Queensland Police honoured with Australian Police Medal

Published Sunday, 26 January, 2014 at 07:00 AM

Acting Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable John McVeigh

Six Queensland police officers have been recognised for their distinguished service in this year’s Australia Day Honours list.

Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee, Inspector Ian Thompson, Detective Senior Sergeant Kelly Harvey, Senior Sergeant Erwin Hoffman, Sergeant Kate Bailey and Sergeant Dimitrios Bellos have been awarded the 2014 Australian Police Medal.

Acting Police Minister John McVeigh paid tribute to the outstanding work of the men and women – who have more than 156 years combined policing experience.

“These officers have contributed to nearly every aspect of policing throughout Queensland,” Mr McVeigh said.

 “On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank them for their years of service to our state and their tireless work in keeping our communities safe.”

 Mr McVeigh said the recipients were just an example of the outstanding police officers who protect Queensland communities.

 “The Newman Government promised at the election to revitalise frontline policing services with an additional 1,100 police officers over four years and we’ve already delivered about 600 of those officers,” he said.

 “It’s all part of ensuring more of our officers are on the beat, not behind desks. With more police patrolling the streets and an extra pair of eyes in the sky, it will only make them safer.”

 The Australian Police Medal was created in 1986 and is awarded for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.

 Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart acknowledged the dedication of each of the APM recipients.

 “Through their varied careers each of these recipients has displayed the desired and exemplary attributes of a QPS officer,” Commissioner Stewart said.

 “I would like to give my own personal thanks and congratulations to each of the officers and also that on behalf of the Service.”  

 The recipients will be presented with their APM at an upcoming ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.

 [ENDS] 26 January 2014

Media contacts: Nicky Haydon 0427 705 859

Recipients

Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee.

Bob Gee graduated from the academy in 1987 and commenced service at Rockhampton Station. He has served with distinction in a range of police appointments state-wide and was recently appointed as the Assistant Commissioner, Information and Communications Technology Division. He is recognised for his professionalism, leadership abilities and strategic planning skills.

Inspector Ian Thompson.

Ian Thompson is recognised for his outstanding dedication, commitment and distinguished service to policing. Inspector Thompson has served with distinction in a broad cross section of appointments throughout his career including duty in regional and remote communities. He is now an integral member of the G20 Group, charged with managing venues for the international event.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kelly Harvey.

Kelly Harvey is recognised for her dedication to investigative duties and for her success and effectiveness in working in rural and remote communities. Senior Sergeant Harvey is the Officer in Charge of the Child Protection and Investigation Unit in Mt Isa and is committed to the ideals of providing a safer community for all children.

Senior Sergeant Erwin Hoffman.

With 36 years’ service to the QPS, Erwin Hoffman is recognised for his dedication to general duties policing and for his success and effectiveness in working in partnership with community groups to achieve positive outcomes. He is the Officer in Charge of Bundaberg station and has worked extensively to improve relationships with the Indigenous community.

Sergeant Kate Bailey.

A police officer for 21 years, Sergeant Bailey has a passion for assisting Queensland Police members and their families through the Community Supporting Police organisation. She is recognised for her strong community ethos forging links with other community and volunteer organisations throughout her service.

Sergeant Dimitrios (Jim) Bellos

Jim Bellos is the cross-cultural liaison officer for southern Brisbane, an area home to 200 communities speaking 150 different languages. He has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment throughout his 21 years in the QPS. Sergeant Bellos works closely with all refugee communities and provides education assistance to new arrivals about policing and community.