Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole and NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb APM have congratulated the NSW Police Force employees who have been recognised for their outstanding service as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours.
Ten sworn officers have been awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM), and one has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM), for outstanding service to the NSW Police Force.
The NSW Police Force APM recipients are:
• Superintendent Danielle Emerton
• Detective Superintendent Martin James Fileman
• Superintendent Paul James Fuller
• Chief Inspector Christine Anne George
• Detective Chief Inspector William Peter McKenna
• Detective Superintendent Jodi Patricia Radmore
• Sergeant Steve Robert Schausinger
• Superintendent Alfio Sergi
• Superintendent Gregory John Taylor
• Ms Fiona Jane West
• Ms Natalie Marsic
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police, Paul Toole said the awards reflect the tireless work and dedication of police across our state.
“So much of the incredible work police undertake on a daily basis goes unnoticed in the eyes of the public, so today is about giving these officers the recognition they deserve,” Mr Toole said.
“The 10 people who have received awards today have gone above and beyond for their respective communities, victims of crime and their families across our state.”
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said she was beyond proud of the officers recognised in today’s honours.
“These officers have shown incredible dedication to service and are the very definition of what it means to be an exceptional member of our force.
“From pioneering new policing strategies to championing minority groups in their local communities, I thank these officers for their contribution and commitment,” Commissioner Webb said.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL RECIPIENTS
Superintendent Danielle EMERTON
Superintendent Danielle Emerton joined the NSW Police Force in 1994 at Newtown Police Station.
She was first recognised as a Probationary Constable in 1995, when she received a Region Commander’s Unit Citation for her involvement in a siege situation where she was threatened by an offender armed with a firearm.
In 2014, Superintendent Emerton was promoted to Inspector, where she performed tactical and portfolio duties at Burwood and Northern Beaches Police Area Commands.
She received a Region Commander’s Commendation in recognition for her professionalism, courage and bravery exhibited in the peaceful resolution of a siege in Enfield in 2015.
From 2016 to 2021, Superintendent Emerton relieved extensively as PAC Commander in all three Metropolitan Regions.
She was instrumental in the development of the Human Rights Discovery Tool in 2021, which is used as an educational reference tool state-wide.
Last year, Superintendent Emerton created the iLead Women’s Development Program, a course which aims to embrace and strengthen women’s leadership.
Currently the Auburn Police Area Commander, Superintendent Emerton has gained a variety of experience in specialist, corporate, emergency management, tactical, and managerial positions.
Detective Superintendent Martin James FILEMAN
Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman began his career with the NSW Police Force in 1987 at Petersham and then Drummoyne Police Station.
In 1991, he was recognised for his work into the investigation of the Strathfield shopping mall Massacre.
Ten years later, Commissioner Peter Ryan awarded him the New South Wales Premier and Emergency Services Award for Leadership.
Detective Superintendent Fileman helped establish and coordinate Strike Force RAPTOR In 2009; undoubtedly one of the most successful and effective crime fighting tools against Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
As the Commander of Mudgee Local Area Command, Detective Superintendent Fileman oversaw the Coonabarabran Emergency Operations Centre during the major bushfire in 2012 and was awarded the Region Commander’s Commendation.
In 2013, he became the Commander of the State Technical Investigation Branch, responsible for the deployment of covert electronic surveillance for serious and major crime state-wide.
He moved to Commander of the Drug and Firearms Squad and Organised Crime Squad, before returning to the Eastern Suburbs as a Commander.
Superintendent Fileman is currently the Commander of Sydney City PAC.
Superintendent Paul James FULLER
Superintendent Paul Fuller begun his career at Parramatta in 1984, before moving to Granville, Wallendbeen, Cootamundra and Taree, where he was promoted Sergeant by 2002.
In 2008, he took on the role of Inspector at Kempsey, transferring then to Port Macquarie in 2011 and Manning-Great Lakes in 2017.
He was promoted to Superintendent in 2020, when he became Commander of Camden PAC.
Superintendent Fuller is recognised as a strong advocate for local Aboriginal communities. He formed and chaired the inaugural Police Aboriginal Consultative Committee at Port Macquarie, developing lasting relationships with the local community.
He also advocated on behalf of the Aboriginal community around several important issues, including the closure of the Aboriginal Legal Service office at Taree.
Superintendent Fuller is the Deputy Region Emergency Operations Controller (REOCON) for South West Metropolitan Region and Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) for the Camden and Wollondilly Local Government Areas.
He has performed those roles in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent severe weather and flooding events.
Through his involvement with local sport and community events – both on and off duty – Superintendent Fuller has demonstrated his sound understanding of the importance of community policing.
Chief Inspector Christine Anne GEORGE
Chief Inspector Christine George began as a police officer at The Rocks in 1990, performing many duties synonymous with city policing, including Prisoner Escorts and Police Cell duties.
