Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Three Northern Territory Police officers have been recognised for extraordinary bravery after entering a burning home in a desperate attempt to save a child’s life.
On 1 June 2023, police were called to a house fire, with Constable First Class (1C) Liam Verity, Constable Peter MacGillivray and Constable Jason Wilson among the first officers to arrive.
While en route, the officers received information that a child was trapped inside. Upon arrival, they found the home engulfed in thick smoke and flames. What followed was an extraordinary display of courage and determination.
Without hesitation, Constable Verity ran towards the burning house and used his police baton to smash a glass side door to gain entry. Met by an intense wave of heat, he pushed into the smoke-filled home despite the significant risk to his own safety.
At the same time, Constable Wilson smashed windows around the house to clear smoke and gain access to rooms so the home could be searched. The pair repeatedly entered and exited the property while also preventing distressed family members from attempting to enter the burning building.
Recognising the urgent need to locate the child, Constable 1C Verity made multiple attempts to enter the home through different access points. Crawling on his hands and knees through thick smoke, he pushed deeper into the residence before being forced to retreat by the overwhelming heat.
Undeterred, Constable 1C Verity continued his rescue efforts. He located a fire extinguisher and attempted to suppress the flames before making another entry with a garden hose. Despite his determination and repeated attempts, the rapidly deteriorating conditions ultimately prevented access to the area where the child was later found.
Approximately six minutes after police arrived, Northern Territory Fire and Rescue crews reached the scene. Equipped with protective clothing and breathing apparatus, firefighters were able to enter the home, locate the child and bring him from the building.
Constable 1C Verity immediately commenced CPR before handing over to paramedics. Despite the efforts of all involved, the child could not be revived.
Several attending police officers, including Constable 1C Verity, Constable MacGillivray and Constable Wilson later required medical treatment due to their exposure to the intense heat and smoke.
Following the tragic incident, Constable MacGillivray and Constable Wilson continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire to provide answers and closure for the family.
At a ceremony this week, Constable 1C Verity was awarded the Northern Territory Police Force Valour Medal, one of the organisation’s highest honours for bravery.
Constable MacGillivray and Constable Wilson were also recognised, receiving a Commissioner’s Group Commendation Citation for their courage and actions in attempting to save the child’s life.
Police Commissioner Martin Dole APM said the incident served as a powerful reminder of the risks faced by first responders and the extraordinary lengths they go to in service of their communities.
“Although the rescue attempt was tragically unsuccessful, the actions of Constable First Class Liam Verity, Constable Peter MacGillivray and Constable Jason Wilson demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness.
“They repeatedly placed themselves in harm’s way in an effort to save a life, continuing their efforts well beyond what could reasonably have been expected under such dangerous circumstances.”
Constable First Class Liam Verity said he was humbled by the recognition.
“I am very grateful for the honour of being recognised alongside my fellow officers, and my thoughts remain with the family, who sadly lost their son.”