Sunshine Coast Officers and Staff recognised at awards ceremony
Mr Chris Whiting MP, Member for Bancroft, Assistant Commissioner Clem O’Regan and Superintendent Darryl Johnson congratulated officers and staff from the Sunshine Coast District who received medals, certificates and awards at a ceremony held at the Lake Kawana Community Centre today.
The ceremony saw 85 officers, staff members and community members recognised for their outstanding commitment to serve the Queensland community.
Assistant Commissioner O’Regan presented the Queensland Police Bravery Medal to five officers and two staff members for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Senior Constable Wesley Hopper and Mr Daniel MacFarlane were recognised for their bravery for saving a male who was observed to be struggling in water in Caloundra. The incident occurred in November 2015 and due to this act of bravery the male person survived.
Sergeant Gordon Holmes, Senior Constable Adam Tickner, Senior Constable Peter Low, Senior Constable Michael Grigalius and Mr Peter Steer were acknowledged for their bravery in an incident that occurred in November 2014 involving an armed offender.
Due to their brave actions, the offender was taken into custody without harming other members of the community or himself.
The Member for Bancroft, Chris Whiting, said today’s recipients displayed a level of dedication to duty that gives the Queensland public continued confidence in their police service.
“All recipients displayed a proven range of skills that highlight their courage and boundless dedication to public service.”
“I know they will continue to work in a professional, responsive, and ethical way to ensure the safety and quality of life of the people of Queensland for years to come,” the Member for Bancroft said.
Superintendent Johnson said it is truly a privilege to have our police and members of the public acknowledged for their bravery and commitment to our community.
Mr Whiting presented the national awards to officers, including the presentation of the National Medal and the National Police Service Medal.
The National Medal recognises 15 years of diligent service by members of Australian police forces, defence forces, and members of the ambulance and fire services. Clasps to the National Medal are awarded for a further period of 10 years’ service.
15 police officers were presented with the National Police Service Medal which acknowledges past and future commitment to ethical and diligent service. An additional four officers were awarded with the National Medal 1st Clasp for 25 years of service and three officers received the 2nd Clasp for 35 years of service.
The Queensland Police Service Medal was awarded to 15 officers and four staff members. This award is approved by the Commissioner in recognition of diligent and ethical service by QPS employees after 10 years of full-time qualifying service.
An additional 29 officers and three staff members were awarded Queensland Police Service Medal Clasps. Of note Senior Sergeant Thomas Carroll, Senior Sergeant Richard Dodds and Karin Burgess received their 30 Year Clasp, Sergeant Bradley Wilson received the 35 Year Clasp and retired Sergeant Dell Fisher received the 40 Year Clasp.
Receiving the Queensland Women in Policing Award – Champion of Change was Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards. This award identifies and acknowledges the achievements of members of the Queensland Police Service who have contributed in improving the standing of women in the service.
Sergeant Cassandra Pukallus and Sergeant Mark Wright were awarded the Commissioner’s Certificate for their planning and delivery of the 2016 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.
The following officers also received certificates; Detective Senior Sergeant Daren Edwards, Detective Senior Constables Christopher Eaton and Craig Mansfield were awarded the Assistant Commissioner Operational Certificate and Senior Constable Angus Green received the Superintendent Certificate.
Also acknowledged was Mr Karl Dubar, Ms Patricia Comerford and Mr Robert Cook, who were awarded the Commissioner of Police Certificate of Appreciation.
Assistant Commissioner O’Regan said all award recipients exhibited professionalism and a strong commitment to the community.
“The recipients who received awards today are a reflection of the high calibre of QPS members,” Assistant Commissioner O’Regan said.
“They are a credit to the Queensland Police Service, to the community they serve, and to their family and friends.”