Minister recognises the service of former police in special ceremony

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett have today presented the National Police Service Medal to 172 former QPS officers for their past service at a ceremony at Brisbane City Hall.

Minister Miller said the National Police Service Medal (NPSM) was established in 2010 to recognise an officer’s past and future commitment to ethical and diligent service.

“Presenting awards to our police is one of the most special parts of my role as Police Minister. It is always an honour to recognise the hard work and personal sacrifices officers make to help keep the people of Queensland safe,” Minister Miller said.

“Today’s recipients dedicated such a large part of their lives serving the Queensland community. I thank them for that dedication and also acknowledge their family and friends who stood alongside them during both the good and bad times while they performed their duties as police officers.”

The NPSM may be awarded upon completion of 15 years of diligent and ethical service and can also be awarded to a police officer whose ability to complete the minimum qualifying period has been removed through death, injury or disability in the course of their police service.

The National Police Service Medal was initially only available to police officers who were current serving as of October 30, 2008.

In April 2014, the National Police Service Medal was extended to former serving police officers who were current serving as of February 14, 1974.

Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett said it was an honour to represent Commissioner Ian Stewart at this special ceremony recognising 172 former QPS members.

“Today’s group are the first approved Queensland recipients under the extended award criteria,” Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.

“The recipients’ service histories represent a very diverse range of policing skills from every corner of the State.

“I congratulate all of the former officers receiving their NPSM today in acknowledgment of the many years of dedicated and diligent service they gave to the Queensland community.”

[ENDS] June 22 2015

Media contact: Brent Davidson (Minister Miller’s Office) 0438 696 185