SEVEN Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers and three Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have been recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List, receiving some of the nation’s highest accolades for emergency service professionals.
The honours include the Australian Police Medal (APM), now in its 40th year, and the Emergency Services Medal (ESM), marking 27 years of recognising exceptional service, leadership and commitment to community safety.
Among this year’s APM recipients are Assistant Commissioner Glenn Morris, Chief Superintendent David Cuskelly, Detective Chief Inspector Alisa La Pila, Chief Inspector David Neville, Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Green, Senior Sergeant Mark Whitnall, and retired Chief Inspector Roger Whyte.
Chief Superintendent David Cuskelly has served with QPS for 40 years, leading major operational districts and playing a key role in cross-agency COVID-19 coordination and disaster response.
Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Green has spent more than three decades in policing and has led the Caboolture Criminal Investigation Branch since 2012, overseeing dozens of homicide and organised crime investigations while mentoring generations of investigators.
Detective Chief Inspector Alisa La Pila has built a 30-year career across serious crime, child protection, organised crime and integrity investigations, leading complex high-risk operations and strengthening investigative best practice across the service.
Assistant Commissioner Glenn Morris has served for over 30 years and has led major frontline and strategic operations statewide, most recently overseeing policing responses in North Queensland before taking command of Brisbane Region.
Chief Inspector David Neville, a forensic DNA specialist with more than 35 years of service, played a pivotal role in the 2023 DNA Inquiry, driving major reform and restoring public confidence in forensic evidence while advancing international accreditation standards.
Retired Chief Inspector Roger Whyte devoted more than four decades to frontline policing in senior operational roles across Queensland. He also founded Rugby League Helping the Community, a program connecting high-risk youth with police and former NRL players to provide mentoring, structured training and positive pathways away from reoffending. He retired from QPS in 2025.
Three SES volunteers were also honoured with the Emergency Services Medal for their extraordinary service during some of Queensland’s most challenging emergency events.
SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong said the awards highlighted the dedication and professionalism of volunteers who stand beside communities in times of crisis.
Mrs Dannielle Bull, an SES member since 2006, was recognised for leading major emergency operations. She is also co-founder of the Scenic Rim Mountain Goats, a specialised land search unit operating in rugged terrain using advanced fitness training and drone technology.
Ms Jennifer Crump, a long-serving SES volunteer and Brisbane City group leader, has supported major flood, cyclone and severe weather responses while strengthening the service through training leadership and governance roles.
Ms Amanda Johnson, with more than 16 years of service, has specialised in high-risk flood rescue and storm response operations.
Together, the 2026 honourees reflect decades of service, courage and commitment — quietly protecting Queensland communities in moments when they need it most.