She was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2002 at Eastern Suburbs LAC, where she was promoted to Inspector in 2007.
Four years later, she moved to the City Central LAC before transferring to her current command at Manning Great Lakes.
Chief Inspector George is a widely respected advocate for women in policing and has been recognised for her leadership in staff development.
She has been a significant contributor to many organisational developments, including the Police Promotions Project Team in 2006, and the Customer Service Project Team in 2008.
Her commitment to the local community has enabled her to successfully network and build stronger working relationship with both government and non-government agencies and community leaders.
In particular, she has worked closely with the Purfleet Lands Council to break down barriers in policing the local Aboriginal community.
Chief Inspector George has taken lead roles supporting the Rise Up program, presented at many community forums and raised awareness of domestic violence by attempting the world record for the longest white ribbon.
Detective Chief Inspector William Peter McKENNA
Detective Chief Inspector William McKenna joined the NSW Police Force in Deniliquin in 1986 before moving into lock up keeper and anti-theft duties in Albury.
His work in anti-theft continued as his career moved him from Penrith to Mount Druitt and the Greater Hume.
In 2003, he was promoted to Inspector, and is currently the Officer-in-Charge at Ballina Police Station.
Early in his career, Detective Chief Inspector Mckenna was diagnosed with cancer. During this period, he continued to work in a restricted capacity, often working on days following his chemotherapy treatment and only taking sick leave as a last resort.
After his recovery, Detective Chief Inspector McKenna resumed full operational duties at Mount Druitt, but not without leaving an indelible impression on all who witnessed his resilience and motivation.
During his time at the Greater Hume Anti-Theft Squad, he performed the dual role of Region Undercover Coordinator and managed all controlled operations for the Region.
He was instrumental in the introduction of legislation in relation to fortified drug houses, which were prevalent in the Cabramatta and Fairfield areas at the time.
Detective Chief Inspector McKenna has performed many varied roles including Local Emergency Operations Controller and Professional Standards and Operations Duty Officer.
He also led the police and emergency response to the Lennox Head tornado in 2010, as well as numerous fire and flood responses across the Richmond Police District.
A highly commended officer, Detective Chief Inspector continues to work front line operational duties where he provides leadership and support to staff on a daily basis.
Detective Superintendent Jodi Patricia RADMORE
Detective Superintendent Jodi Radmore began her career at Blacktown Police Station in 1986.
A considerable amount of her early service was spent in the now North and South West Metropolitan Areas, where she began a long and distinguished career in criminal investigation, before moving into the Child Protection Enforcement Agency in 1996.
Detective Superintendent Radmore extended her compassion for people by becoming a Police Negotiator, managing and resolving many high-risk mental health, siege and hostage incidents.
She became a nationally accredited Negotiator and then member of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Negotiation team.
In 2001, Detective Superintendent Radmore developed her capability in specialist investigative areas moving into Organised Crime – Firearms, Gaming and Liquor investigations.
She was made Crime Manager at Marrickville in 2004, where she continued to lead complex investigations, remaining focussed on victim care.
In 2019, she was appointed as Operations Manager of the North West Metropolitan Region and pioneered organisational change to child and adult sexual abuse.
Detective Superintendent Radmore developed Strike Force Sweetenham and Imbara; youth violence strategies to combat gang violence, knife crime and to disrupt break and enter offences for the purpose of stealing of high-performance motor vehicles.
Today, Detective Superintendent Radmore is the Commander of the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command.
Sergeant Steve Robert SCHAUSINGER
Sergeant Steve Schausinger began as a Junior Trainee at Sutherland in 1979.
After graduating from the Redfern Police Academy, he was transferred to Balmain and then Wollongong performing general duties.
He then commenced his distinguished career as a Highway Patrol Officer at Warilla in 1981, before transferring to Albury in 1984.
Sergeant Schausinger has worked at various locations along the southern border, including Deniliquin, Holbrook and Albury.
In March 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and continues to supervise traffic operations in the border towns of the Murray River Police District.
He is widely recognised as an outstanding role model, not only in the manner in which he exercises his policing duties, but also in his interactions and support of his local community.
Sergeant Schausinger is particularly active in community education, interacting and building relations with industry groups and championing young driver road safety education.
He is often recognised for his skills in detecting illegal drugs as well as the movement of stolen goods along highways and regional roads.
Attending countless serious and fatal vehicle collisions over the course of his career, Sergeant Schausinger is highly respected as one of the most experienced highway patrol operatives as well as a committed front line police officer.
Superintendent Alfio SERGI
After starting his career in 1989 at The Rocks, Superintendent Alfio Sergi transferred to the Prospect District Special Operations group where proactive duties saw him targeting drug use in the area.
