NT Police Remote Service Ribbon and Australian Federal Police Operations Medal, Group Citation in celebration of 150 years of Policing in the NT and a New South Wales Police Olympic Citation.