Top Honours For Emergency Service Members
A trio of NT Fire and Emergency Services members have been recognised for their dedication and commitment to service in the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List.
Bushfires NT trailblazer Lee Humphris has been awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal for her contributions to the organisation, and to women in the Northern Territory. Ms Humphris has been a cornerstone of Bushfires NT for nearly 30 years, starting out as the founding member of the Beatrice Hill Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, and has risen to lead in roles including senior regional fire control officer, senior regional fire management officer, and Assistant Director of Operations.
Ms Humphris continues to set the standard in a male dominated industry, cementing her as one of the most respected and accomplished members of Bushfires NT.
NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) Senior Station Officer James Bromley has also received an Australian Fire Service Medal for his leadership and contribution to the community. Mr Bromley first joined the NTFRS in 2013, and rapidly rose through the ranks as a firefighter. He has consistently demonstrated leadership, excelling in firefighting operations and emergency response, and has been deployed to multiple high-profile incidents including the Tiwi Islands in 2023, Samoa in 2019 and Christmas Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Promoted to Senior Station Officer earlier this year, Mr Bromley remains a key figure in shaping the future of the NTFRS and is a passionate advocate for firefighter wellbeing and mental health.
Former Director of the NT Emergency Service, Ms Fleur O’Connor, has been awarded an Emergency Services Medal for her outstanding service to the community. Ms O’Connor began her service with the Virginia Bees Creek Volunteer Fire Brigade in September 2011 and quickly progressed to the role of volunteer captain. In addition to her volunteer work, Ms O’Connor’s diverse career in emergency services commenced in 2010. In 2019, Ms O’Connor was appointed Chief Officer (formerly titled Director) of the NT Emergency Service, and her leadership was central to managing significant emergencies across the Northern Territory including the COVID-19 pandemic, Tropical Cyclones Claudia, Tiffany, Annika and Ellie, and flood management and community evacuations.
As the first female Chief Officer of NTES, Ms O’Connor demonstrated exceptional commitment to building the resilience of the Territory and its communities in response to emergency events.
Quotes attributable to Acting Commissioner for NT Fire and Emergency Services Collene Bremner:
“Congratulations to our recipients – these accolades are a tremendous honour, and I am incredibly proud of the ongoing work of our emergency services staff across the Territory.
“Your commitment and dedication to service ensures the safety of our community and resilience in the face of emergencies.”
https://nt.gov.au/