In 1995, he completed the Special Forces Undercover Training Course to become an accredited undercover operative.
A few years later, Superintendent Sergi was transferred to the Special Crime and Internal Affairs Command, where he was apart of a team investigating corruption matters involving NSW Police Force employees.
Back in the field in 2000, Superintendent Sergi was made a Chief Inspector, where he worked at Green Valley, Cabramatta and Marrickville Commands.
In 2016, he was promoted to Superintendent as the Operations Manager for the South West Metropolitan Region.
He transferred to the Leichhardt Command in 2018 where he continued his focus on community engagement, domestic violence and vulnerable communities.
He also worked closely with the Inner West Council to provide apprenticeship opportunities for indigenous youth and supported Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group to promote Indigenous employment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Superintendent Sergi was seconded to the Police Operations Centre where he performed duties as a Police Forward Commander in response to the crisis.
Superintendent Sergi’s long and distinguished service has been recognised on numerous occasions, as he continues to apply himself daily as a member of the Central Metropolitan Region senior management team.
Superintendent Gregory John TAYLOR
Superintendent Gregory Taylor began as general duties police officer at Maroubra in 1984. Three years later, he was trained in criminal investigation before moving into Technical Surveillance – the unit he has now been attached to for over 34 years.
After climbing the ranks and demonstrating continued leadership and knowledge, he was promoted to the Commander of the Technical Evidence & Science Branch in 2019.
Superintendent Taylor has been part of a multi-faceted planning team for many major events, including the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2007, and World Youth Day in 2008.
His skills, experience and qualifications were recognised nationally when he was appointed as the Police Technical Unit Capability Advisor under the Australian New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee for six years up to 2017.
This national responsibility provided assessment, recommendation and provision of technical surveillance capabilities to all states and territories.
Not only has Superintendent Taylor made great contributions to the Technical Surveillance field, but he has also developed and contributed many of the services available to NSW Police employees, which remain in place to this day.
Ms Fiona Jane WEST
Ms Fiona West began her policing career at The Rocks in 1985.
In 1991, she moved into the field of forensics, and from there pursued a career in fingerprints – where she remained until her recent retirement at the rank of Sergeant.
Ms West performed an integral role in the implementation of Livescan electronic fingerprint technology across the state.
For the past 14 years, she held the critical and high-pressure role of Team Leader of the Major Crime Analysis Unit within Fingerprint Operations; a unit responsible for the forensic identification of thousands of perpetrators of serious criminal offences and many historical cold cases.
As a direct result of her sustained efforts, the unit has forensically linked over 20,000 persons of interest to crimes through fingerprint evidence.
In 2005, Ms West was selected by her Command as part of the Australian Federal Police led Operation Cawdor deployment to Thailand to perform Disaster Victim Identification duties in response to the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.
Ms West demonstrated passion, enthusiasm and dedication to the science of fingerprints and proved to be an inspiration to many young fingerprint practitioners and through her mentorship and guidance, she has significantly contributed to the development of the high-quality fingerprint experts being produced by NSWPF Fingerprint Operations.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL RECIPIENTS
Ms Natalie MARSIC
For outstanding public service in the COVID-19 response through her role as General Counsel of the NSW Police Force.
Ms Natalie Marsic has dedicated her working life to the NSW Public Service. She rejoined the NSW Police Force in 2018 as the Director of Crime Disruption and Special Inquiries Law having previously worked for the organisation between 1998-2008.
She was appointed General Counsel for the NSW Police Force in 2021 having acted in the role since June 2020. As Director of Crime Disruption and Special Inquiries Law she led the team’s liaison with the State and Commonwealth agencies, briefed the Commissioner on potential mechanisms for Public Health law enforcement and developed a template for a fact sheet for each relevant COVID-19 Public Health Order.
These fact sheets became a key means of communication between the decisions made by the NSW Minister for Health and police officers on the frontline.
Since 2020, as acting General Counsel and then as General Counsel of the NSW Police Force, Ms Marsic has led the Office of General Counsel through a very challenging time. Every amendment to a Public Health Order and subsequent fact sheet was reviewed and quality assured by Ms Marsic. She displayed humility as a leader, while continuing to meet extraordinarily tight deadlines and high volumes of work, all whilst delivering business as usual.
Over the past two and a half years, Ms Marsic’s technical excellence and collaborative approach has been critical in operationalising the NSW Government’s law enforcement response to COVID-19. Her ability to communicate complex legal orders to the NSW Police Force in short timeframes ensured that these unprecedented laws were enforced proportionately and appropriately.
Ms Marsic went above and beyond the expectations of her role, working around the clock to ensure the public’s confidence in the enforcement of the NSW Public Health Orders, and more broadly, to maintain the public’s confidence and cooperation in the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response.
